F45 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

The EMD F45 rolled out in the late 1960s as Electro-Motive Division’s answer to railroads wanting the power of a road locomotive wrapped in a full-width “cowl” body for better crew comfort and winter protection. Essentially an SD45 dressed in a streamlined body, the F45 packed the same 3,600-hp 20-645E3 prime mover and six-axle strength but offered better aerodynamics and a striking, passenger-style profile.

Santa Fe and Great Northern were the primary buyers, putting the F45 to work on fast freight and high-profile assignments. Great Northern’s units later transitioned into Burlington Northern after the 1970 merger, where they continued hauling long, heavy freights across the northern plains. A few eventually migrated to Montana Rail Link and other regional carriers, giving the locomotive an impressively long service life.

Though production numbers remained modest compared to the SD45, the F45 became a fan favorite for its bold cowl-body look, big power, and signature presence in late-20th-century western railroading.