SD40-2 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

General Motors Diesel (GMD), the Canadian subsidiary of EMD, built 615 units of the SD40-2 at its London, Ontario plant between 1972 and 1985. While these locomotives shared the same 3,000-horsepower, 16-cylinder engine as their American counterparts, GMD tailored many units specifically for the harsh Canadian climate. These adjustments included winterization hatches over the radiator fans to keep the engine warm and modified piping to prevent freezing. The most striking visual difference appeared on later models built for Canadian National, which featured the Comfort Cab or Safety Cab. This wide-nose design offered crews more interior room and better collision protection, setting a new standard for locomotive cabs across North America.

Canadian Pacific and Canadian National became the primary users of these GMD-built machines, employing them on grueling transcontinental freight runs. Because Canadian units often featured unique specifications like larger fuel tanks or different light configurations, they stood out from the standard American fleet. The GMD SD40-2 proved exceptionally durable, often operating in sub-zero temperatures and deep snow for decades without failure. Today, many of these Canadian-built units continue to work on both sides of the border. While Class I railroads have retired most from primary service, they remain highly valued by leasing companies and short-line operators for their rugged construction.