PAR SD40-2s (MEC 600 series and 3400 series)

[cp8558]

I would include the SD40M-2 designation only because it is a significantly different model than the SD40-2. It indicated the use of an SD45-2 carbody for the rebuild. The SD40-3 designation is used for rebuilt SD40's or SD40-2's. It indicated updated electronics and possibly a new prime mover or traction motors.

Since SD40M-2 should be essentially the same as a SD40-2, I think when I update this, I'll limit the current designation to SD40, SD40-2 and SD40-3.
How different is an SD40-3 and SD40-2?

Stephen

[KSmitty]

According to a post on the "railpictures.net" forums, dash 3 has some sort of computer controls, while dash 2 is improved electronics (improved over standard SD40) but no advanced computer controls.


Edit*
And CP,
The SD40M-2 classification can be a locomotive with either an SD40, SD45-2, or SD45 carbodies. These are from the SP/MK rebuilt program of the late 80's-early 90's. This rebuild program created some 133 units. (Which interestingly enough, ST 685 is included in the list of fodder used in the rebuild.) Whether there are other SD40M-2's I don't know, but this is the only application I've ever seen SD40M-2 used in.

[cp8558]

Agreed, I was speaking specifically about the Pan Am ones which were SD45-2's.

And CP,
The SD40M-2 classification can be a locomotive with either an SD40, SD45-2, or SD45 carbodies. These are from the SP/MK rebuilt program of the late 80's-early 90's. This rebuild program created some 133 units. (Which interestingly enough, ST 685 is included in the list of fodder used in the rebuild.) Whether there are other SD40M-2's I don't know, but this is the only application I've ever seen SD40M-2 used in.

[guilfordrailfan]

What to call Pan Am's new 600-series locos is a real conundrum. Only two out of the 20 are exactly as they appear. 602 is a straight unmodified SD40, and 604 is a straight unmodified SD40-2. Both were built as Mexican export locos. 600 was a Canadian SD40, but KCS upgraded it and called it an SD40-3. 601, 603 & 611 were originally SD45's but were also rebuilt by KCS to SD40-3's. 605-609 were built as SD40-2's and still appear as such, but KCS also called these five SD40-3's after upgrade. 610, 612, 613 & 619 are ex-SP SD45's that were rebuilt by SP to SD45R's. Those four were never part of SP's SD40M-2 program. Finally, the five former SD45-2's, 614-618, were re-engined as SD40-2's somewhere along the line. They also were never a part of SP's SD40M-2 program, but apparently were called SD40M-2's by Helm. So, we have a real alphabet soup of possible SD-model designations for these twenty. I suspect that Pan Am refers to all of them simply as SD40-2's, but I don't know that for sure. My question is, what exactly does Pan Am call these locomotives now, or do they even have an official model designation for them?

In the absence of any "official" model designations for these, I suppose we railfans will have to name them.

[obienick]

For the ones that came with dynamic brakes, has Pan Am disconnected them?

[KSmitty]

Its a bummer that PAR doesn't put the model of the locomotive under the number like Class 1's do...that would solve the mystery.

[Stephen]

Its a bummer that PAR doesn't put the model of the locomotive under the number like Class 1's do...that would solve the mystery.

Agreed. The heritage of this group of locomotives certainly makes a list like the one I posted rather tough to check for accuracy...

[scottychaos]

I have done several rosters of "fallen flags"..
I record the locomotive with its original model name, such as SDP45, then I indicate what its called now,
such as SD40M-2...like this:

http://gold.mylargescale.com/Scottychao ... Survivors/


That doesnt necessarily help with these Guilford engines, because no one is exactly sure what they should be called now!
but actually, it is pretty obvious what they should be called now..
I would record them with their *last known* model designation..then if Pan Am chooses to call them something different, that can be noted later..

I would record them the way Stephen has them recorded here:

http://www.railroad.net/forums/download ... hp?id=3132

(frpm page 3 of this thread)

that makes the most sense..call them by the "current model" designation..(unless Pan Am changes it,)
but for now, IMO thats the best way to go..avoids confusion, for the most part.

Scot

[KSmitty]

Its like Trains Magazine was watching this thread! The "Locomotive" column in this months issue-"Dash 3: What is it?"

Short summary is
"Dash 1"-Hard wired relays in the electrical panels.
"Dash 2"-Modular Electronics.
"Dash 3"-Generic term for any type of aftermarket upgrade that includes microprocessor controls.

[Stephen]

Its like Trains Magazine was watching this thread! The "Locomotive" column in this months issue-"Dash 3: What is it?"

Short summary is
"Dash 1"-Hard wired relays in the electrical panels.
"Dash 2"-Modular Electronics.
"Dash 3"-Generic term for any type of aftermarket upgrade that includes microprocessor controls.

Too funny! Thanks for the information.
Stephen

[Stephen]

Just checking in on this thread. Has anyone had a chance to get the serial numbers for MEC 612 (ex HLCX 6415), or MEC 614 (ex HLCX 6427)? I am having a lot of trouble finding any details on these locomotives.
Thanks for the help/information,
Stephen

[guilfordrailfan]

Just checking in on this thread. Has anyone had a chance to get the serial numbers for MEC 612 (ex HLCX 6415), or MEC 614 (ex HLCX 6427)? I am having a lot of trouble finding any details on these locomotives.
Thanks for the help/information,
Stephen

612 serial number = 35214, built 12/1969

614 serial number = 7382-10, built 11/1972

[Stephen]

612 serial number = 35214, built 12/1969
614 serial number = 7382-10, built 11/1972

Thanks! I'll look into the heritage of these and post an updated list ASAP.

Thanks again,
Stephen

[MEC407]

These beauties would make a great addition to Pan Am's roster:

http://railswap.org/osc/classifieds/ind ... tem&id=534

[newpylong]

Ohhh those are sweet. A little too expensive for them though lol. I think the SD40's are leased or $75/day for 5 years.