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Locomotive-Specs
EMD SD45 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Diesel locomotive

EMD SD45

Built by EMD

Power output
2,680 kW
3,594 hp
Track gauge
1,435 mm
Standard gauge
Years built
1965–1971
1,260 units
Axle arrangement
Co'Co'

Overview of the EMD SD45

Discover the powerful EMD SD45 diesel locomotive, a true workhorse of North American railroads.

Built between 1965 and 1971, the SD45 is known for its impressive 2680 kW power output, driven by its EMD 20-645E3 prime mover.

This iconic locomotive, with its 1435 mm gauge and Co'Co' wheel arrangement, served a vast array of prominent railway companies across the United States.

Its legacy includes service with Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, Burlington Northern, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific, among many others.

The SD45 model played a significant role in freight transportation for decades, becoming a recognizable symbol of rail power.

EMD SD45 technical specifications

Value
SeriesSD45
Built byEMD · 1965–19711,260 units
Power output2,680 kW3,594 hp
Prime moverEMD 20-645E3
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangementCo'Co'

Operators of the EMD SD45

Railway companies that have operated the SD45, with the class designation used by each of them.

OperatorClassCountry
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe RailwayATSF SD45United States
Buffalo and Pittsburgh RailroadBPRR SD45MUnited States
Burlington NorthernBN SD45United States
Chicago and North Western Transportation CompanyCNW SD45United States
Denver & Rio Grande Western RailroadDRGW SD45United States
Erie LackawannaEL SD45United States
Illinois Central GulfICG SD45United States
New York, Susquehanna and Western RailwayNYSW SD45United States
Norfolk and Western RailwayNW SD45United States
Seaboard Coast Line RailroadSCL SD45United States
Seaboard System RailroadSBD SD45United States
Southern Pacific Transportation CompanySP SD45United States
Southern RailwaySOU SD45United States
St. Louis & San Francisco Railway (Frisco)SLSF SD45United States
Union Pacific RailroadUP SD45United States
Wisconsin Central Ltd.WC SD45United States

EMD SD45 photos

Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.

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