SP 8313 (EMD SD40T-2) exiting Moffat Tunnel, CO (1995)
The SD40T-2 is a 6-axle road switcher diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division having a 16-cylinder EMD 645E3 diesel engine between April 1974 and July 1980. This locomotive and the SD45T-2 are popularly called "tunnel motors," but EMD's term is SD40-2s with "cooling system modifications" because they were designed for better engine cooling in mountainous areas. The difference between this locomotive and its non-tunnel motor cousin, the SD40-2, are the radiator intakes and radiator fan grills located at the rear of the locomotive.
The SP was the largest purchaser of these units, grabbing up 229 with another 10 being purchased by its subsidiary the SLSW. SP's 8300 series featured extended "snoot" noses for radio control equipment. The other major purchaser was the D&RGW with 73 units. In 2005, most of these units were owned by Union Pacific or leasing companies. By 2008, none were left in service on UP with SP or DRGW reporting marks.
SP 8313 (EMD SD40T-2) exiting Moffat Tunnel, CO (1995)
The SD40T-2 is a 6-axle road switcher diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division having a 16-cylinder EMD 645E3 diesel engine between April 1974 and July 1980. This locomotive and the SD45T-2 are popularly called "tunnel motors," but EMD's term is SD40-2s with "cooling system modifications" because they were designed for better engine cooling in mountainous areas. The difference between this locomotive and its non-tunnel motor cousin, the SD40-2, are the radiator intakes and radiator fan grills located at the rear of the locomotive.
The SP was the largest purchaser of these units, grabbing up 229 with another 10 being purchased by its subsidiary the SLSW. SP's 8300 series featured extended "snoot" noses for radio control equipment. The other major purchaser was the D&RGW with 73 units. In 2005, most of these units were owned by Union Pacific or leasing companies. By 2008, none were left in service on UP with SP or DRGW reporting marks.