EMD SD45
(Standard DC)

Wisconsin Central  No. 7531

Fast Freight!

By 1964, six-axle diesels were rapidly evolving from low speed luggers to fast freight engines.

EMD continuously updated its Special Duty (SD) series with new models, and celebrated New Years Day 1966 by unveiling six locos powered by variations of its new 645 prime mover.

At the top was the SD45, with an enormous 20-cylinder power plant cranking out 3600 horsepower.

Timing couldn't have been better as American railroads experienced a surge in traffic and were ready to modernize their fleets.

The SD45 proved popular for all types of assignments, and 1,260 were built through late 1971, when it was replaced by the SD45-2.

Retirements began in earnest in the 1980s, but many were rebuilt and eventually sold to regional railroads.

As of 2011, a few are still in use, and several are preserved in museums.

• Limited edition - one time run of these roadnumbers
• Prototypes in road freight service from 1966 to early 2000s
• 14:1 helical gears for ultra-quiet and smooth running
• Easy multiple unit operation
• Superb paint and lettering
• Metal grab irons and lift rings
• LED constant and directional headlights
• Powerful five-pole, skew-wound, high-torque, high-efficiency can motor
• Low speed under 3 scale MPH
• Proto MAX™ metal knuckle couplers

Based on 7500-series units renumbered in late 1990s and in service to late 2005 - early 2006 with:

• Front ditch lights flash alternately when horn is blown
• Cab-mounted headlights
• Front pilot-mounted plow
• Long blower duct-sill
• Modern-style coupler cut levers
• Leslie RSL-3L-R Horn
• Firecracker radio antenna
• Small Sinclair antenna
• Winterization hatch
• Rear wheel-type hand brake
• Dynamic brake vent
• Late Flexicoil trucks with two high outside mounted brake cylinders

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