Southern Pacific EMD SD45X 9503 at Bayshore Yard, San Francisco, California, June 27, 1977. Photographer unknown.
(Craig Garver, Public domain, https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrailartist/50268712278/)
EMD SD45X DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
An EMD SD45X is a 6-axle experimental diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between June 1970 and February 1971. Power was provided by an EMD 645E3A 20-cylinder engine which generated 4,200 horsepower (3,130 kW). 7 examples of this locomotive model were built for American railroads. 6 of these units would end up in service with Southern Pacific Railroad. One was rebuilt in 1980 by Morrison-Knudsen into an SD45Xm with a long hood from a scrapped DD35.
SD45X No. 9502 trudges up the last few miles to Donner Summit as it meets SDP45s holding back a string of reefers. Castle Peak is visible in the background.
(sodai gomi, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Original owners
| Qty. | Railroad | Road Numbers | Date | Builders Nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EMD | 4201 | 6/70 | 36806 | EMD demo, to SP 9503, 12/72 |
| 2 | EMD | 4202, 4203 | 2/71 | 36807, 36808 | EMD demo, to SP 9504-9505, 12/72 |
| 1 | EMD | 5740 | 6/70 | 34123 | |
| 1 | Southern Pacific | 9500 | 8/70 | 35741 | |
| 2 | Southern Pacific | 9501, 9502 | 9/70 | 35742, 35743 |
EMD SD45X Overview
Type and origin
Power type: Diesel-electric
Builder: General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
Model: SD45X
Build date: June 1970 to February 1971
Total produced: 7
Specifications
Configuration:
• AAR C-C
• UIC Co'Co'
Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Prime mover: EMD 20-645E3A
Engine type: V20 diesel
Cylinders: 20
Performance figures
Power output: 4,200 hp (3,130 kW)
Career
Locale: United States
