EMD SD39

The SD39 is a model of 6-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between August 1968 and May 1970. 54 were built for American railroads.

EMD SD39
Boston & Maine 690 (ex Illinois Terminal 2301) with Train EDRJ (East Deerfield–Rotterdam Jct) about to enter Hoosac Tunnel
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGeneral Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
ModelSD39
Build dateAugust 1968 – May 1970
Total produced54
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Driver dia.40 in (1,016 mm)
Length65 ft 9+1⁄2 in (20.05 m)
Prime moverEMD 12-645E3
Engine typeV12 diesel
Aspirationturbocharged
Cylinders12
Loco brakeIndependent air; optional: dynamic brakes
Train brakesAir, schedule 26-L
Performance figures
Power output2,300 hp (1,720 kW)
Career
LocaleUnited States

In 1966, EMD replaced all their old models with new ones having the new 645 diesel. These included six-axle models SD38, SD40, SDP40 and SD45; the SD39 was added in 1968. All shared standard components including the frame, cab, traction alternator, trucks, traction motors, and air brakes. The difference was the power output: SD38 = 2,000 hp (1,490 kW) from a non-turbocharged V16, SD39 = 2,300 hp (1,720 kW) from a turbocharged V12, SD40 = 3,000 hp (2,240 kW) from a turbocharged V16, and SD45 = 3,600 hp (2,680 kW) from a turbocharged V20. The SD39 had the smallest prime mover and therefore had the most unused space above the frame, inside the hood between the main generator and electrical cabinet, and outside in large end "porches".

Variant

A variant was the SDL39, ordered by the Milwaukee Road. Shorter and lighter than a stock SD39, these minimized weight per axle.

Original owners
Purchasers of the SD39 include:[1]
Railroad Quantity Road numbers Notes
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
20
4000-4019
 All to BNSF and then sold to LTEX in 2010.
Illinois Terminal Railroad
6
2301-2306
 4 went to Guilford Rail System, all have been scrapped.
Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway
2
40-41
 #40 as of August 25, 2021 used by Progress Rail, #41 has been scrapped.
Southern Pacific Transportation Company
26
5300-5325
 To Union Pacific and then to leasers and shortlines.
Total54

Dash 2 Series

On January 1, 1972, EMD debuted Dash 2 models. No official SD39-2s were built, though the model was catalogued. Some SD39s were rebuilt to Dash 2 specifications, however, and received the SD39-2 designation. Also, BNSF has re-designated some of their SD40-2 locomotives as 'SD39-2s'; it is unknown at this time what mechanical changes have been made to these locomotives.

Dispositions

Some of the SD39 model were subsequently resold to other operators including:

FEPASA 2360, an SD39-2M, in 2011.

References
  1. Sarberenyi, Robert. "EMD's SD39 and SDL39 - Original Owners". Trainweb.
  2. "(untitled)". Extra 2200 South. Dover Printing (119–125): 10. 2000 – via Google Books.
  3. "Ferrocarril del Pacifico S.A. - Chilean Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. September 6, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  4. "Locomotoras EMD SD39". Trainweb: Tren Diesel Chile (in Spanish). Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  • Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Kalmbach Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89024-026-7.
  • Trains Magazine Article December 1968, "A Market Oriented Catalog" by Wallace A. Abbey. The same article appears in Kalmbach's Our GM Scrapbook pages 82–83 subtitle, "Little diesel, big job".
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