SD40-3: CSX Old "New" Locomotive
Take an old SD40-2 unit from the dead line that gave thirty years of service, strip it down to the bone, then rebuild it with updated operating systems and you’ll get another thirty years out of it. At least that is the philosophy at CSX and based on the exceptional track record of the SD40-2, this is a realistic expectation. In essence, the company is building “new” locomotives at a fraction of the cost of the new GE GEVO series and if the SD40-3 does establish itself as reliable motive power, then this rebuild program will be a bargain indeed.
SD40-3 #4014 at Pinoca Yard in Charlotte, NC Dan Robie Copyright 2011
A side to rear profile of SD40-3 #4014. Dan Robie 2011
Upgrades
The rebuild program is based out of the Huntington, WV shops and initially, these units were restricted to running on the Huntington Division. Since the program was initiated in early 2011 and of this writing, the shops have churned out twenty-eight units with the number series 4000-4027 and they are freely roaming the CSX network now. The projected goal is for a total of 300 units.
The #4008 on Q676 at Lilesville, NC in June 2011. Copyright Dan Robie
For locomotive aficionados, listed below are the upgrades this unit has received that distinguish it from its SD40-2 predecessor:
New cabs that can withstand crashes
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• New control system
• Positive Train Control technology
• Modernized starting systems
On the topic of performance, notable is that the improvements will yield rejuvenated 3,000-horsepower, six-axle locomotives for the fleet. The tractive power will increase from 86,000 to about 130,000 pounds, making it capable of doing the work of more modern, high-horsepower units in all types of freight service including intermodal and coal.
A selection of cab views below. All photos Dan Robie copyright 2011.
The #4008 on Q676 at Lilesville, NC in June 2011. Copyright Dan Robie
For locomotive aficionados, listed below are the upgrades this unit has received that distinguish it from its SD40-2 predecessor:
New cabs that can withstand crashes
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• New control system
• Positive Train Control technology
• Modernized starting systems
On the topic of performance, notable is that the improvements will yield rejuvenated 3,000-horsepower, six-axle locomotives for the fleet. The tractive power will increase from 86,000 to about 130,000 pounds, making it capable of doing the work of more modern, high-horsepower units in all types of freight service including intermodal and coal.
A selection of cab views below. All photos Dan Robie copyright 2011.
Visually speaking, most apparent is the new “safety” cab that radically alters the appearance compared to the Spartan cab design used on EMD hood units since the introduction of the GP35/SD35 series of the mid 1960s. In railfanning circles, this design has divided opinions. Some refer to the new look as “ugly” while others find it “innovative” and “acceptable”. There is definitely no debating that it is different. From a personal standpoint and having seen several of them now, I’ve taken a liking to them. I look at it a being a "21st century SD40-2" that will ensure that it continues on if not only in spirit for many years to come. Hopefully, that spirit of reliability will carry on as well.
The class unit #4000 leads two other EMDs on Q614 through Waxhaw, NC on the afternoon of July 31, 2011. Dan Robie 2011
I have had the opportunity to speak with engineers who have run these rebuilds. Their comments have been favorable thus far about the performance despite the initial bugs the first units had. Apparently, those early operational glitches were corrected. Time will tell and dictate the track record and eventual reputation these models will earn.
It's early morning on Veterans Day 2011 as SD40-3 #4006 awaits the drop of the blue flag for depature to Monroe and Hamlet with F768. This train became Q468 effective September 2012. Dan Robie 2011.
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The setting sun glistens off the #4017 at Charlotte which had just arrived on the Q469 from Hamlet. Dan Robie 2013
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Close up of the rear of the #4017 and number boards. The black field with white numerals makes for better visibility.
Dan Robie 2013 |
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SD40-3 #4045 sporting the newer "boxcar" logo on the rip track at Charlotte shortly after arriving with Q469 from Hamlet. Dan Robie 2013
The #4045 later that evening under the glow of mercury vapor lights. Dan Robie 2013
Updates
Late 2012- A number of units taken out of service for engineer seat modifications. Eventually,all will be repaired as they are rotated for servicing. New SD40-3s will feature the corrected seats.
As of January 2013, the number series on the SD40-3 is 4000-4049, a total of 50 units. A few of them have had the new CSX "boxcar" logo added.
March 2013-Heard reports that the SD40-3 program would be discontinued for 2013 although no official confirmation about this.
April 2013--Although the company announced that the projection was to increase tractive effort to a maximum of 130,000 lbs, to date all units are currently listed at about 82,000.
As of January 2013, the number series on the SD40-3 is 4000-4049, a total of 50 units. A few of them have had the new CSX "boxcar" logo added.
March 2013-Heard reports that the SD40-3 program would be discontinued for 2013 although no official confirmation about this.
April 2013--Although the company announced that the projection was to increase tractive effort to a maximum of 130,000 lbs, to date all units are currently listed at about 82,000.
Credits
CSX Transportation (Locomotive Specifications and updates)
