History:

Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, SD40-2’s were very common on the railroads which purchased them. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway was no different.  The frequency of the SD40-2’s in the 1970’s and 1980’s is relatively equivalent to the modern day Dash 9’s.

EMD introduced it’s Dash 2 line beginning in 1972. Over a period of time, improvements were made to mostly the control systems, but the basic prime mover and horsepower ratings remained the same.  Santa Fe being hungry for high horsepower, continued to purchase what was available at the time such as the SD45-2. Santa Fe held off purchasing the SD40-2 until early 1977 and at that time purchased 38. The first units to arrive were delivered after the SD40 number series and were numbered 5020-5027 which featured an extended 123” nose. The extended noses were to house the Locotrol gear with even numbered units being masters and the odd numbers being receivers. Now before we proceed any further, Santa Fe units were equipped with the 123” nose, not the 116” nose. Several articles in magazines and such refer to them as having 116” noses and this is false. I have personally taken measurements and I assure you, they are the 123” length. The next units delivered were 5028-5057 and were equipped with 88" noses (not 81" as some sites refer), extended range dynamic brakes, and cab air conditioning.

The next units to arrive were the 5200 class and were numbered 5200-5213 which arrived in October of 1978. For some strange reason, the current number series were skipped. Santa Fe ordered more units, were numbered 5058-5070, and were delivered with an Oscitrol light mounted in the nose. The Oscitrol light was made by Power Parts Company and basically was a vertical light containing three lights with the two, clear top lamps and a lower red lamp. The clear lamps flashed at a rate of 50 flashes per minute and were directed down towards the ground, aimed to the left and right. The flash pattern is similar to modern day emergency vehicle "wig-wag" headlamps and flashed dim to bright. The red lens also flashed 50 flashes per minute and only came on either during an emergency brake application or during low air pressure. For modelers who wish to model this, Details West produces this particular light and is part number HL-153.

During September and October of 1979, Santa Fe received 38 more units in the 5071 class and were numbered 5071-5108. These units also sported the 88" nose, extended range dynamics, and cab air conditioning.  Also delivered were 16 units numbers 5109-5124 which came equipped with Locotrol and 123" noses. By 1980, 45 more units were delivered numbered 5125-5139 and were also equipped with Locotrol. The 5140-5169 SD40-2's were delivered as "standard". The last SD40-2's ordered by Santa Fe came in 1981 and added 23 more units to the roster numbered 5170-5192. These also came standard but the antenna platform was relocated back to the roof of the cab and a split battery compartment door was added. Diesel Era Magazine ran a two-part article in the July/August 2006 issue about the Santa Fe units and a later article under the BNSF ownership.