CSX is embarking on a program to rebuild their SD40-2's and has created a new class and numbering scheme: units start with 4000 and have a new cab and are classified as SD40-3's. I have seen some photos, but does anyone else have photos or details on the rebuild program?
The cabs look like the NRE genset cabs. I don't know why they are replacing them. I assume it is space/layout thing.
I am not sure why either.... but I think they have much better crash protection than the standard cabs they came with.
The SD50's and SD40's are being rebuilt to incorporate Positive Train Control. They have been updated with LCD screens and electronic air brakes. The cabs are totally redone with insulation and the horns have been moved to the middle of the long hood
Thanks for the additional information! I am in favor of anything they want to do that keeps the older EMD models around. :smile: I saw an SD50-3 last week. They are hard to tell (externally) from the SD50's and SD50-2's, with the exception of those cab A/C units.
Supposedly, there are quite a few of these out and about! They are already up to # 4008. Still waiting to see if they'll come my way... Harold
Thanks. I don't go to the Atlas forum, but have seen some online at the various railfan photo sites.... Harold
I caught my first SD40-3 on a train this week! It was # 4005. Hopefully I can get pictures posted tonite. Harold
Why do I think "Lego" when I see those cabs? :tb-wink: Oh well, as long as these beasts are being rebuilt for a longer life, it's all good.
CSX is going to make 300 SD40-3s at the rate of 30-40 a year. That should get most, if not all, the original SD40-2s.
And not one letter of information on how to use the new screens. I guess CSX doesn't believe in Educational Memos anymore.
Here's a picture of one of the GP30 slugs: CSX 2300 works with 6912 CSX used various cores (bodies) for the slug program, including GP30/35/38/39/40's. I didn't get the pics of the SD40-3 uploaded last night, but might by the end of the weekend. Harold
I finally posted some pics of the SD40-3... I wish it had been leading, but it was not: CSX 4005 This view shows the cab and nose better