EMD Dash 2

The EMD Dash 2 is a line of diesel-electric locomotives introduced by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) on January 1, 1972. Designations of these models were those of the former models with "-2" added (e.g., the SD40 was replaced by the SD40-2). They retained the basic specifications of the earlier models in terms of power output and most other features, but introduced a number of improvements to the locomotives' internal systems, specifically the electrical systems. These were intended to improve availability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

One major improvement was a modularized electrical control cabinet, allowing maintenance by unit replacement and the use of common parts. These concepts were first tested on the DDA40X.

Minor externally visible changes common across the whole line include the following:

The Dash 2 line was highly successful. The models offered included the following:

While the passenger models mentioned are nearly extinct, most freight models have been retained, often being rebuilt into the functional equivalent of a GP38-2/SD38-2 or, more frequently, a GP40-2/SD40-2.

The GP39-2/SD39-2 haven't been forgotten, either, as these produce more horsepower than a 38 Series, but with less fuel consumption (an advantage of turbocharging over Roots-blown scavenging), and these also offer superior high-altitude performance. Plus the obvious advantage of 12 cylinders vs. 16 cylinders.

In addition, many other earlier locomotives were rebuilt to Dash 2 standards by numerous locomotive rebuilders and railroad shops.

Among the most popular rebuilds are SD40, SD45, SD40T-2 and SD45T-2 into the functional equivalent of an SD40-2, although the frame, carbody and trucks remain the same as on the "donor" locomotive. In many cases, the rebuilds are identified as, for example, an SD40-3 or an SD40M-2, or an equivalent distinguishing identification. In some cases, the locomotive is identified simply as an SD40-2, although it is clear through physical examination that it is a rebuild. Once so rebuilt, the locomotive enters the owner's fleet as if it were a true SD40-2, arguably the most versatile and reliable diesel-electric locomotive of its time, if not all-time.

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Wikipedia