Rio Grande 5401 finds a new home.

Greetings and welcome to the story of Rio Grande SD40T-2 #5401. A little background story might help explain the unique design and history of the Tunnel Motor style locomotive. Which starts three decades and a continent away before the time of 5401's arrival in Colorado.

 

In the late 1950's , Southern Pacific approached the Rio Grande to partner in purchasing a new type of Diesel-Hydraulic locomotive made by Krass-Maffei in West Germany. The new locomotives were supposed to equal the equivalent of two and a half EMD GP9's in pulling power. Unfortunately they never lived up to their claims. Another issue discovered with the Krass-Maffei locomotives was the issue of overheating in the numerous tunnels and snow sheds they had to go through. The ultimate fix was to install vents and duct the cooler air from the lower sides of the locomotives. 

Moving forward into the middle of the 1960's, The Rio Grande and Southern Pacific discovered the overheating issue wasn't confined to the Krauss-Maffei locomotives. Their new EMD Second Generation locomotives were having the same issues. The SD45 with its unique radiator set up was one of the locomotives susceptible to overheating in the tunnels. EMD and Southern Pacific tried this unique "Elephant Ears" arrangement to help pull cool air from the lower part of the tunnels.

Finally in 1972, EMD delivered the "Tunnel Motor" to the SP and Cotton Belt in the form of the SD45T-2. Basically a SD45-2 with a new radiator and vent arrangement. In 1974, EMD delivered the first SD40T-2 to the Southern Pacific. Again basically a SD40-2 with a new radiator and vent arrangement. The Rio Grande joined in and became the second customer for the SD40T-2.

The first SD40T-2's arrived on the Rio Grande in 1974. The Rio Grande opted to go with the tried and true 16 cylinder 645 prime mover. Already having a large fleet of SD45's, the fuel economy and reliability of the SD40-2 was attractive to the Rio Grande. 5401 was part of the last order of SD40T-2's delivered in 1980. The SD40T-2's became the signature locomotive for the Rio Grande.

The Colorado Railroad Museum was able to bring #5401 home in the Fall of 2018. The UP removed the nose mounted "Mars" light when they owned it. The Museum has already restored it on #5401.

Here we see the Fireman's side of #5401. Still sporting the Union Pacific applied number patch.

The trustee and owner information on the Engineer side of the locomotive.

A close up of the unique air intake grill for the radiators. The cooler air was pulled through here.

Looking again from the Engineer's side of the locomotive. #5401 is quite the sight!

Looking up at the Engineer's side of the locomotive. Best seat for the trip through the Rockies.

Taking care of the personal business in railroading.

Another view of the Engineer's side of the nose and cab.

Looking up at the Dynamic Brake blister and the Fireman's side of the long hood.

A close up view of the front pilot and associated hardware mounted on the front of the locomotive.

Another view of the air intake system for the radiators. EMD really did a good job solving the overheating issues with this arrangement. Several secondary railroads are still using the SD40T-2.

Another view of the front pilot and hardware. The snowplow is well worn from years of use.

Looking at the signature Nathan three chime horn. The Rio Grande originally had it on the cab.

A close up view of the truck side frame. The EMD logo and casting number stamped into the side.

Looking at the back of the long hood. Another unique feature on the Tunnel Motors was the flat, non-beveled ends. The rear walkway also stuck out to make a small porch on the rear of the locomotive.

I'm very happy the Colorado Railroad Museum was able to save this unique locomotive and preserve it for future generations. I'll have to go back and see the progress they are making on it's restoration.

Thanks for reading!!!