Athearn HO Scale Montana Rail Link MRL SD-45-2 #303 with Sound

(Video; Click on the image to watch.)

Key Features

• Researched from the prototype to match specific units
• Factory installed onboard sound and DCC decoder
• Genesis driveline with dynamically balanced five pole skew wound motor and dual flywheels
• Directional constant lighting
• See-through fans
• Factory installed Celcon handrails

Detailed Information

DC Mode Features

• All sound functions are operated by a wireless handheld remote (DC mode only). No additional control box is required to access advanced sound features.
• The six-button wireless remote allows control of the horn, bell, coupler crash, brake squeal, dynamic brake and brake air release.
• Additional programmable features allow for different bell and horn tones, coupler on/off, bell rate, directional lights on/off and volume control.
• Allows for creation of multiple unit lash-up with horn, bell and lights on the lead unit only.

DCC Mode Features

• Compatible with all NMRA standard DCC systems
• Programmable for either 2 digit or 4 digit address
• Programmable start voltage
• Programmable acceleration/deceleration rate
• Programmable top voltage
• Programmable speed steps
• Programmable individual unit sound volume
  On/off control of special lighting effects: Gyralight, Prime Stratolight or Zenon Strobe.
• (Types and style vary on models - dependant upon prototype practices)
• Advanced consisting
• Access 9 accessory sound functions

Included with the engine from Athearn is information about the SD45-2:

Electro-Motive Division SD45-2 Diesel Road Locomotive

Throughout the 1960s, the three locomotive builders were in a competition to create higher horsepower locomotives. To remain in the horsepower race and keep its lead in sales, EMD needed a new diesel engine to replace the 567, which had been in production since 1938. The new engine was the model 645. The most powerful of the new line of locomotives using the 645 was the SD45. Powered by a turbo-charged 20 cylinder 645 rated at 3,600 horsepower, the SD45 was the pinnacle of the horsepower race.

In 1972, after over 1,400 SD45s had been sold, EMD replaced it with the SD45-2. Internally, the most significant change was the introduction of a modularized electronic control cabinet. Externally, there was a new truck, the HT-C, and a frame that was three feet longer. Gone were the SD45's flared radiators, replaced by a straight radiator almost four feet longer. The SD45-2 sold to four railroads, in addition to the tunnel motor variant, the SD45T-2, which sold only to Southern Pacific and its Cotton Belt subsidiary.

Santa Fe was the first to receive the SD45-2 and placed three orders. The first of these was for 37 locomotives, numbers 5625 - 5661, arriving in May 1972. These were among the last Santa Fe engines delivered in the blue & yellow "pinstripe" scheme. The second order was for 43 more locomotives, delivered in the new blue and yellow "warbonnet" paint scheme. The highest numbered eighteen units, 5687 - 5704, were built first and delivered in May 1973. The 25 remaining units, 5662 - 5686, were delivered in June 1973. Numbers 5700 - 5704 were probably the most famous SD45-2s as they were painted red, white, and blue for the American Bicentennial celebration. The usual assignment for the Bicentennial units was the lead unit on the hotshot TOFC train, the "Super C." Carrying mail and other premium cargo, the "Super C" usually ran with four of the second order SD45-2s on the head end. The final order was for ten units, numbers 5705 - 5714, delivered in May 1974.

During the late 1980s, Santa Fe rebuilt 68 of their SD45-2s. The first 30 were released as numbers 7200 - 7229, painted in the red and yellow scheme for the proposed Southern Pacific Santa Fe merger. With the denial of the merger, they were renumbered 5800 - 5829 and eventually repainted blue and yellow. Another 38 units were rebuilt and numbered 5830 - 5868. The rebuilt units became BNSF numbers 6450 - 6516 with the merger in 1995 and many are still in service on the BNSF, including two units painted in the BNSF green and orange Heritage 1 scheme.

Erie Lackawanna was the second railroad to receive SD45-2s, opting for 13 (numbered 3669 - 3681), built in October 1972. The Erie Lackawanna units were equipped with 5,000 gallon fuel tanks instead of the normal 4,000 gallon tanks. This resulted in moving the air reservoirs into the long hood underneath the radiators, and the need for additional louvers in some hood doors. Due to restricted clearances along portions of the Erie Lackawanna, low-profile roof details (fans, vents, etc.) were requested on their diesels. With the formation of Conrail in 1976, these units became Conrail numbers 6654 - 6666. One of their most frequent assignments was the Altoona helper pool, operating in pairs helping trains ever the Horseshoe Curve. Most received the Conrail "Quality" paint scheme and 11 were still on the roster when Conrail was split up by Norfolk Southern and CSX. Six SD45-2s went to NS as their 1700 -1705 and five went to CSX.

Clinchfield became the third owner of SD45-2s, acquiring 10 (numbered 3607 - 3616), in November 1972. Eight more units, numbers 3617 - 3624, arrived in February 1974. They were last units acquired by Clinchfield as well as the coal-hauler's biggest units. The units became Seaboard System numbers 8965 - 8982 and then went to CSX.

The fourth owner of SD45-2s was Seaboard Coast Line, which acquired fifteen units (numbered 2045 - 2059), in August and September 1974. Under Seaboard System, they became numbers 8950 - 8964, keeping the same numbers under CSX.

Montana Rail Link acquired eight former Clinchfield, four former Santa Fe, and one former SCL SD45-2s and numbered them 301 - 313. Five Santa Fe and one SCL unit were rebuilt with 16 cylinder engines and became Trona 3001 - 3006. Two other SD45-2s were similarly rebuilt and leased to the Arizona and California as units 4001 and 4003. In addition to these units, 20 or so former-CSX units were added to the Helm lease fleet. Two other SD45-2s, both former EL/CR, were purchased by the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, becoming their 3600 and 3601.

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