Originally delivered to Amtrak in 1974, SDP40F #644 was part of Amtrak’s first generation of modern long-distance passenger locomotives. Built on the SD40-2 platform and equipped with steam generators, these 3,000 HP six-axle units hauled many of Amtrak’s most important trains throughout the 1970s. Like most of its class, 644 was eventually retired from passenger service as Amtrak transitioned to the F40PH and head-end-power equipment.
While many SDP40Fs were rebuilt into freight locomotives or scrapped, #644 survived—becoming one of only a handful of SDP40Fs to remain intact after Amtrak ownership. Today it is in the care of The Illinois Railroad Museum, an organization committed to preserving and interpreting historically significant railroading equipment. Their work has given #644 a new chapter, honoring its role in the early years of national passenger rail service.
Sunset Models 3rd Rail now offers this preserved locomotive in O Scale with exceptional detail, accuracy, and performance, constructed with an ABS shell, die-cast chassis, and fine brass detailing that rivals brass while offering outstanding durability.
Road Number Offered
Dynamic Rail Preservation 644
A faithful model of the real preserved locomotive as it appears today.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts for Maximum Accuracy
• Preservation-Era Details — correct handrails, rooftop fittings, updated lighting, and modern safety appliances used by preservation groups
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, reliable performance
• All-Wheel Drive and Electrical Pickup
• Advanced electronics: 3R ERR Cruise/TMCC/Railsounds compatible with TMCC/Legacy/DCS, 3R Conventional for your choice of sound, and 2R ESU Loksound 5.0. Blunami is available as well
• LED Lighting Suite — headlights, number boards, marker lights
• Minimum Curvature:
– O-54 curves (3-Rail)
– 48" minimum radius (2-Rail)
• ERR Cruise is compatible with Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems, Blunami is not and indepently operated through the iPhone or Andriod Apps.
A Rare Surviving SDP40F, Recreated in Museum Quality
The SDP40F was Amtrak’s first attempt at a unified, nationwide fleet—symbolic of a new era in American passenger rail. With most units long gone, Dynamic Rail Preservation #644 stands today as one of the very few survivors of this important locomotive class.
This Sunset Models 3rd Rail release captures the locomotive’s preserved appearance with the detail, presence, and quality your customers expect, making #644 a must-have for any diesel era modelers and preservation enthusiasts alike.
Reserve your Dynamic Rail Preservation #644 today and own a faithful recreation of one of the most historic Amtrak locomotives still in existence.
Photo courtesy of dieselshop.us
