Beginning life in 1974 as Amtrak SDP40F 644, this locomotive was originally one of Amtrak’s first purpose-built long-distance passenger diesels. In the mid-1980s, as Amtrak transitioned to newer power, several SDP40Fs were traded back to EMD and later transferred to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Santa Fe rebuilt the units at its San Bernardino shops into freight locomotives designated SDF40-2, retaining the distinctive full cowl body while upgrading the mechanical components to SD40-2 standards.
The locomotive that would eventually become BNSF 6976 was renumbered ATSF 5266 after the rebuild and served across the Santa Fe system before becoming part of the newly formed BNSF Railway in 1995. Near the end of its operational career, it was selected for a special promotional assignment and received the striking Maersk Sealand blue, white, and gray paint scheme. The locomotive appeared at intermodal events and public showcases highlighting international container service.
Today, 6976 is preserved and remains notable as the last surviving former Amtrak SDP40F, carrying one of the most distinctive paint schemes ever applied to a full-cowl EMD locomotive.
Sunset Models 3rd Rail now recreates this unique diesel with museum-quality accuracy using an ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts.
Road Number Offered
BNSF 6976 – Maersk Sealand Promotional Paint Scheme
The only SDF40-2 ever to wear this special livery.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts for Maximum Accuracy
• Unique Maersk Sealand Color Scheme and Correct Lettering Layout
• Road-Specific SDF40-2 Details — freight pilots, modified nose and roof details, Dash-2 electrical equipment, Santa Fe/BNSF antenna configurations, and appropriate truck components
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet 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 One-of-a-Kind Locomotive, Now in O Scale
From Amtrak passenger power, to a freight hauler on the Santa Fe and BNSF, to its final chapter as a Maersk Sealand promotional locomotive, BNSF 6976 has one of the most unusual and memorable histories of any modern EMD cowl unit.
This Sunset Models / 3rd Rail release brings that story to life in a model that rivals brass in presence, detailing, and build quality — all in one unforgettable paint scheme.
Reserve your BNSF 6976 “Maersk Sealand” today and secure one of the most unique locomotives ever to run on American rails.
Photo courtesy of dashingdanstrains
