During the early 1980s, as Amtrak traded in its fleet of aging SDP40F passenger locomotives for new F40PH units, EMD rebuilt twenty-four SDP40Fs into freight locomotives for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. These rebuilt units, designated SDF40-2, retained much of the SDP40F’s distinctive full-width cowl body while receiving a complete mechanical upgrade to Dash-2 standards.
Painted in Santa Fe’s striking Blue & Yellow “Bookend” freight scheme, the SDF40-2s were some of the most visually recognizable locomotives on the system. They operated system-wide in both fast freight and general service, becoming fan favorites thanks to their unique heritage and imposing appearance.
Now, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail accurately recreates these ex-Amtrak rebuilds with an ABS plastic shell, die-cast chassis, and brass detail parts, matching the details of Santa Fe’s SDF40-2 configuration.
Santa Fe Road Numbers Offered
All were rebuilt from Amtrak SDP40Fs:
5250 W/and W/O Nose Modifications
5252 W/and W/O Nose Modifications
5255
BNSF PATCH 6968
BNSF PATCH 6970
BNSF PATCH 6976
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts
• Road-Specific Santa Fe Details — Dash-2 electrical cabinet mods, freight pilots, ATSF roof antennas, MU configurations, and SDF40-2 handrail patterns
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, heavy-duty freight operation
• 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, and markers
• Minimum Curvature:
– O-54 (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 Santa Fe Icon, Recreated in Museum-Quality O Scale
With only twenty-four units rebuilt and a striking appearance that blended passenger-era cowl design with heavy freight capability, the Santa Fe SDF40-2 remains one of the most unique locomotives to run on the ATSF system.
This model captures that heritage with brass-level detailing, a durable ABS shell, and a die-cast chassis built for performance.
Reserve yours today and bring home one of Santa Fe’s most distinctive rebuild locomotives.
75 Reservations are needed for the modified nose versions.
Photo courtesy of locomotivewiki.com https://locomotive.fandom.com/wiki/EMD_SDP40F/Gallery
