SD40-2

SD40-2 Diesel

Burlington Northern

1983- No.41-670-03

Notice the first image of the BN SD40-2 carries a different roadnumber from the next two images. The first is the Bachmann catalog illustration and the next pair are production examples.

SD40-2 Diesel

CSX

No. 67118 -1992 Diesel and Caboose Release

The CSX example is dressed in an early version of the road's paint scheme. I don't find the CSX SD40-2 among Bachmann's catalogs of the 1980s. My example, pictured above, came in a combination Locomotive and Caboose set. The set retailed for $44.

SD40-2 Diesel

Santa Fe

1983- No.41-670-02

SD40-2 Diesel

SCL/LN

1983- No.41-670-23

The poor Seaboard System Bachmann SD40-2 never gets its picture included in the company's annual product catalogs. Bachmann lists the model as SCL/LN, reporting marks for Seaboard Coast Line/Louisville & Nashville, which comprised the major players of the short-lived Seaboard System railroad. Seaboard System is absorbed into the CSX in 1986, according to Wikipedia, after starting up in 1983. This short lifespan is likely a factor in the general absence of models made decorated for Seaboard System. Bachmann did manage to catalog at least two, the BQ23-7 being the other SCL/LN model available in the 1980s with this Seaboard SD40-2.

SD40-2 Diesel

Union Pacific

1983- No.41-670-01

The 1983 Bachmann catalog marks the first appearance for the HO-scale SD40-2 Diesel. The model that year is billed as, "SD40-2 Diesel with Space Age Electronics," which refers to its reversing headlights and blinking warning light. The original SD40-2 is listed with a $30 retail for its 1983 debut and is presented with actual production run examples of three of the four roadnames. In general, Bachmann and many others tend to have pre-production or early mock ups of models for first appearances in catalogs. The SD40-2 starts its catalog life in its real form.

The model's details includes some interesting items for a ready to run loco of this variety. Bachmann included what appears to be a roof mounted antenna plate, just behind the cab. Additionally, the original SD40-2 included a box that suggests perhaps an air conditioner for the cab. The inclusion of the blinking warning light, also found on the prior released DD40X, makes this a rather well outfitted diesel for the train set market. There's also a snow plow cast into the front pilot. Crude no doubt, but again you would not find such things on many other diesels of the early '80s as standard issues. It is a bit difficult to nail down for certain, but I would guess that the early '80s Bachmann SD40-2 is suggestive of EMD's Phase II production examples.

SD40-2 Diesel

Parts Diagram

Above is the paperwork included with the Bachmann SD40-2 release of the 1980s. You may click on either image to view a larger version. Please remember that this version of the SD40-2 is long out of production by Bachmann and thus these parts are no longer available from the company. The parts diagram is presented for informational purposes only.

SD40-2 Diesel

Blinking Light

You may view the Bachmann SD40-2's Blinking Light in action in the above video. This is the Burlington Northern SD40-2 model from the 1980s showing its headlights and working roof beacon illuminated.

After an absence in the company's line for many years, Bachmann cataloged an HO-scale SD40-2 again in 2006. This model, however, has no connection with the SD40-2 of the 1980s. Available in a DCC decoder equipped version and standard DC example, the new Bachmann SD40-2 is a vast improvement over the past offering.

Please note that this site was created for use by those with an interest in HO-scale model trains and does not necessarily represent the current Bachmann line available today. The author is not affiliated with,

nor representing Bachmann in any way.

This site is intended for your enjoyment and information only.