TIPS & TECHNIQUES

USA SD40-2

    USA Trains has come out with another well-done Second Generation

Diesel, in it's model of the SD40-2.  This EMD locomotive produced 3000

HP and rode on six-wheel trucks.  It is an evolutiuon of the original

SD-7, and is a road switcher found on many railroads across the United

States.  The SD38, SD40, and SD45 ride on the same frame, which results

in the SD38 and SD40 having large platform areas extending at each end.

The SD40 has three large radiator roof fans, and USA has reproduced them

faithfully in their model. The SD40 was produced from 1966 through

1971.  There was a passenger version made which included an extended

hood to house a steam generator.  The USA model is strictly the freight

version.

    I managed to try one of these units on my home layout. The unit I

tested was a Union Pacific loco, and the paint and graphics were crisp

and prototypical.  This model is an impressive 26 3/4 inches long, and

has quite a bit of heft to it which means excellent traction.  It runs

on dual six wheel motorized trucks, comes with reversing headlights,

reversing markers and illuminated number boards.  There is also a yellow

roof flasher that models modern prototype practice for many roads .  The

cab doors open, and the cab interior is detailed.  Unfortunately, the

same engineer clone that USA and Aristo use for all their diesels sits

in the cab.  A repaint job would greatly improve his appearance.  The

locomotive also has opearting smoke, and comes with USA knuckle

couplers.  The platform and steps are highly detailed, and the diesel

has some nice add on's like a multi-chime horn and "firecracker"  radio

antenna.

    The unit has all-wheel power pickup, and of course the USA sliders.

I always remove these sliders on my USA models because they pick the

frog on turnouts, snag crossovers, and do not do well with built up

grade crossings, uncoupler magnets, or magnets placed for horn/ bell

activation.  I have found no problems with power pickup without these

sliders.  If you want to retain them, you can replace them with LGB

sliders which are wider and do not interfere with operation.  This unit

starts smoothly, and crawls down the track well at low throttle.  These

is the usual USA gear noise, but I have found that this diminishes with

more running time.  Traction is good, and there should be no problem

pulling long freight trains with this loco.

    Sound can easily be installed in this loco.  Phoenix makes a

"generic" turbo sound system which would work in this diesel.  It comes

with a multi-chime horn and sounds great.  Sierra has two systems for

the SD40; one sytem has the Nathan K3 horn and one has the Nathan M3

horn.  Any of these system would bring this diesel to life.

    In all, this is an excellent model that would be at home on any late

60's early 70's pike.