The 3000 horsepower SD40 (SD designation is short for Special Duty) was one of the most popular locomotives ever produced by EMD, with 1966 as the first year of production. When first offered to the railroads, sales of the SD40 were a bit slow. Generating only 3000 horsepower, railroads tended to overlook the SD40 while looking for larger, more powerful units. Ultimately, the reliability of the SD40 would prove to be her advantage while the big power sat in the shops. More than 1200 units would eventually go to work on North American rails. A large number of these locomotives are still in service today either with the original purchaser or with a second-hand operator.
 
These newer, updated models feature the original KATO mechanism with powerful five-pole motor with dual brass flywheels, white LED headlights, semi-automatic knuckle couplers and factory-installed DCC socket. Printed numberboards and MU hoses are also included.