The SD45 was a landmark locomotive for General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). Under the hood it packed a 20-cylinder prime mover, at the time the largest ever used in a locomotive, capable of generating a whopping 3600 horsepower. Produced at the zenith of the horsepower race between EMD and its competitors, the SD45 was king in terms of its popularity; sales of other builders 3600 horsepower units fell far short of EMDs 1260 units sold between 1965 and 1971.
 
Detailed to the hilt, its rugged body faithfully captures the look and feel of a real SD45. Unparalleled in performance, its new patent- pending twin-motor power trucks incorporate 12 steel ball bearings per wheel for long life, unparalleled electrical pickup and reduced friction. Axles with lateral and vertical movement keep wheels firmly on the rail where they belong, even on uneven track, giving the SD45 the best possible pulling power and electrical pickup. With over 15 pounds of weight below the center of gravity for traction, the new SD45 keeps long, heavy trains moving with ease.
 
From its faithfully reproduced truck sideframes to its detailed cab interior, the new Aristo-Craft SD45 is a scale replica of the real thing. To begin with, its durable, computer-designed body shell captures the look and proportions of a real SD45 right down to the rivets. Many details modelers in smaller scales usually spend hours adding themselves, such as etched air intake screens, 3D radiator screening, windshield wipers, M.U. hoses, see-through steps, separate handrails, grab irons and lift rings, are standard equipment on these ready-to-run locomotives. The SD45 even has a fully detailed and decorated cab with window gasket detail, sliding side windows and crew figures!
 
A reliable, sophisticated lighting effects and electronics package makes the SD45 so lifelike that if it werent only a couple of feet long, youd swear it was real! Constant-intensity, directional headlights; working porch lights and numberboards; a lighted cab interior; and operating red marker lights give the locomotive the look of the prototype. Modular electronics allow you the flexibility to run the SD45 on conventional DC power or to add DCC or R/C quickly and easily. A built-in water-resistant speaker is ready for easy hookup to the Aristo-Craft SD45 sound unit (sold separately). For the ultimate in realism, the SD45 includes a newly designed computer chip-controlled smoke unit with fan. This advanced feature produces realistic diesel smoke exhaust with a minimum of smoke oil use. Designed with longevity in mind, a burnout protection program turns off the unit when the reservoir runs low. Because the designers at Aristo-Craft worked from actual measurements, photos and drawings, the painting and printing on the SD45 are nothing short of phenomenal. Accurate color matches, crisp separation lines, sharp lettering and accurate roadnumbers make these units look true to life. Even the small lettering on the builders plate is clear and easy-to-read. Aristo-Craft SD45s are available decorated for popular North American railroads or undecorated, ready for your custom paint and lettering.