After lots of research and work I have finally completed and released the SD40-2W Phase 1a No. Range 5241-5261. This was the first order for CN in 1975 and the first six-axle locomotive on the CN system to feature the iconic Canadian Safety Cab. Through the years CN has made many modifications and rebuilds of this unit which makes it quite a challenge getting down to core of what the unit was like originally prior to CN’s tampering. “But what is the difference between this order and phase compared to the rest of the units? They all look the same to me!” You ask and that is a great question. There are many differences from the first order in 1975 until the last last order in 1980. Please note that these units don’t follow the same Phases as the American SD40-2s do and other models but rather are a unique model with its own set of Phases. There are 3 different Phases for the SD40-2W (1A,1B,1C,1D,2A,2B,2C,3A,3B) and im not about to jump into every single Phase and explain them all as that would require lots of pictures and explaining. I will just talk about my model and mention how its different to the rest of the fleet to give you the reader the perspective of what we do at RRMods.com in regards to detail on our models and how in depth we go on our products. We don’t just slap things together and call it “good”. Anyways first thing I will mention is the jacking pads. The Phase 1a features the early standard EMD tall jacking pads.
Units built in the 1979 order on feature the late style jack pad style. CN 5241-5313 feature the original early tall jacking pads.
The Phase 1a has round sand hatches and models built in 1976 on feature square sand hatches. Units 5241- 5279 feature respectively the round sand hatches.
In 1976 the steps changed from a rounded style edge to a sharp flat defined style steps.
Another difference first featured on the 1976 order is the dual action handbrake. That means unlike the single action as equipped on the 1975 orders only the chain is attached to two brake cylinders and not one. Hence the brake wheel was moved over to compensate the extra chain and mechanism. Also another thing to note as featured in the photo above is the compressor door. The 1975 order (5241-5278) featured the small compressor door (not originally installed from the factory but later modified by CN) and 1976 on have the large compressor door.
A photo example showing the difference between the single and dual action hand brake mechanism.
Finally another difference is the radiator and radiator fans. Built brand new units 5241-5353 featured the standard early EMD style low-profile fans (later on through the years various low and standard profile fans were installed) up until late year 1980 when Q-Fans were introduced on the SD40-2W. That same year along with the Q-Fans came corrugated radiators and a tall profile winterization hatch to compensate for the height of the Q-Fan. The previous order in early 1980 (and all other previous orders) had the early chicken wire style radiator but only the early 1980 order feature a low profile winterization hatch.
So this sums up the major differences between all other orders of SD40-2W compared to the model I released. Hope you learned something and learned what it takes to make a model properly.
Thanks for reading!
-Adamovic
