Atlas Master Line, 40005288, N Scale, EMD GP40, Pen Central, #3144, DCC Ready

About the Prototype:

🚂 The EMD GP40: Turbocharged Power for Freight and Beyond

The EMD GP40 was a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)between November 1965 and December 1971. Designed for general freight service, it was powered by the EMD 16-645E3 prime mover—a 16-cylinder, turbocharged, two-stroke diesel engine producing 3,000 horsepower. A total of 1,187 units were produced during its initial run, making it one of EMD’s most successful turbocharged models.

🛤️ Operators and Legacy

The GP40 served a wide range of Class I and regional railroads across North America. Notable operators included:

• Penn Central Transportation Company (270 units, largest single order)

• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (130 units)

• Southern Railway (75 units)

• Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (50 units)

• Illinois Central Railroad

• Union Pacific Railroad

Many GP40s were later absorbed into CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and other successor railroads. Numerous units were rebuilt into GP40-2 or GP40-3 configurations, extending their service lives well into the 21st century.

🔍 Identifying Features

The GP40 was easily distinguishable from its non-turbocharged siblings like the GP38. Key features included:

• Single large turbocharger exhaust stack, replacing the twin stacks found on non-turbo models.

• Four-axle (B-B) wheel arrangement, standard for EMD road switchers.

• Dynamic brake blister on many units, giving the long hood a distinctive profile.

• Turbocharged engine, resulting in a sharper, high-pitched sound compared to the throaty rumble of Roots-blown locomotives.

• Standard EMD hood unit design, shared with the GP38 and GP39 families.

🔧 Replacement and Evolution

In 1972, EMD introduced the GP40-2, part of the Dash 2 series, which featured:

• Modular electronics for easier maintenance

• Improved reliability and diagnostics

• Enhanced fuel efficiency

The GP40-2 became a mainstay of North American railroads, with over 1,100 units built. Many original GP40s were later rebuilt to GP40-2 or GP40-3 standards, often receiving upgraded control systems, new cabs, and emissions improvements.

🏁 Enduring Impact

Though production ceased in the early 1970s, the GP40’s legacy endures. Rebuilt units continue to operate on short lines, regional carriers, and industrial railroads, proving the model’s durability and adaptability. Its turbocharged performance and versatile design helped define a generation of freight locomotives, securing its place in railroading history.

About the Model

Features:

• Directional lighting
• Walkway safety tread
• Blackened metal wheels
• Scale Speed™ motor
• Factory-equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers
• Dynamic brakes (as appropriate by railroad)
• Golden-white LEDs

DCC Operation Features GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY)

• Supports all DCC-programming modes
• DCC includes RailCom and RailComPlus, with 14, 28 or 128 speed steps and with 2-digit and 4-digit addressing.
• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28.
• A total of 6 DCC function outputs are available, and all can be function mapped (disable, brightness, light effects) individually
• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.

ESU LokSound Features (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

• Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more.
• There are up to 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.
• Manual and Automatic Notching modes with the ability to change modes ”on the fly” are provided for true realism.

AccuMate® couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.