Hi,
Apologies if this question has been asked and answered but I am trying to find some information on the size of the various fans and housings on SD40-2s and SD45s. Specifically, I am modeling the CNW in the 80s into the 90s and want to detail some Kato HO models to be prototypical and accurate. I’d appreciate it if any one can share information and if you’re a modeler, recommendations on after-market fans. Thanks a million.
-Bruce
SD45 and SD40-2 locomotive up until 1/1/1980 used the same basic 48" diameter cooling fans but the number of blades varied depending on application. The blades bolt to the hub which was drilled for up to 9 blades IIRC. In 1980, the cooling fans on SD40-2’s were changed to the “Q-fan” or “Quiet fan” where the fan was essentially the same but inverted so the motor was above the blades rather than below them. These fans have welded on grilles versus a bolt-on grille on the earlier design. Inverting the fan put the motor support struts on the discharge side of the fan which reduced the noise the fan produced by about 5 dBA, which along with the added exhaust silencer allowed the locomotives to meet the reduced noise level dictated by the Federal EPA and enforced by the FRA.
Dynamic brake fans, also 48" diameter, were a similar design as the pre-1980 fan but had a DC drive motor rather than the 3 phase AC motor used on the radiator cooling fans. These fans have a bolt-on grille as well.
Dave
Thanks Dave. any thoughts on HO Scale after-market fans?
Bruce
No idea. I don’t model in HO, rather L- gauge (Lego) 1:48 scale.
That would be a better question over on the Model Railroader Forum
Thanks!