HO GP40-2L Locomotive, Guilford/MEC #518 Overview
Founded in 1981, Guilford Transportation Industries looked to form a railroad company by acquiring some of the various bankrupt roads in the Northeast. The Maine Central was acquired first, followed by the B&M and the D&H. The Guilford roster was a veritable rolling museum, featuring such oddities as ex-MEC U18Bs, former ATSF SD26s, and former NW / ITC SD39s. Some of the more reliable units on the roster were a group of former CN GP40-2Ls, numbered in the 500 series and acquired in the early 2000s. Since then, the Guilford name has ceased to exist, being replaced in 2006 by Pan Am Railways, and most recently, CSX- yet some of the Guilford-painted GP40-2Ls continue on in service, wearing their 20+ year old paint jobs.
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By the early 1970s, many first generation diesels were reaching the end of their service lives. One of the most common replacement locomotives became the GP40-2. EMD began production of the 16-cylinder, turbocharged, 3000 horsepower engines in 1972. These locomotives were developed for service where higher horsepower and faster service were preferable. A major feature for the GP40-2 was the introduction of the âdash 2â modular electrical cabinet. For more than 40 years, the GP40-2 has worked main line freights, locals, switching jobs, yard service, and helper service. Many remain in service today.