HO SD45-2, SF/Bicentennial #5704

HO SD45-2, SF/Bicentennial #5704 Overview

In 1975 the Santa Fe decided to celebrate the Bicentennial of the USA in 1976 by re-painting 5 SD45-2's (5700-5704) in a striking red, white and blue paint scheme. 5704 is currently being restored into this very same paint scheme and upon completion BNSF will be donating it to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.

The SD45-2 was an initial success; it was a complete improvement or upgrade as part of EMD's "Dash 2" line; it had little to almost absolutely no flaws during the early stages of production and during the model's official introduction. It was both popular and compatible with the original SD45 as well, with its large 20-cylinder engine. The SD45-2 lasted somewhat longer than most SD45 units on various owners' rosters.