Historic SD45s
To my knowledge, there are 8 EMD SD45s in preservation around the United States. I've been told that only three are operational, two are seen here.
Typically, you can find both of these beautiful beasts in Duluth at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, but for a weekend in June 2022, they were on display at St. Paul Union Depot for Train Days.
Now a treasured tradition, a night shoot kicks off the weekend. Every year there's something in the lineup that's sought after more than the rest. This year it was the SD45s.
With a couple BNSF hoppers displayed in the background, it's an optical illusion that these two are at the head of a freight train. One wonders if these two ever saw service together back in the BN days.
Both locomotives are over 50 years old, NP 3617 built in 1967, and GN 400 built in 1966. But neither look their age, looking fresh out of EMD's shop. That's what happens when organizations take pride in their equipment.
A personal thank you to everyone involved to make Union Depot Train Days 2022 happen. Haven't missed a Train Days yet, hoping the streak will continue. Also thanks to Steve Glischinski & Chris Guss for organizing another phenomenal night photo shoot.