Former Santa Fe SD45-2 to be saved in Bicentenial scheme

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2876

This is the version of the SD45 without a flared hood for the radiators, the 5600 series on Santa Fe. Many of them ended up on Montana Rail Link and I don't know of any other saves: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... olleciton/

EJ Berry · **Posted:** Thu Oct 07, 2021 8:20 pm

Hmmmmm.

Maybe RRMPA can paint GG1 4800 in the bicentennial scheme.

Phil Mulligan

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2876

A Milwaukee Road fan found MILW SD40-2 156 in a Decatur IL scrapyard (as Pan Am 609) and was trying to rescue it this past summer, he later said that it was bought and was still intact when everything else in the yard was cut up, but he didn't know who bought it. I'm not really a fan of red, white and blue paint (e.g. the current UP scheme), but any time a second generation unit is saved I am a fan.

Tyler Trahan · **Joined:** Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:47 pm **Posts:** 43

Norfolk & Western No. 1776, a high-nose SD45, is preserved at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

p51 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 08, 2021 4:22 pm

So nice to hear that SF unit got saved. I had no clue that MILW 156 was still around!

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2021 5:57 pm

Regular, photo-heavy updates on the progress of "backdating" and repainting the 5704 are being posted by Stephen Priest at the Facebook page of the Midwest Santa Fe Modelers:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1679036455690302/

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:53 pm

Quote:

On April 20, 2026, EMD SD45-2 5704 moved under its own power for the first time after an extensive and determined restoration effort. When the locomotive arrived less than a year ago, it faced major challenges, hundreds of cut wires, missing electrical switch-gear, damaged traction motor wiring, and even a frozen turbocharger that ultimately had to be rebuilt.

Through thousands of volunteer man hours, the diesel shop crew methodically repaired, rebuilt, and reassembled critical systems to bring 5704 back to life, ensuring it would run on the very first day following completion of the restoration.

This video captures those unforgettable moments as 5704 comes alive again—a powerful reminder of what dedication, skill, and persistence can accomplish.

You can see 5704 in person at the Southern California Railway Museum in sunny Perris, California, where volunteers continue to preserve and operate historic railroad equipment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF35iy4h4ds

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2876

Milwaukee Road #156, mentioned in this thread, was also saved, at the Oklahoma Railway Museum, though I haven't seen an update for a few years: https://railfan.com/milwaukee-road-bice ... -oklahoma/

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2876

https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/po ... 990506729/
Midwest Overland Rail Preservation Society
4h
"History, 50 years in the making!
As we approach #America250 this weekend, we are proud to unveil our latest project, the restored Milwaukee Road 156, resplendent in its iconic 1976 Bicentennial paint job.
Thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of our team and amazing vendors, the 156 will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday in the same colors she wore for America’s 200th in 1976.
Although the mighty Milwaukee Road may be just a memory, the 156 carries on its legacy in style.
We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Union Station Kansas City to have the 156 on display to the public starting on Sunday, July 5th.
We hope to see you all there!"