The 2022 Lionel Legacy SD40-2 is no stranger to the train-maker’s catalog. The most recent release is the first since 2018. For this round, announced in 2022 Volume 1, Lionel offered four road names and five paint schemes each with a powered and non-powered option. The railroads offered were Burlington Northern; BN in a Spirit of 1776 red, white, and blue livery; Louisville & Indiana; Savage; and the Desert Victory camouflage Union Pacific paint job.
My model is a custom run from Mr. Muffin’s Trains.
These units feature detailing unique to the railroad, specifically with the roof appliances, brake wheels, end equipment, and trucks. They also feature Kinematic pilots, a smoke unit, and front and rear Electrocouplers.
More about EMD’s legendary SD40-2.
Lionel Legacy SD40-2 details
Coming in at 19 inches in length these diesels require O54 curves. They can be operated with Legacy, Bluetooth, TMCC, or conventional control. The powered units have an MSRP of $649.99 and the non-powered units are $349.99. However, it’s been my experience you can get a better deal through your local store that sells Lionel.
It should be noted the non-powered units have no electronics on board. After the most recent release of non-powered diesels featured a “superbass” speaker system, this “dummy” run leaves a bit to be desired. However, if you want to create a multi-unit consist, these unmotored locomotives are a way to add some complexity to a consist without dropping an extra $650.
Lots to like
There’s something about these SD40-2s that stands out. Perhaps it’s their current popularity on short lines and regionals. Maybe it’s the fact they look so nice on an O gauge layout, regardless of the display’s size. Or maybe it’s just that they are packed with great features for a great price.
While Lionel only offered a few road names, hobbyists weren’t limited to what was cataloged. It seems that custom run options are inevitable and that’s how I scored my Wheeling & Lake Erie version from Mr. Muffin’s trains.
When comparing the 2022 version to my 2018 W&LE release, the detailing improved quite a bit. I see it in the the horn and roof detailing as well as the safety stickers along the side.
These diesels are quite popular and some dealers are still expecting them to arrive. Be sure to get yours quickly!
O Gauge Legacy SD40-2 by Lionel
Price: $649.99; non-powered $349.99 (no. 2233964; custom run by Mr. Muffin’s Trains)
Features: O-54 operation; fan-driven smoke unit; adjustable smoke output; directional lighting including LED headlights; marker lights on front and rear; Kinematic pilots; ElectroCouplers
Current Lionel-offered road names: Burlington Northern; Burlington Northern Bicentennial scheme; Louisville & Indiana; Savage; Union Pacific Desert Victory scheme
Website: www.Lionel.com
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
