HO SD45T-2 Locomotive Canadian National #406 (ATH86876)

HO-scale Canadian National SD45T-2 Locomotive, Number 406, is a detailed model of CN’s six-axle diesel-electric tunnel motor rebuilt from SP equipment for iron ore service. The design captures the prototype’s standout details, including a nose headlight, a modified L-window cab, roof-mounted air conditioning, a five-chime horn on the long hood, walkway ditch lights, and a small front anticlimber. Realistic touches include fine-scale handrails, photo-etched windshield wipers, separately applied air tanks, LED lighting, and see-through cab windows, all riding on RP25-profile wheels with nickel-plated, blackened machined rims and McHenry operating scale knuckles. DCC readiness is built in via a 21-pin NEM Quick Plug, and the drivetrain delivers smooth, quiet operation with an all-wheel-drive layout and a five-pole motor with flywheels. For layout planning, a minimum 18-inch radius is supported, with 22 inches recommended for best performance.

Sound-equipped versions add onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Economi sound that operates in both DC and DCC modes, providing engine, horn, and bell sounds with full DCC functionality when used on a DCC layout. Slow-speed performance remains highly controllable, and the model supports MU lashups with the lead unit’s horn, bell, and lights, with many features CV-adjustable. Prototype notes: the SD45T-2 is a six-axle locomotive powered by a 20-cylinder 645-series engine delivering 3,600 horsepower, built by GM Electro-Motive Division between 1972 and 1975 and nicknamed “Tunnel Motors” for its cooling design intended to prevent overheating in tunnels.