Atlas O 30138695 - Premier - SD40-2 Diesel Locomotive "Wheeling & Lake Erie" #1776

• Road Name: Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway
• Road Number: 1776
• Product Line: Premier
• Scale: O Scale
• System: 3-Rail

Features:

• Intricately Detailed ABS Body
  
• Metal Chassis
  
• Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
  
• Metal Handrails and Decorative Horn
  
• Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring Freight Yard Proto-Effects
  
• Operating Metal Couplers
  
• Cab Figures
  
• Authentic Paint Scheme
  
• Metal Wheels and Axles
  
• Unit Measures:17 1/2” x 2 5/8” x 3 7/8”
  
• Operates On O-31 Curves 

Overview:

Offering better reliability and lower maintenance costs than the higher powered SD-45, EMD’s SD40-2 enjoyed a long production run of 3,100 units. The 3,000 horsepower diesel was the primary motive power for many railroads throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. Introduced on January 1, 1972, the SD40-2 had become the best-selling 6-axle road switcher in history by December 31, 1978. One of the most striking features of the EMD workhorse was its long “back porch” or decking that extended in front and behind the locomotive’s cab. These porches differentiated the SD40-2 from its earlier cousin, the SD35 and were the result of the SD40-2’s requirement for a longer frame, which helped increase the locomotive’s tractive effort.

This special red, white, and blue Semiquincentennial paint scheme was designed in-house by the Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in 2026. The inspiration for the Wheeling and Lake Erie #1776 Semiquincentennial paint scheme came from the Norfolk & Western bicentennial locomotive painted back in 1976, but with distinctive Wheeling and Lake Erie elements like chevron striping, flying “speed” letters, and a layout intended so the full red/white/blue scheme is visible from the front. Some notable cosmetic features include a polished brass bell, raised‑letter number boards, and a restored Leslie air horn