The EMD SDP40F was Amtrak's first, official, built to order locomotive (previously they had operated using second hand equipment, such as E8's, F7's and even GG1's). A need for new and more reliable equipment spurred the development of the SDP40F. Based on the framework of the SD40-2, the SDP40F was geared for speed, with a top operational velocity of 100 mph and a pair of steam generators to supply heat and hot water for the passenger trains it would pull, such as the ex-Santa Fe "El Capitan" and "Super chief" (renamed the "Southwest Chief" in its combined state).

Model Features:
Type I Car body details represent the prototypical appearance of these units "as built" - No front porch railings, Steam Generators, Nose headlights, and forward mounted 4-Chime air horns.
Type IV Car body details represent the prototypical appearance of these units in later freight service - Front porch railings, notched nose, Nose/Cab headlights as appropriate, additional roof antennas, Cab A/C units as appropriate, and rear mounted 3-Chime air horns.
Amtrak Phase I and Phase II paint locos are a perfect match for the Amtrak El Capitan 10-Car Set, Amtrak Southwest Limited 8-Car Set or Phase I Amfleet I Cars.
Freight Versions can be operated with Kato's intermodal equipment, with the BNSF Maersk unit being a perfect companion for the Maersk MAXI-I.
All locomotives will be equipped with body mounted KATO magnetic knuckle couplers
Locomotives feature directional Golden White LED headlights and illuminated preprinted number boards
Locomotives have a powerful five pole motor with all wheel electrical pickup and blackened wheels
Locomotives are DCC friendly