EMD SD39 — Southern Pacific

Now Available in Early Access

The EMD SD39 is currently in active development and is already fully operational in Train Simulator Classic, with its final physics and operating characteristics implemented.

By purchasing Early Access, you can get the current playable version today and follow the locomotive as development continues toward its final release.

Early Access — $5.00

Final Release — $7.50

The Early Access price will remain available throughout the development period. Once the locomotive reaches its final release, the price will increase to $7.50.

What you get with Early Access

✅ Fully playable locomotive

✅ Final physics and operating characteristics

✅ Fully operational for scenario creation

🔄 Future beta updates

🚧 Final HD textures as development progresses

🚧 Authentic 12-645 engine sound implementation

✅ All future updates

✅ Final release included at no additional cost

Get the current playable version today and receive the complete final version when development is finished.

A Little More About the Project

The EMD SD39 is one of the more unusual members of EMD's SD-series family, and bringing this locomotive to Train Simulator has been a particularly interesting project.

The model is already at an advanced stage of development. While final texturing and sound implementation are still in progress, the locomotive is already fully operational in-game and can be used to create and run scenarios.

By purchasing Early Access, you're directly supporting the continued development of this project and helping make the final release possible.

Thank you for supporting independent train simulation development.

Southern Pacific SD39 — A Brief History

Introduced in 1968, the EMD SD39 represented a different approach to heavy freight motive power. While many railroads favored higher-horsepower locomotives such as the SD40 and SD45, Southern Pacific recognized the advantages of a lighter, fuel-efficient six-axle locomotive capable of delivering exceptional tractive effort at low speeds.

Between 1968 and 1970, EMD built only 54 SD39 locomotives, making the model one of the rarest members of the 645-series family. Southern Pacific became its largest customer, purchasing 26 units, numbered 5300–5325, for demanding freight assignments.

Powered by the turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 12-645E3 prime mover, the SD39 produced 2,300 horsepower. Although its horsepower rating was lower than the SD40 or SD45, its six powered axles and excellent adhesion allowed it to develop impressive tractive effort, making it particularly effective on slow, heavy trains.

Southern Pacific assigned the fleet primarily to the Bakersfield–Los Angeles Freight Pool, where the locomotives regularly worked over the legendary Tehachapi Pass and Beaumont Hill. These routes demanded reliable locomotives capable of hauling long freight trains over sustained grades, and the SD39 proved to be an economical yet capable performer.

Although production lasted only two years, the SD39 earned a reputation for combining dependable performance with lower fuel consumption thanks to its 12-cylinder engine. Today, it remains one of EMD's most distinctive second-generation locomotives and a favorite among Southern Pacific enthusiasts.

The image used to present this product is not my own. It was taken from a Railpictures.net for demonstration purposes only. I do not own the rights to this photograph. Original photo by Craig Walker

Final Features

The complete Train Simulator Classic release will include:

• Highly detailed Southern Pacific SD39 model
• Brand-new authentic 12-645 engine sound recordings
• High-definition 4K textures throughout
• Completely redesigned cab interior and controller
• Accurate Southern Pacific "Gyralite" details and equipment
• Realistic physics and operating characteristics
• Exclusive animations for doors, windows, brake cylinders and handbrake steering wheel
• 6 career scenarios set on the Tehachapi Pass and Cajon Pass routes