International Railroad Discussion > Chile's x-Milwaukee SDL39s

In 2002 freight operator Fepasa bought all nine surviving former Milwaukee/Wisconsin Central EMD SDL39s.  Built in two five unit orders in 1969/1972 they were retired when CNR bought the WC.  One, #581 was retired by the Milwaukee after an crash in 1982.  All nine were totally rebuilt/re-gauged (from standard to 5 ft 6 in) by Casagrande Motori in Santiago. Entering service here in 2003-04 they've been going strong ever since.  They have been overhauled over the years and the last, 2349, will soon emerge from Casagrande in the new colors.  They are all in the  south in timber service,  where lack of dynamic brakes is not an issue.  A favorite of everyone,  a friend at Fepasa told me they wish they had more of them.

Here are images of WC 583/FCP 2341 from the beginning to it's current state.

1.  WC 583 at the rebuilder.  Santiago 3/20/03
2.  FCP 2341 ex-works.  Santiago 7/21/03
3.  FCP 2341 Santiago  12/25/22



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/16/26 04:42 by masterphots.

---

---

---

Interesting discussion, Alan.  The SDL39 has always been a favorite "oddball" unit.  'Was also amused by the "shop trucks" on the #583.

Greg Stadter
Phoenix, AZ

It looks they cut the frames of the old SD to built this new unit. 

Pedro Rezende
Vespasiano MG,
https://youtube.com/c/minasgeraisrailways1



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/26 14:10 by pedrop.

The units are exactly as built by EMD.  Only major work was regaugeing by inserting a spacer in the center of the truck frame castings and removing fan rings and other stuff up top to meet the loading gauge.