In the 1990s, I rode on the EMD F45/FP45 locomotives frequently as a conductor. The EMD F45 was the freight version of the EMD FP45. The EMD F45 was noticeably shorter than the EMD FP45 (67'-5 1/2" compared to the EMD FP45 which was 72'-4"), due to the lack of a steam generator section, which was located at the rear of the locomotive. The steam generators were later removed from the EMD FP45s when they were converted for freight service, and if I recall correctly, the steam generator was replaced with a large block of concrete to serve as ballast. The ride characteristics of the EMD F45/FP45 were outstanding at 60-70 MPH. The only problems I recall were the noise (account the cowl-carbody design) and the inability of the cab heaters to warm the cab comfortably in very cold weather. The EMD F45/FP45 locomotives had some of the most spacious cabs of the era. Thanks for sharing Dan.
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