There are numerous theories regarding the derailments... They were also prone to derailments when coupled up to a New York Central baggage car, the locomotive and that car usually didn't get along well.
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If the SDP40F's had the advanced radial trucks now commonly used, the publicity about the units would center on their remarkable engineering, design and performance. Great concept using a proven power plant, plagued by issues with a poorly designed truck - nice photo, Martin
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There is a lot to the SDP40F that was misunderstood, and not really explained. The big issue presented by the Railroads that suffered derailments tried to blame the hollow bolster bogies. But when a number went to the ATSF, they were used very reliably for many years! The big difference on the ATSF was the lack of water tank above the frame. So it leads one to think that perhaps physics had a bigger part to play in the problems experienced, and whether those problems would have appeared had the units been built from the start with head end supply like the MILW F40C's.
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