I know BNSF still has some in rebuilt forms, but when did most Class 1 systems give GP35s the boot. I would think 1980s-1990s? I really like GP35s and want to have a few on my shortline. My era is modern, but my fictitious railroad began operations in 1981 and introduced a new paint scheme in the late 90s (say 1998)....I need to decide if most of the 35s would be in the old scheme or new one.
Dakota
How about some of both?
Probably be the most logical thing to do, since I'm probably gonna have 3 or so.
The GP35 was in production for less than 2 years, and was replaced with the GP40 model in 1966.
As you guessed, the GP35 started seeing retirement in the 80's. Initially, it was not popular on the used market due to the need for turbocharger maintenance. Several rebuilders pulled the turbocharger and replaced it with Roots blowers. This resulted in a 2000 hp engine. As short lines got up to speed with turbo maintenance, the GP35 started showing up on regional and short lines.
BTW, those BN/BNSF 'GP39' rebuilds have 645 power assemblies replacing the original 567 ones, and an all new modular electrical system. They are rated at 2250 hp...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
As JBernier has suggested, the GP35 was not favored a lot by the Class 1s after a few years and were removed from their rosters quicker than other types of diesels. Many running the rails today have had their turbos removed and rebuilt to GP38-ish standards.
I don't know what your definition of "modern" is....2016 or sometime before that.
There are a few original turboed GP35s running the rails into the 2000s on various shortlines, so I would think your idea is plausible.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3452956
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=252030
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=339654
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=970388
- Douglas
Thanks guys. How would one model a GP35 that's been derated as you've mentioned? Are there any external modifications or are they essentially visually identical to an original GP35?
If it has been de-turbo'd, the large rectangular exhaust behind the cab is gone and two small non-turbo exhaust stacks(one on each side of the D/B fan) are added. The BN units really have few external modifications...
Search RRpicture Archives for GP35r or GP35m or GP35e for pics of derated 35's
Remove the single turbo exhaust stack that's forward of the dynamic brake fan and replace it with a paper airfilter box. Details West part #AF-370. You'll need to cut away part of the dynamic brake bulge in order to accomodate the filter hatch door.
Then glue on regular EMC exhaust stacks fore and aft of the fan. Detail Associates Part #2402.
If you're lucky enough to have a model of a GP35 without dynamic brakes, or can locate a non-dynamic brake hatch for your model, its easier to install the paper filter.
Thanks guys, I appreciate it. One last set of questions....why did the big railroads not care much for the GP35, and did those who bought the SD35 have the same negative feelings?
I think the EMD Prime Mover was stretched to its hp limits with the way it was turbocharged, and the electrical system was supposedly complicated. That's what I read.
The GP38-2 was introduced with upgraded and simpler electrical components, so when railroads upgraded the 35 to 38-2 standards, it usually means they swapped out the electrical system, as well as derated the prime mover. I'm pretty sure that's what BN did and why their GP35s (technically not 35s anymore) lasted on the roster so long.
Makes good sense to me. Thanks again
I have found that i like the gp-35 best out of all locomotives. Not to big, not to small, just the right size. Also helps the railroad that i model had alot of them. The gp-30 on the otjher hand, barf.
Modeling on the cheap
The GP35 was in production for two and half years. After the two demonstrators were built in July 1963, regular production commenced in October. EMD concluded GP35 production in December 1965. GMD production started in May 1964 and ended in January 1966. Overall time between earliest and latest GP35s was 30 months. The GP40 started production in November 1965.
jrbernier The GP35 was in production for less than 2 years, and was replaced with the GP40 model in 1966. As you guessed, the GP35 started seeing retirement in the 80's. Initially, it was not popular on the used market due to the need for turbocharger maintenance. Several rebuilders pulled the turbocharger and replaced it with Roots blowers. This resulted in a 2000 hp engine. As short lines got up to speed with turbo maintenance, the GP35 started showing up on regional and short lines. BTW, those BN/BNSF 'GP39' rebuilds have 645 power assemblies replacing the original 567 ones, and an all new modular electrical system. They are rated at 2250 hp... Jim
jrbernierAs you guessed, the GP35 started seeing retirement in the 80's. Initially, it was not popular on the used market due to the need for turbocharger maintenance.
As a side note W&LE(new) uses exSouthern GP35s that rides on traded in Alco/GE trucks. There's still tons of GP35s being used on smaller short lines some may not have been rebuilt.
I do agree that the number of surviving GP35s are twiddling..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
fourt I have found that i like the gp-35 best out of all locomotives. Not to big, not to small, just the right size. Also helps the railroad that i model had alot of them. The gp-30 on the otjher hand, barf.
Now that I think of it, I haven't seen that many GP30s on the shortlines that I've personally seen.
As time marches on, I've been seeing and reading about some of the slightly newer stuff trickling down to the shortline scene. Seems to be lots of SD40-2s working them now. I've even seen pics of GP50s and SD50s being used. That's probably quite a change to those who got by with first generation Geeps and Alcos for so many years.
I think the wheeling is one of the last holdouts for high hood GP35 units. I can't think of anywhere else that uses gp35s outside of maybe a yard duty service.
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
Jmmy,There are still dozens of GP30s plying their trade on short line but,the majority will be GP30Ms.
There are still turbocharged GP30s and GP35s running around out there. There's a GP30 at Alpena, SD, and another one a few hours away at an elevator in MN.And in the late 80s/early 90s, both the Wisconsin Central and Fox River Valley were full of F units, GP30s, and GP35s, ex SOO in the case of WC and ex CNW for FVR. They were not repainted, the large SOO was just painted over for WC and the CNW metal herald plate removed for FRV.So use all the GP30s and GP35s you like.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Bayfield Transfer Railway There are still turbocharged GP30s and GP35s running around out there. There's a GP30 at Alpena, SD, and another one a few hours away at an elevator in MN.And in the late 80s/early 90s, both the Wisconsin Central and Fox River Valley were full of F units, GP30s, and GP35s, ex SOO in the case of WC and ex CNW for FVR. They were not repainted, the large SOO was just painted over for WC and the CNW metal herald plate removed for FRV.So use all the GP30s and GP35s you like.
Would've been a great sight to see!