I decided to first see if I couldnt make some fixes to the trucks. I added brass washers to the outside of the axles to make better contact with the brass strip. Added a little dielectric grease for good measure. Didnt help. Did what I could to make them track better.
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
I found this drawing of a Chilean Railways SDL39, with axle spacing measurements consistent with the info that M636C and Soo Line Fan have noted:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7213/7399745306_2c975cb142_b.jpg
NVSRR Is the BLI RSD15 truck axle spacing similar to SDL39? Or the atlas RSD4/5. I have three SDL39s. And i need to rebuild the trucks. First thought was see if i could find a starting point.
Is the BLI RSD15 truck axle spacing similar to SDL39? Or the atlas RSD4/5. I have three SDL39s. And i need to rebuild the trucks. First thought was see if i could find a starting point.
The September 1990 MR has a scale drawing of the SDL 39 on page 86.
Looks like 5' 6 1/2'' on the short side and 6' 7 1/2" on the longer one.
Jim
M636CI've found a small reproduction of the EMD truck drawing (described as a "GC", not a "GLC"). It shows the axle spacing as 66-1/2" +78-1/2" (as best I can read it) but then shows the wheelbase as 12' 2" so there's something not consistent. Maybe it is 79-1/2" on the long end... The dimension line goes through the middle of the figures making the "8" or "9" hard to read. This is definitely the truck used in the SDL 39, the AJ16C (421 class) and G8C (49 class - modelled by Trainorama but awaiting a re-run).
Excellent! Within a inch or three is close enough in my book, as that shouldn't throw off things like truck-to-truck wheelbase, clearance to the fuel tank and pilot, etc once installed.
And for the OP and others needing a change, they should be quite suitable.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Thanks for the heads up. I will definitly have to look. An older version might be able to get just parts. As long as they physically fit the SDL39s. I have
mlehman Oooh, those Auscision Class 48s are sweet: http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/830%20Class%20Locomotive.htm Too bad they're only doing standard gauge or I'd be checking the exchange rate. Those 421s look great, too, but my Kaslo SDL39 burbles along quite nicely. Those do look like the correct trucks under the 421. You say they measure up, too? That would be helpful to those wanting to change things up.
Oooh, those Auscision Class 48s are sweet: http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/830%20Class%20Locomotive.htm
Too bad they're only doing standard gauge or I'd be checking the exchange rate.
Those 421s look great, too, but my Kaslo SDL39 burbles along quite nicely. Those do look like the correct trucks under the 421. You say they measure up, too? That would be helpful to those wanting to change things up.
I've found a small reproduction of the EMD truck drawing (described as a "GC", not a "GLC"). It shows the axle spacing as 66-1/2" +78-1/2" (as best I can read it) but then shows the wheelbase as 12' 2" so there's something not consistent. Maybe it is 79-1/2" on the long end... The dimension line goes through the middle of the figures making the "8" or "9" hard to read.
This is definitely the truck used in the SDL 39, the AJ16C (421 class) and G8C (49 class - modelled by Trainorama but awaiting a re-run).
Trucks that look similar but which have a longer wheelbase (13' 2") are used on the A class, B class and X class made by Auscision.
There was an older model by Austrains of the 421 which might appear on Ebay from time to time. These were not as good in body detail but had the correct trucks with a good motor and drive. I haven't upgraded to the Auscision and have two Austrains 421s.
Peter
M636C The biggest problem is whether you would want to take one of these neat little streamliners apart just to get an SDL39... Peter
The biggest problem is whether you would want to take one of these neat little streamliners apart just to get an SDL39...
That's easily taken care of by getting a couple of extras and leaving them alone. That's what I recommend, anyway.
Yup, right cute little felers.
Ed
There has been a rash of HO DL531s appearing in Australia...
Powerline have released a model with a contemporary truck design (a couple of years ago now).
Trainorama, from Bob's Hobbies have a very similar version and Auscision are still to release a third version.
These are now selling for around AUD200 =$150
Much more significantly, Auscision have some NSW 421 class still available:
http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/421%20Class%20Locomotive.htm
These are one of two standard gauge classes to use the GLC truck.
So for AUD295 (say $221) you can get a complete loco fitted with the correct trucks for an SDL39. Auscision have a very good reputation, and are regarded as the best Australian producer in HO.
Auscision might offer the trucks separately, it might be worth at least asking them.
M636CThe EMD standard export truck model GLC has a 12' 2" wheelbase. The Alco Trimount (both Domestic and Export) has a 12' 6" wheelbase (although there is a lighter version with a 12' 0" wheelbase on the DL531). I don't know the axle spacing, sadly.... M636C
Yeah, I wasn't sure about what all might be available internationally, but export diesel models are a bit scarce in North America. But you're right, worth considering.
However, what I do know is that the Alco Trimount is probably not going to help if looking for a match. The axle spacing is wrong. I don't have any of the 12'6" ones around but maybe some else can check?
I do happen to have a DL531.
It's a Powerline shell and truck sideframes on a HOn3 K&M Engineering Pty chassis. The overall wheelbase is 12'3", but there may have been some fudging for fit going on. What the sticker is that the axle to axle spacing is 7' and 5'3". That's visually enough different it probably won't work on close inspection, but if everything's painted black and weathered it may be OK.
mlehman Yeah, those trucks have issues. Got mine to run as well as I could, but then found that taking that gear cover off made things much better all by itself. Leaves things open to scoop up cruff, so try to keep things clean if you can. IIRC, the truck spacing is unique to the SDL39 in domestic diesels. The scale rule and my wavering eye scale the axle centers out to 6'3" and 5'6" - roughly.
Yeah, those trucks have issues. Got mine to run as well as I could, but then found that taking that gear cover off made things much better all by itself. Leaves things open to scoop up cruff, so try to keep things clean if you can.
IIRC, the truck spacing is unique to the SDL39 in domestic diesels.
The scale rule and my wavering eye scale the axle centers out to 6'3" and 5'6" - roughly.
The EMD standard export truck model GLC has a 12' 2" wheelbase.
The Alco Trimount (both Domestic and Export) has a 12' 6" wheelbase (although there is a lighter version with a 12' 0" wheelbase on the DL531).
I don't know the axle spacing, sadly....
M636C
I have the Kaslo shops ones. Which are nicely done except the trucks dont float well. I will have to see which would work better. Most likely modification will be needed. I wont rule out scratch building them if the modifications are such an extent that scratch building would be easier.
The Alco Tri-Mount trucks under the BLI or Atlas models are about as close as you are going to get. What SDL39's do you have. The brass ones are correct and run fine. I suspect you are talking about the Kaslo Shops models?
Slicing and dicing the body out of existing Atlas SD39 shells is possible, but the oddball 'export' trucks are the hard part.
There have been rumors about Fox Valley doing the SDL36. When I talked to them at Trainfest, they just smiled...
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin