article on building a SD39L in SEpt. issue

[Allen Jenkins]

Lem'me see. SD, I do that, three-nine series, must'a been a Series 12V645 prime mover. L, light rail. Oh yea, Milwaukee Rd! What a bomb! This is the first I've heard of the disposition of the venerable SD39L, which was built on a short frame, and was remarkably lighter than comparable engines, and is a true replacement for the SD35. Seems lucky to be a railfan in the central & southern hemisphere's. The market for this unit, I believe, was usurpt by the mass collection of GP7's & GP9's, long-adored for the quick-response switching qualities. Another unit that I wished for to be added to the Florida phosphate transportation buss. I can't wait for life-like replicas of this one! Enjoy Your 12V! ACJ.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. I was looking into building one for my freelance line to replace the aging SD26's that were acquired in the Guilford take over.

[arbfbe]

Use the Cannon EMD 35 Line cab for the SDL39. The second order was built after -2 production had begun but the MILW elected to have these units built to match the earlier units they had.

If you link to the current issue on the MR homepage you can download the earlier MR article with plans for the unit.

While all of the MILW SDL39 units have gone to South America it is not too unreasonable to consider that some could have been sold to US shortlines instead. Maybe one of the shortlines was feeling flush with cash and tagged an order for their own SDL39s on to a MILW purchase. These units worked very well for the MILW and the WC on the branchlines they were purchased for and some heavier duty as well. GMD of Canada built several models of light duty branchline units for the CP, CN and NAR using GP9 with switcher Flexicoil trucks and stretched switchers with A-1-A trucks. The MILW SDL39s were conceived to replace RSC2s from ALCO with A-1-A trucks. If your shortline cannot afford to replace the rail and rebuild the bridges the SDL39 would be the appropriate option.

[Anonymous]

The article is really interesting. a couple questions though. what cab do you use? Also would it be prototypical to have an engine like this on a newer shortline that needs light weight power?

Anyone know if the author of the article has a screen name fort the forums?