Union Pacific Centennial

[Anonymous]

A while back I think it was EMD that produced a limited # of 8 axle drive diesel locomotives. Do they still use them on the UP? Did anyone make a model of it? I think it'd be cool to have. I think it "may be" the biggest locomotive rostered since the Big Boy.[:)]

[dharmon]

I believe you're reffering to the DD-35s and DD-40s. Athearn makes a DD40 model in HO. Bachman used to make a wide cab version I believe. GE had the U50 also which I think was a B+B+B+B arrangement.

[Anonymous]

Mr. harmon is correct that the models you are referring to are the DD35 and DD40s. The Athearn model is an EMD proposed upgraded version of the DD35 that was never built. The Athearn Model is extreamly close but not 100% accurate to a DD35 and offers the UP painted versions in the correct #s for DD35s. The other roadnames are inaccurate as CB&Q never rostered any. There was no Demonstrator, and SP only had DD35Bs.

As for the DDA40X Centenial Locmotives. Those are made by Bachmann under the Spectrum Line. One is still used by Union Pacific as part of their "Heritage Fleet" and is usually stationed in Council Bluffs Iowa and is frequently dispatched on the point of Buisiness trains. The road number is 6936. To my knowledge there are still 15 in existance at varius museums and scrap yards. I know back about 1999 there was one for sale on some shortline near Omeha that had been using it as a source for parts. It was still in good strucural condition however, but needed an extensive rebuild if operation was desired. The only saving grace is that parts are very easy to come by as the are all standard EMD Dash-2 line componets.

[vsmith]

there is a ex-UP DD40 on display at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds along with a Big Boy and a UP 4-12-2 and a SF 4-6-2.

[Jacktal]

EMD built 47 DDA-40X which were all part of Union-Pacifics roster(6900 to 6946).All but one(6936) have either been donated to museums or scrapped.

Bachmann has produced DD40's in both HO and N(I own one of these)but lack of popularity has brought an end to production a few years ago.You may still be able to find one as I did,by ordering from a distributor as there may be some still sitting on shelves but if you unfortunately break it,there aren't any parts supplied for that model.

Mine runs fine and surprisingly can tackle very tight curves,though it looks weird at it however.I believe it's probably the biggest reason why it hasn't been popular....it doesn't look good on small layouts.On the other hand,like the prototype,it's a strong puller with it's two motors,8 axles and weight.

[Anonymous]

dont forget the Alco C855 !!!!!

:o)

[Anonymous]

I just bought one and it will only run on the 22 inch curves on my outside loop and don't dare take any turnouts butt is a nice engine. I read somewherethat DD40s were only made for UP