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BNSF rebuilding GP35s into GP39-3s

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  • Member since
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  • From: NW Wisconsin
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Posted by beaulieu on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:07 AM

Lyon_Wonder

 

mudchicken

Wonder how many 645's they can find to replace the 567 prime movers? There is plenty of work for these 4 axle middleweights.

This would be the 2nd rebuild of these locos.  ATSF did a major rebuild/overhaul of their GP30/35s in the early 1980s.  The work included simplifying the GP35's complicated electrical system though, IIRC, they also got 645 engine blocks.  What amazes me is that BNSF is retiring the former ATSF GP30s while keeping GP35s, which were only 2-3 years newer.  ATSF’s designation for these after the early 80s rebuild was GP30u and GP35u. 

 

The GP30 electrical cabinet is different size and shape from that in the GP35 ( taller and shallower) meaning they would require a customized layout at greater expense. That was enough to lower the ROI on modifying them. The ATSF rebuilds did not receive 645 blocks or power assemblies when rebuilt previously.

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Posted by Awesome! on Monday, January 5, 2009 5:44 AM

What is the horsepower on this units?

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Posted by Lyon_Wonder on Sunday, January 4, 2009 10:12 PM

 

mudchicken

Wonder how many 645's they can find to replace the 567 prime movers? There is plenty of work for these 4 axle middleweights.

This would be the 2nd rebuild of these locos.  ATSF did a major rebuild/overhaul of their GP30/35s in the early 1980s.  The work included simplifying the GP35's complicated electrical system though, IIRC, they also got 645 engine blocks.  What amazes me is that BNSF is retiring the former ATSF GP30s while keeping GP35s, which were only 2-3 years newer.  ATSF’s designation for these after the early 80s rebuild was GP30u and GP35u. 

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, January 4, 2009 10:01 PM

Wonder how many 645's they can find to replace the 567 prime movers? There is plenty of work for these 4 axle middleweights.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by carnej1 on Sunday, January 4, 2009 4:50 PM

I assume that these are very similiar to the BN GP39V/M rebuild program? But obv, microprocessor equipped as the -3 indicates...

"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock

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BNSF rebuilding GP35s into GP39-3s
Posted by Lyon_Wonder on Sunday, January 4, 2009 2:31 PM

BNSF is rebuilding some of their ex-ATSF GP35s into what it calls GP39-3s. It appears BNSF is assigning new numbers for these rebuilt locos too.  BNSF 2656 - ex BNSF 2593 - nee ATSF 2893 and ATSF 3393.

   

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