SDL 39

[keeper]

I know there are threads on TRW discussing the SDL 39. IIRC these threads are about kits/kitbashing and resin shells. Nothing wrong with that and the locos shown are fantastic.

I read somewhere that a the prototype SDL 39 was built by mainly using a GP 38 frame and shell and at first modified trucks with three axles and later SD40 style trucks.
So I was wondering if it is possible to make a SDL 39 by using existing parts, e.g. an Atlas GP 38 or GP 40 - modifying the tank - and Atlas SD 35 trucks.
Would that be quite near or miles away? What do you think?

Thomas

[mcjaco]

Paging Mr. Denton.  Would Mr. Denton please come to this thread asap.

[keeper]

Found the website:

http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/EMD_SDL39

Thomas

[skytop35]

I don't know about that web site as I might have a couple of nits to pick with them.

I have never heard of the original trucks being replaced. I checked all my Milwaukee Road diesel books and articles and could not find any reference to that. The trucks used were NOT SD40, GP35 or GP38 (they can't seem to decide on the web site) style trucks as they were a special export style truck with unequal axle spacing.

Also the site states they were built for use in large classification yards. Not true. They were built to run on weight restricted branchlines.

That IC unit on the web site is NOT an SDL39.

I also have not heard of the carbodies being rebuilt unless they mean the removal of the snow shields from the units that had them. They don't mention that these units were built in two batches with minor differences.

Frames extended? Not sure about this but I'm only familair with their history on the Milwaukee Road.

[wcfn100]

Soo line didn't purchase the Milwaukee Road until '85.

Very curious article.


Jason

[Dave Schneider]

For those who haven't seen it, here is Bill's SDL39 in all its N scale glory (on his equally cool module).



There were 10 SDL39s built, and I wonder whether that many have been accurately modeled in N. Bill's is the only one I have ever seen, but I don't get out much.

Best wishes, Dave

[Hornwrecker]

I got a call from Joey Uboats about the IC engine in the link: it's a former Columbus and Greenville SD28, with a small fuel tank and lightened up as much as possible.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=356958&nseq=1

[kc9jts]

The SDL39 trucks were replaced after they went to the RR in Chile or Brazil (wherever it is) and they became 4 axle locomotives.  Before that they still had the odd trucks.  I still remember watching them on the Wisconsin Central where they would be assigned to the local in my hometown.  The timetable had a note that "6 axle locomotives with the exception of SDL39" are prohibited on one of the industry spurs.  The usual engineer never put two and two together and would throw a fit anytime he get an SDL39 on the job as he never understood that it was listed as an exception for being allowed on that spur.  It would get quite comical at times.

Here is a picture of a SDL39 model (not mine) although it is in a fantasy paint scheme (picture 13): http://milwaukeeroadtrainshop.com/fantasy_pictures

NBT

[wcfn100]

A little digging and I see that article was written by a teenager.


Jason

[u18b]

That was indeed a pretty poor article.

number IC 9450 was an even rarer SD28.



The SD28 is normally aspirated-- the SDL39 is turbocharged.

[u36b]

Thomas. this might help:
http://www.axlw.de/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=18&s=6b1fcc31f54ac8385c77b3318005b3b8fcb93514

In German, sorry .
For short, he used an Atlas RSD underframe and trucks, replaced truck frames with SD parts, added a  GP35 frame and side sills and build the bodyshell from GP40 and GP38 hoods.

Stephan

[keeper]

In German, sorry .

Stephan

I am German... 

Thanks for the link.

Thomas

[Leggy]

I wouldn't bother using that locomotive.wikia site, I asked if they actually did fact checking and was promptly banned from being able to post in the comments sections. Pretty much everything there is foamer drivel with not a shred of actual information.

[skytop35]

Thomas. this might help:
http://www.axlw.de/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=18&s=6b1fcc31f54ac8385c77b3318005b3b8fcb93514

In German, sorry .
For short, he used an Atlas RSD underframe and trucks, replaced truck frames with SD parts, added a  GP35 frame and side sills and build the bodyshell from GP40 and GP38 hoods.

Stephan

There you go and that's how it's done. Great site and he did a fantastic job. Wow, almost makes me want to build another one...almost!

[wcfn100]

I wouldn't bother using that locomotive.wikia site, I asked if they actually did fact checking and was promptly banned from being able to post in the comments sections. Pretty much everything there is foamer drivel with not a shred of actual information.

The same person who wrote the article created the site.  He's 18.

Jason