GP-35M information needed

JonEMDfan Aug 22, 2021

  1. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Hello-Been a while but I survived the epidemic and am now about to start another HO diesel locomotive project. I have another Athearn Blue Box GP-35 and will do it as my favorite short line engine , a Housatonic Rail Road GP-35M. I need a little help on what needs to be done to convert my old HO Athearn GP-35 to an M model. I think the major issue is the number of fans on the roof and I think the exhausts were rearranged. Here is an image of my shell and an image of 3600.Thanks-John
     

    Attached Files:

  2. dti406

    dti406 TrainBoard Member

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    4 things I can see from the picture:

    Remove the fans a put in two new quiet fans spaced properly.
    Remove the turbo exhaust stack and replace with two normal aspirated exhaust stacks.
    File down the inertial panel over the air intake filers and replace with the raised inertial air panel from Canon & Company.
    Add ditch lights.

    Something I can't see from the photo is what phase the model is, the number of door latches changed over time started with 7 went to 3 back to 7 and back to 3 over the life of the GP35.
    Also, a side view would show what style frame was used as this also changed with each phase.

    Rick Jesionowski
     
  3. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Rick thanks for the great information. Does this side view and alternate top view help? -John
     

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  4. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Basically what I see is there are 3 fans and 2 rectangular exhaust stacks on the top. -John
     
  5. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    Here is what I can see:

    new fans (looks like a mix of different types - the forward radiator fan is different than the others)
    exhaust style (two stacks)
    modification to the dynamic brake blister (front taper cut off to add that angled rooftop box just ahead of it)
    the 'dust bin' is the angled/raised type seen on later locomotives and the -2 series.
    no round air tank on the sides of the fuel tank - replaced with a rectangular box appliance and piping (unknown purpose)
    electrical box behind cab on fireman side

    You will also need to add some details to the ends of the locomotive, like ditch lights, drop steps, and those deck-mounted MU cable plugs.
     
  6. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, I noticed the angled cuts on the dynamic brake blisters, I have ditch lights from my GP-35 build, bought extras. I also will buy the snow plows as I did on this HRRC GP35. John
    3604 2.JPG 3604 7.JPG
     
  7. dti406

    dti406 TrainBoard Member

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  8. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the links, found some items at Detail West and TMR but not all I need. -John
     
  9. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    BTW where do I find aspirated exhausts and what do they look like? I can maybe scratch build but all my photos are shadowy or blurred. Are they taller than the turbo stacks?-John
     
  10. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Rick-thanks much for the links, I placed my order and then some. Quick question, is this what aspirated non turbo exhausts stack looked like? Thanks again. John
     

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  11. dti406

    dti406 TrainBoard Member

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    Try Details Associates #EX2402

    Rick Jesionowski
     
  12. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, I finally got all the parts ordered and started removing fans and tanks not needed, puttying up nose lights and areas I hacked up. John
     

    Attached Files:

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  13. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    My after market parts. John
     

    Attached Files:

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  14. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    Next I added the after market parts. John
     

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  15. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    All primed and ready for livery scheme colors.
     

    Attached Files:

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  16. BnOEngrRick

    BnOEngrRick TrainBoard Member

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    The forward radiator fan looks similar to the 48" fan found on early GP7/9s and newer F units used on the dynamic brake, Cannon & Co DF-1854.
     
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  17. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    I'm sure as it is a small outfit it is a "Rube Goldberg" design.First color sprayed on. John

    GP35M 23.JPG GP35M 24.JPG
     
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  18. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    I have the green painted and am starting the rails. I assemble the rails and stanchions, super glue the stanchions to the rails , let that set up then remove the rail-stanchion as a unit and paint then reattach and super glue to the body. GP35M 22.jpg
     
  19. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    The rails are assembled and ready to paint. GP35M 23.jpg
     
  20. JonEMDfan

    JonEMDfan TrainBoard Member

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    The rails are on. Now to start the decals.
    GP35M 24.jpg
     
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