In other words, If I took an Atlas GP35 and put six axle trucks under it, would it be an SD35? Is there some difference in the hood configurations or frame length? Thanks.
The short answer is no, they are not the same. The dynamic section is two fans on the SD, one on the GP The SD is 4ft longer
The Frame is longer as is the hood. 60 ft 8½ in for the SD35. If nothign else, the SD35 has dual DB fans like the SD40 (and SD9 and all SDs) versus the single for the GP35.
Atlas made an SD35 in both HO and N. It was released a couple different times The original original SD35 in HO was a ROCO shell which meant nice motor, horrible frame casting and not so hot shell detail, but that was the 80s, the more recent HO and N stuff is very nice.
The DD35s are two GP hoods sandwiched together. As far as the DD35As, the radiators are flared but the fans are the same.
Dual DB fans. Why didn't I think of that? That is the biggest difference. I guess the axle loading on the SD35 is lower, too. Easier on the rails. Thanks for this help.
My favorite N scale loco is my Atlas N&W sd35. I managed to get it new for around 35 dollars. There is just something about those six wheel trucks that makes them look very cool. Thanks for this discussion. Maybe more info will show up.
Another things besides not being right is that SD35 trucks don't fit the GP35. The SD ones use the Kato style towers with plastic "walls" either side of the top of the gear tower, whereas the GP ones are the more rounded towers used by most of Atlas' diesels. Simon
