GP-35 SOU truck replacement

I am building a couple HH GP-35 for SOU from the Atlas current run.
One of my units requires trucks from a Alco RS-3 to be proto, as Southern used traded in Alco RS-2 & 3 trucks for almost the entire fleet. Only a few from COG & 2 new units came with bloomberg trucks.
I am pretty much a novice at this type of kit-bashing.
What is needed to change the trucks?
Can it even be done with heavy change of the gearing?
Currently that is above my skill level.
I have a old Atlas GP-38 I am trying to learn how to take apart & reassemble the motor and gearing which I find I am having a hard time with the little parts. Until I can do this I am not going to attempt to take apart a good loco. Though I have replaced trucks on several units with the same type and have had no problem with this.
Also is the Atlas GP-35 using the same frame as the GP-38 ?

I can live without the change to Alco trucks but if it was fairly easy I would like to give it a try.

Thanks very much for any help,

~Mike

 

Should be fairly easy, as Atlas themselves did this for MILW GP30s which rode on traded in trucks:



I think all you need to do is swap the sideframes. Atlas parts can tell you what you need.

HTH

 

All you have to do is swap the whole truck. I have already done this to one unit. I don't remember what the part number is for the trucks. Atlas Part dept should be able to help you out.

 

Thanks guys.
I have a older Atlas RS-3 from the 1980's that I don't use. I am wondering if those trucks would work or maybe due to age they wouldn't be any good compared to more modern RS units atlas is making.

I will write Atlas to find the part # for both suggestions. I didn't know if the trucks would be lined up with the gears.

Take Care,

Mike

 

In the very first RS3/RSD4/5, there was a different electrical pickup system. The early trucks judt rubbed along the bottom of the frame half for electrical contact. The newer trucks have the conventional copper tab at the center top on each side of the truck frame. You need the newer type, I think. I can't post pictures, but maybe someone else can or clarify.