Didn't know about the tank variation. Got pix or a link? Also, my order shipped, minus the no-number SD35, which sold out prior to picking my order. I'll need two Atlas diesels to replace the TE of the LL one SR SD9 I sold. How about the LL GP18? What is the sub-lettering on those models? Do they have the "GP20" split-frame mechanism? If so, I'd need more than one of those to replace a LL "plastic frame with lead slugs" unit, too. Of course, there are the SD24s. What were the service dates for those?
I've found a wealth of SRR engine pictures at http://www.sourwy.railfan.net/2nd_generation_master_diesel_roster.htm. Some GP38s like the 2726 have normal tank sizes (the Altas model comes with the largest, but it's a very small difference). Most of them have the very small tanks, like 2815, and the shot of 2740 realy shows the "gap" between that tank and the front truck. Both engine numbers that Atlas has has the short tank. I plan on trying to replicate this myself, it's just that the BIG problem is that the motor and mounts of the Atlas GP38 sits very low in the chassis. I have some ideas of how I will go about this, and I've seen a couple of other people doing a similar tank modification on other engines. But I'm always on the lookout if others have done the modification, and how they turned out. ---jps
For many pics of short and long tanks on GP38s look at Chessie's thread in the Norfolk Southern forum.
The Southern GP38's were delivered with the small fuel tanks which were later replaced with the larger fuel tanks from their SD35's before they were traded or scrapped. Like Mike said, I have three different threads on GP38's (full of pictures) in the Norfolk Southern forum. Harold
I promised y'all an update, and it is high time I put up! The CofG SD35 was out of stock, but that e-seller has found some more, and I got me one ordered out of that "find of the day". I also ordered in a plain ol' Atlas Geep Seb'n, a 2100 series SR with no DB. I expect these two will arrive any day. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, (the Trainpark at McCormick Ranch, that is) I did some test running after my care package from Chulvis the Hot Rod arrived last Wednesday. Chuck had a great sale goin' on with Atlas locos, and I've added SD24 #6314 to my roster. So here is a side-on shot of her and ol' 202 gettin' aquainted while towing my track cleaner around the Sun'N'Sand layout in preparation for testing: Those Sonoran Sandstone "Red Rocks" make a poor stand in for Georgia clay, huh? The 202 is a 5-year old model with very high NTrak miles on it. 202 will crawl before the incandescent lights in the nose are lit. The 6314 needs more juice to light up her LEDs and get a roll on. Once crawlin', they run the same speed on analog DC throughout the usable speed range, which for me is 60 smph or less - usually a lot less, like between 15-30 smph drag speed. We only have one grade, and like to see them lug down like it is a hard pull. The 202 only drives 4 of the 6 axles, but is a heavy brute (all stock - no mods) and 202 is good for 42-45 cars unassisted. 6314 is broken in to the point where the black is all worn off the wheel treads, leaving them slicker'n snot. 20-22 cars is a "good" pull for her. Together, they will haul 58-60 cars without bucking, and neither loco slips. On level track, they will haul another 6 cars, but when they hit the .75% ruling grade on our red line, the SD24 breaks loose and slips. The problem is the heavy LifeLike keeps its feet under it even when the grade lugs it down to half speed. The slippery Atlas will not do that, dispite having 4 more wheels pulling (all 12 vs only 8 on the LL). As soon as that LL unit starts to lug down, the SD24 slips. Well, I have two other SD9s, so maybe I'll run them as 2 SD9's and an SD24. Then the SD24 is just for show, as the pair of SD9's are good for 70-75 cars without any help. Then too, there is that CofG SD35 and the SR GP7 coming - soon, I hope. Stay tuned, and I'll let you know how that all tarns out. Meanwhile, here is 6314 and 202 gettin' down and dirty on a long freight drag, at George's Gorge (should be "Georgia") on the Sun'N'Sand. I read a piece by an NS trainman who said he almost never had a train to pull that did not require every ounce of TE and all the skill and cunning he could muster to get over the line without a stall using the power they gave him. If I got that right, and he sees this, I bet it makes him squirm: Two SDs on 60 cars at the foot of a long grade, and only a 30 mph run at it. PS: while I really like the looks of that Atlas high hood GP38, I bought the GP7 instead. My new "cutoff" is supposed to be 1972, rolled back from 1982, so wouldn't a straight GP38 be pushing the era a little? [ September 19, 2005, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: LongTrain ]
