Folks, I have 2 SD60's, and 2 SD50's, and would like to re-shell the SD60's to D&RGW. (I'm not at home to compare them) Is the SD50 versus the SD60 shell identical? If not, how close are they? If they are close enough to identical (see 3-foot rule), I'll just repaint the SD60 shells in Rio Grande black and Gold... Otherwise, I need to order undec shells from Atlas *their online store has been down for some time...*
I think the only difference is in the location and door arrangements on the long hood. I think if your using the 3' rule you can repaint them. If youve never noticed the difference in the past between these models then there's probably not that big a difference right? However if you do repaint you will be banned from the "Rivet counters of America Union". Just curious, what are the current shells decorated in? Im guessing oakway sd60's?
Beauty, or in this case detail differences between the SD50 and SD60, are in the eye of the beholder. FWIW, I've never used the Atlas online store (it stinks ). The parts diagrams for most of their locos are listed here: http://www.atlasrr.com/nparts.htm The page also lists email and phone contact info.
according to the contemporary diesel spotters guide, the primary differnceof the 60 from the 50 is six latcheddoors and eight door panels below the radiator intakes
I bought two SD60s custom painted and detailed in DRGW from a guy who said that no one would buy them because they were not SD50s. Doesn't bother me. I think the doors in question are the last 3 or 4 on the long hood. Very minor. So why are the SD50 and SD60 different models anyway? Horsepower?
All the differences from a SD50 to a SD60 could be considered three foot rule stuff. Exhaust stack, radiator compartment door arrangement, prime mover compartment location, inertial air intake grill location, anticlimber, battery box doors. The Atlas models only differ by the radiator compartment door arrangement, anticlimber, and battery boxes. The Atlas SD50 also has a separation line on the sides of the prime mover access hatch that is not present on the SD60 (nor on a proto SD50)
