Does any railroad still have SD-35s on the roster? If not, then when was the last one in service and why aren't they still in use?
As far as Class 1 systems go, I can't think of any "pure" SD35's still in active service. The last ones to run, AFAIK, were SP's rebuilt SD35's that were assigned to work at their West Colton, CA, classification yard. IIRC, they were retired by UP a little over a year ago. BN(SF) currently operates some former SOU, WM, and L&N SD35's, but they are heavily rebuilt, and are essentially SD38-2's (they're classed as SD38P). They're mainly used in hump and transfer duty, teamed with TEBC6 slugs. Why SD35's fell out of favor with many roads is open to interpretation. One reason I've heard a lot is because of chronic electrical problems in the 35-series units, as well as problems with the prime mover. Supposedly, the prime mover and electrical systems were pushed to their limits with the 35-line, and a driving reason EMD developed the 40-series units and 645 prime mover. Of course, all of this is railfan/modeler talk; maybe there are some RR employees here that can give us a more thorough answer.
Now I'm gonna have to go through my 97-98 BNSF motive Power book and look for them. I don't remember any mention of them being rebuilt SD-35s. The reason I ask is that a couple years ago, in a fit of purchasing fever I bought one in HO and Now I'm trying to see if it's at least reasonably prototypical to have one. This is a freelanced Railroad, but I like things to make a certain amount of sense.
Montana Rail Link had at least four on their roster. I believe that they are all still active. Would need to check further. BoxcabE50
SCORE!! Thanks for the MRL hint. I found a very useful website http://www.harbornet.com/folks/dougsdepot/mrl703rbld.html Couldn't ask for more.
CSX had them up until a few years ago, although most were SDP35 variants (P stood for "passenger" steam generators; most long since removed). CSX also rostered some ex-Chessie System rebuilt SD35's that were classified as SD20-2's; I don't know how many (if any) still exist. Harold
I have a few SD35 photos on my website on the CSX and Seaboard SYstem pages... (shameless plug ) Harold
Here's a little more on those at MRL. I checked today. The story goes as follows: There were originally 5. Numbered 701-705. 704 went back to the seller in a short time, as it was already pretty well worn out when delivered to MRL. 701, 702, 705 are ex-N&W. 703 is ex-C&O. 701, 703 stored unserviceable in Livingston b/o main generators. 702, 705 active. Assigned to Billings. Hope this is of some interest? BoxcabE50 [ 13 June 2002, 02:05: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
Doesn't the Wheeling & Lake Erie have any SD35s? The only pics I have of this beast are N&W high-nose SD35s on UP freights rolling thru Topeka, KS in the 1980s.
