Hello-Been a while but I survived the epidemic and am now about to start another HO diesel locomotive project. I have another Athearn Blue Box GP-35 and will do it as my favorite short line engine , a Housatonic Rail Road GP-35M. I need a little help on what needs to be done to convert my old HO Athearn GP-35 to an M model. I think the major issue is the number of fans on the roof and I think the exhausts were rearranged. Here is an image of my shell and an image of 3600.Thanks-John
4 things I can see from the picture: Remove the fans a put in two new quiet fans spaced properly. Remove the turbo exhaust stack and replace with two normal aspirated exhaust stacks. File down the inertial panel over the air intake filers and replace with the raised inertial air panel from Canon & Company. Add ditch lights. Something I can't see from the photo is what phase the model is, the number of door latches changed over time started with 7 went to 3 back to 7 and back to 3 over the life of the GP35. Also, a side view would show what style frame was used as this also changed with each phase. Rick Jesionowski
Here is what I can see: new fans (looks like a mix of different types - the forward radiator fan is different than the others) exhaust style (two stacks) modification to the dynamic brake blister (front taper cut off to add that angled rooftop box just ahead of it) the 'dust bin' is the angled/raised type seen on later locomotives and the -2 series. no round air tank on the sides of the fuel tank - replaced with a rectangular box appliance and piping (unknown purpose) electrical box behind cab on fireman side You will also need to add some details to the ends of the locomotive, like ditch lights, drop steps, and those deck-mounted MU cable plugs.
Thanks, I noticed the angled cuts on the dynamic brake blisters, I have ditch lights from my GP-35 build, bought extras. I also will buy the snow plows as I did on this HRRC GP35. John
The prototype is a later version with 7 latches on the engine room doors, but it has the later narrowed frame above the fuel tank. Also the unit is now a normally aspirated engine, you will need the paper air filter after the dust bin, but it is the later style with the angled sides. https://shop.cannonandco.net/product.sc?productId=88&categoryId=15 And this is the dustbin hatch you will need: https://shop.cannonandco.net/product.sc?productId=37&categoryId=7 Rick Jesionowski
BTW where do I find aspirated exhausts and what do they look like? I can maybe scratch build but all my photos are shadowy or blurred. Are they taller than the turbo stacks?-John
Rick-thanks much for the links, I placed my order and then some. Quick question, is this what aspirated non turbo exhausts stack looked like? Thanks again. John
Thanks, I finally got all the parts ordered and started removing fans and tanks not needed, puttying up nose lights and areas I hacked up. John
The forward radiator fan looks similar to the 48" fan found on early GP7/9s and newer F units used on the dynamic brake, Cannon & Co DF-1854.
I have the green painted and am starting the rails. I assemble the rails and stanchions, super glue the stanchions to the rails , let that set up then remove the rail-stanchion as a unit and paint then reattach and super glue to the body.