Again looking back. ... "original" SD35's, as well as rebuilt SD35E and SD35R versions. Can someone tell me the differences in these units?? its the same with SD40's and all the different ones, and SD 45 etc... is there somewhere that lists all the differences in these models?? Some it maynot be much, but others it could be a complete rebuild......???
There really isn't a one line answer to this question. Recognising the differences between the various EMD products can be challenging till you have some experience at it. Books like "The Diesel Spotters guide" would be a big benefit to someone starting out. Real quick.. the quick spotting difference between an SD35 and an SD40 type locomotive is that the SD35 has a smaller 36" fan between two larger (48") fans on the radiator section. The SD40 type locos have three 48" fans on the radiator section. The SD45 has three 48" fans on the radiator section, but the radiator air intakes (the grills below the radiator fans) are angled out from bottom to top. The SD40 has vertical grills here. Of course, there are many other differences but these are a dead giveaway. -Dee,
While I don't know for sure the answer, I remember reading somewhere that the "E" and "R" have something to do with the ownership of the locomotive. Basically, SP units with "E" or "R" after the model name are complete rebuilds. Straining my memory, I believe that the "E" denoted Company ownership, while the "R" marked the unit ownership under a trust agreement (I could have this backwards). My guess is that this probably had to do with who funded the rebuilding of the unit (SP or the bank). Another answer I have heard is that "E" stands for a rebuild that has received all new electrical components in addition to a complete overhaul, while "R" means rebuilding using the original electrical system. As far as I know, all units with the "E" or "R" suffix were rebuilt by SP at Sacramento, with the exception of the 6300 GP35's that were rebuilt by CN. While I can't say that my answer is fact, it is the best recollection from my memory. [ 09 March 2001: Message edited by: Kevin Stevens ]
The "E" rebuilds were owned and rebuilt by Southern Pacific Equipment Co., and leased back to SP (or SSW). In January 1977, SPE was merged into SPTCo. After that time, all "R" rebuilds were owned and rebuilt by SP (or SSW). The story behind SPE and the way SP used it is compilcated. But in a nutshell (or at least as a byproduct), it was a way for SP to save on the outrageous taxes levied by California. In most cases, the differences between "E" and "R" rebuilds is trivial (I think). In the case of the SD35's, however, there is a significant difference. The SD35R's were rebuilt with non-turbocharged 2000 hp 567 prime movers, which amounts to basically an upgraded SD28 (yes, 28 not 38). Of course, this means that these locos now have the small exhaust stacks in front of and behind the dynamic brakes. I believe they also received paper air filters like those on the 38's. Check out http://espee.railfan.net/spsd35.html for more info. Dwight
