Notice to TSBY fans!!!

[TrainNut85]

Just got word that all the GP35s will be gone soon. GLC is making a purchase on GP38-2s. So get a lot of pics while you can, cuz when they're gone, they're history!

[RailCanon]

Where did you hear this?

[Hogger1225]

Hmmm, selling all the 35's? I heard from an employee that they are just getting two 38's, nothing about getting rid of the 35's. Better tighten down the rumor mill.

[SD80MAC]

Good to hear they're getting a couple of GP38-2s and still keeping the GP35s. Those 38-2s will look sharp in GLC blue. Any of the GP35s going to get the new paint. A couple of them are starting to look pretty bad (will they EVER paint 2681?).

[AARR]

The new CEO said at the last AARRT&HA annual meeting that the 35's were tired and they would be looking for new power gradually, not all at once.

[OwlCaboose2853]

Why not they should be set up ex-AA GP-35 put in eBay for $0.99 start bid? I will bid item.

[GLC 392]

(will they EVER paint 2631?).

Jon it is the 2681

[MSchwiebert]

A few things not in their favor
1. Age - they are 40 + years old.
2. Electrical complexity - unless they were modified somewhere along the way, GP35's were some of the most electrically complex/troublesome units built.
3. Trucks - the "AAR Type B" trucks are viewed as "non-standard" and are particularly prone to damage in derailments.

I've heard though that the market for low HP 4 motor units is quite tight right now - and the prices that those units are fetching reflect it. If that is the case, it may strengthen the case for piecemeal replacement of the GP35's. Is there any weight restrictions that would prohibit the use of six axle units instead? If not, it may make better sense to go that route instead.

[GLC 392]

I dont know of wait restrictions except maybe the engine house tracks, and the Middleton line definitely can NOT take the weight of the engines. But one of the restriction on the line are some of the tight curves around Alma, and other places.

[BerkshireKid]

Weight might be an issue north of Cadillac on the line to Petsokey and T.C. The line out of Cadillac to Yuma can handle the weight seeing as how 1225 has traveled the line.

Middleton might be able to handle them as 6 axles spread the weight more than 4 axles does.

As for the curves 1225 goes through them just fine without issue and 1225 has 4 ridgid drivers.

[GLC 392]

true dane i asked some guys we know many mounths ago and the middleton line can not take the weight

[OwlCaboose2853]

I think that rail weighs are depending on axle’s trucks restriction.

[Railnut]

The middleton branch can take 6-axle power..as long as it isn't to heavy it'self (SD38's would work..and SD40's with their balast weight reduced). 6 axle units spread their weight out better than 4 axle units..thus is why the NAR got their 4 SD38-'s (now on CN)..light rail.
Some roads use 6 axle trucks..but have the wheel araingment set up as A-1-A, A-1-A..center truck of each axle is not powered (see EMD E units, GMDD GMD-1's, and EMD SDL39's).
The TSBY's GP35's work ok on that branch because of their weight..GP38's and GP40's would work as well..but GP50's and 60's would not.
If the TSBY could get their hands on those SDL39's..they would work nicely..they are not much more heavier than a GP38 (SDL39's ride on shorter frames as well) and use a light weight A-1-A truck..plus they are only 2300 HP.






Dave C

[GLC 392]

THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE MIDDLETON BRANCH IS ALREADY 5 TO 10 MPH I CANT REMEBER BUT EMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD BE WITH A SIX AXLE UNIT IT WOULD BE EVEN SLOWER.

[Paul W]

Anyone know where the 38's are coming from, heritage?

[J T]

As for the curves 1225 goes through them just fine without issue and 1225 has 4 ridgid drivers.

Are all 4 flanged? I thought I read somewhere that not all of the wheels on a steam loco are flanged, in order to allow them to take tighter curves than if all the wheels were flanged.

[GLC 392]

You are right JT not all the wheels on the steam engine are not flanged, well at least that is what i have been told by several people.

[trainjunkie47]

Looking forward to seeing the 38's

[Hogger1225]

Depends on the locomotive if all wheels are flanged (steam). 1225's are all flanged.

[OwlCaboose2853]

The middleton branch can take 6-axle power..as long as it isn't to heavy it'self (SD38's would work..and SD40's with their balast weight reduced). 6 axle units spread their weight out better than 4 axle units..thus is why the NAR got their 4 SD38-'s (now on CN)..light rail.
Some roads use 6 axle trucks..but have the wheel araingment set up as A-1-A, A-1-A..center truck of each axle is not powered (see EMD E units, GMDD GMD-1's, and EMD SDL39's).
The TSBY's GP35's work ok on that branch because of their weight..GP38's and GP40's would work as well..but GP50's and 60's would not.
If the TSBY could get their hands on those SDL39's..they would work nicely..they are not much more heavier than a GP38 (SDL39's ride on shorter frames as well) and use a light weight A-1-A truck..plus they are only 2300 HP.






Dave C

Dave C.
I fixed an image links for you.

Milwaukee Rd #584


Wisconsin Central #584