AM GP35 in Wisconsin Central

Wow, even I don't remember that one.  

Craig O'Connell's website (last updated in 2014,)  where I see a link to AM for it listed.

Your best bet would be to check with American Models directly.  The GP35's haven't been fast sellers, they probably still have some in stock.

What I can tell you is the GP35 is a pretty decent, basic model.  Handrails are Delrin or some such plastic, there are no grabirons, either molded or separate.  The body is in three pieces: main body, cab and dynamic brake (or non d/b, depending on roadname.)  Most, if not all have the "spring drive" meaning a spring is used to transmit power to the trucks instead of a set of universals and shafts.  It works, it's just funky.

These things were made in 1992, so they're not quite up to contemporary standards.  If you're interested in the overall detail level, here's a shot of when my two GP35's were primer-liners, prior to final painting:

There's only some slight modifications made: locations for grab irons are drilled out, lift rings added, air horns drilled out and a small MU receptacle added at each end of the locomotives.  Otherwise, they're straight AM shells.

Rusty

Well we will find out if it is really in stock, I placed an order for one online with AM and the order went through.  

The AM GP35 looks like it is the most unimpressive plain Jane model they have from a detail standpoint.  If the WC does deliver to me maybe there is something that could be added (grab irons and what not) to spiff it up some.  If I get it I will put up some pictures. 

Ben. 

Grab irons make a big difference, Ben.

I should've added coupler lift bars too, but after almost 20 years of sitting forlornly in their boxes, I just wanted to get them done.

Rusty

Those look great Rusty! I almost bought a couple GP35 locomotives in Conrail paint. After seeing yours, I wish I would have bought them and spruced them up.

                                               Adam

My WC arrived today, on the invoice there is a hand written note "found last one". 

I am happy i got it, it's a cool railroad that was near me and cool colors. I still see a lot of the WC box cars flying by on the rails.  I also have all of the WC cars that Des Plains makes. 

Some pictures. 

I will add some detail to it.  AM has a lot of nicely detailed models, this is not one of them.  Rusty did you buy the grab irons or make them? 

This loco will find TMCC, rail sounds and LED lighting in the nose.  Overall I'm happy with it, and it is kind of cool getting the "last one". 

Ben 

Ben, I used a stash of old Northeastern Scale Models S Scale grab irons I bought way back in 1985.

Someone else was making grab irons some years ago, but I can't think of their name.  I think you're going to have to form your own at this point.

Rusty

NOTINWI, who will do your TMCC and sound install?

Ed Goldin.  

http://www.goldinhands.com

I have been very happy with his work, I should add, last I was over at his place he had quite the back log of projects too. 

Ben. 

Ohhhh. Yes that who I'm think I'm gonna have do mine also. What kinda price range is it to do one of these conversions?,  if you don't mind me askin, Ben.

Actually,  Ed over there (goldinhands) just got back to me. Gives me a idea on price and wh as t can be done.  It should make for great edition no doubt about it.

I have a number of American Models diesel locomotives, including one GP9 and two GP35s. I have added LED directional lighting to all of them as well as numerous details including windshield wipers, grab irons, drop steps, air hoses, MU hoses, classification lights, and number boards. Most of the detail parts came from BTS (http://www.btsrr.com/btsdet01.htm). 

AM locomotives seem to run forever; and if anything ever goes awry, they are easy to repair with parts almost always available. The early AM models--FP7s, GP7/9, GP35, FA/B, PA/B--were simple enough for kids to play with but accurate enough to provide a terrific base for modelers to begin to work on to create locomotives that could challenge brass, but at a much lower cost. Later models such as the E8s, SD60s, and RS-11s have much more detail applied by American Models.  I have found all of them to be the most reliable runners I have.

tokelly

Thanks for the resource, I will check it out.  Any chance of getting a picture or two of your work on one of your GP35s?

Ben

These are examples of American Models' offerings from some early years of basic locomotives to the latest RS-11 offered this year. Although all of them run extremely well, only the RS-11 leaves a modeler "frustrated" by being about as complete as possible, even including MU hoses. It needed only windshield wipers. As for the earlier models, BTS supplied almost all of the details I needed to get them to look realistic. The GP9, GP35, and RS-3 all have directional LEDs replacing the original headlights.

Nice to see some other pictures coming out of the woodwork because of this thread. 

Rusty

I agree. Some good looking units there

TOKELLY

Fantastic job!  Can you please contact me off list, my email is in my profile.  I have a question for you.  I can not figure out how to send you a message/see your profile from my IPhone on this new forum format. 

Thanks

Ben

Rusty Traque posted:

Ben, I used a stash of old Northeastern Scale Models S Scale grab irons I bought way back in 1985.

Someone else was making grab irons some years ago, but I can't think of their name.  I think you're going to have to form your own at this point.

Rusty

FOUND THEM!

Tichy Train Group has S scale grabirons.

Rusty