Legacy DD35A

I've got the NYC version, and it is a great locomotive, I'm really happy with it. With care, it will even run on O-36 curves, but it does look rather strange doing that. 

I have a Up version and its is a great loco.  Its a bit big for me but I run it once in a while. 

I just wish that Lionel made a cabless booster unit version of this locomotive so that at least I could have an accurate Southern Pacific version.  I'd buy one of those in a heartbeat.

THAT'S an excellent suggestion. Has anybody bothered to inform Lionel that, if they offered the original DD35, they could then have the GP35 - DD35 - DD35 - GP35 EMD demonstrator set???? Plus, Union Pacific consists of GP35 - DD35 - DD35 - GP35 consists!

 

Apparently the thought of selling TWICE AS MUCH PRODUCT to those folks who model the UP, or who would desire a 1963/1964 era EMD demonstrator, hasn't dawned on them.

I would buy a DD35B in a heartbeat as well. I am scratch building one as we speak. Have the chassis done just trying to find two GP35 shells.

The EMD DD35A Demo would be fantastic!

 

Regards,

Swafford

 

I have run my UP GP35 and 2 DD35a units in a MU consist and it was amazing. I have attached a couple of pics with one GP35 and one DD35a running on my layout.

 

Or maybe it has dawned on them , but those are 2 very specific roadnames combined with a significant additonal monetary outlay required vs. just buying one DD35.  How many people do you estimate would go for the combinations you suggest?  100, maybe 1000?  or maybe 20?  I have no idea, but I'm guessing it's closer to 20 to 100 interested parties than it is to 1000 interested parties.

 

-Dave

Since they have already released this engine in fantasy paint schemes anyway (UP and SP were the only ones that had DD35s and only 30 were made, including the booster units) then I'd say the prototype-specific argument is moot at best.

 

If they made the tooling modular then it's a no-brainer.

 

Release the DD35B in those same fantasy paint schemes (Pennsy, MILW) then there will always be those that buy them, and that would help finance getting them made in the correct SP paint scheme too.

ddgoose, For the GP35 shells, have you considered using the parts produced by AtlasO?

Good Day,

I agree with John.

 

Offer the DD35B unit in Southern Pacific and Union Pacific then present the DD35A and DD35B in fantasy color schemes.   

 

I enjoy the fantasy color schemes but I like accurate prototypical color schemes too!

 

Regards,

Swafford

 

 

ChessieFan72 I have considered Atlas but they do not show the GP35 on the spate parts lists. I will figure out something just like I did for my DD40B

Here is the EMD DD35B Demo...........

 

Regards,

Swafford

 

Please note that the CORRECT name of that locomotive model is DD35.  There was NO "B" in the model name. When the whole concept was developed for the UP, the DD35 was supposed to be just a "block of 5000HP" to be used in conjunction with any "GP" units.

 

Subsequently, when the UP wanted additional DD units with cabs on the front, the "A" had to be added, thus the "DD35A" came to life.

 

Before anyone asks the next question, "Then why doesn't the 'DDA40X' have the 'A' on the end, also?". That is because the "40 Series" model line was out by that time, and the "DDA40" would be a whole new model. Plus, the "DDA40X" was going to be the "experimental test bed" for the modular electronics control system, which was being planned for the even newer "40 dash 2" model line, due to come out in 1972. Thus the 1969 "new model "DD" for the Union Pacific, was named "DDA40X" (the X obviously for experimental), and the first one (#6900) was delivered in time for the 100th anniversary of the driving of the gold spike (May 10, 1969).

No such thing as a "DD40B". 

My Lionel PRR DD35 sees a lot of track time.  An awsome looking engine.  I added cab awnings.  It looked so bare without them.

Hot Water- thanks for the great info here. Always glad to know the facts--

You mean your "Lionel PRR DD35A", right?

This brings back memories of Athearn's HO "DD40" for which there was no prototype either.

 

 

Bob

Glad you brought that up.  It seems that "somehow", Irv Athearn got a copy of the internal EMD Engineering Department's general arrangement drawing for a "PROPOSED" DDA40 for early design discussions/meetings with UP Mechanical Dept. executives. Without any conformations with EMD Public Relations Dept., Athearn proceeded full speed ahead with THEIR new "DD model"!

 

Oh well!

Hot Wate,

 

I know EMD never made a DD40B but i did

Pretty nice!  But, shouldn't that really be a "DDB40X" model?

Hot Water you are correct. On a side note sorry for forgetting the r in your screen name

I honestly don't much care what you call me, as long as you call me for meals and adult beverages!

Here is my DDA40X fantasy color scheme line-up..................

 

Regards,

Swafford

 

 Drawing by Michael Eby          Modified and Painted by Frank Swafford

What kills me about this is both manufacturers MTH and Lionel have the running gear but can not make the cables units

MTH didn't make the DD35, they made the DD40, and EMD never made booster ("B") versions of the DD40 as another poster pointed out previously.

 

The two locomotives only possess a passing resemblance.  Apart from the difference between the two cab styles, the DD40ax was longer than the DD35 (98' 5" vs. 87' 11") and the wheelbases and trucks are different amongst other cosmetic differences, so the platforms would not be interchangeable.

Now John, you of all people should know the proper model designation for the UP 6900 class "Centennial" is NOT "DD40ax"!    

 

How about the correct DDA40X, in the right order with all capital letters?

I know Hot Water, some habits are hard to break. 

But Lionel could have made a cabless unit the trucks and tanks are the same. At least it wouldn't take much. Either way I am happy with my DDB40X and the best part is it is tethered to my DDA40X do four motors with a lot of pulling power.

ddgoose69

          Great looking unit!

 

Gunny

I agree and will take it in Blue too!

 

This brings back memories of Athearn's HO "DD40" for which there was no prototype either.

 

I wouldn't bee too sure of that. Maybe HOtwater can "clear the Mystique":

 

 

 

 

 

Did you not read what I posted above to that question?