what are the 4 rectangular shaped(with small holes) pieces for, that came with my new MTH scale wheels GP35 )

Body mount scale couplers IIRC.....

Dave,

I've already installed Kadee couplers; these small pieces look like step platforms, with drainage holes; they're painted orange, for my P&WV 35.

Rick

Those are the pilot steps. Santa Fe and other roads took them off as they didn't want trainmen standing on the pilots of moving equipment.

Thanks Matt, I got the Santa Fe version, too. I really like these new 3.0 GP35's

I like that MTH went with red front marker lights, on the Santa Fe model; first time I've seen that.

I don't think I'll install the step platforms.

Rick

Eventually, after a certain (year, but I don't remember which one) grace period, the FRA required all railroads to remove those steps, just like the roof walks.

There's probably some history... to support getting rid of the platforms.

Rick

Someone had posted an old Santa Fe safety video on YouTube. In the video they mentioned where NOT to ride on a freight car -- i.e., the ladders on the car ends. The rationale was pretty obviously that when the car coupled you could get knocked off and fall between two moving cars. I figure the same rationale applied to locomotives and the FRA finally stepped in and said take them off.

I think there must have been some real horror stories...

I'm all for prudent action(s).

Rick

In the summer of 73, I started on the night shift, at CP Rail's Revelstoke yard, checking out trains coming and going through the mountain pass...

The guy leading our crew, decided to take a short cut, between a stopped, long freight; and, just as he started to lead us between some cars, a loud bang... and then, the train started to move. Our leader was jolted pretty good, and was lucky he didn't fall onto the tracks...

Rick

The proper term is "Footboard". Long banned in the US.

CN_Hogger

An older Atlas SD 35  Note the step to the front of the pilot.  I would think the steps interfer with mounting the small snow plows seen on the front of many units.  

I was thinking the same thing, Mike. I'd rather have the plow.

Rick