I am looking for information on the web about the ATSF rebuild programs of the GP30 and GP35. The “rebuild” of the CF-7 in Cleburne is so nicely documented and a book has written too. Is something similar available for the GP30/35?
I am interested in the LAJ that has currently two BNSF GP35u (2536, 2648) and and one BNSF GP30u (2447) in the rooster. An P2K ATSF GP30 and Kato ATSF GP35 are planned to be “rebuild”. I would like to have some background information.
I don’t recall any book devoted to these conversions, I believe I read recently that these units are on borrowed time with incentives and tax breaks to convert to Gensets. The GP35 was the final application of the venerable 567 power plant and in this appliaction they aquired a reputation for unreliabilty.
645 power assemblies would be an easy upgrade and quite common, filtration and wiring would be ungraded as well plus the addition of cab air conditioning, I believe the turbo assemblies and dynamic brakes were removed from some if not all of them as this was not required for transfer/local assignments. Unlike some roads, SF did not feel the need to completely modify the long or short hoods-to their credit.
Dave
The ATSF GP30 &GP35 units were rebuilt with new 645 power assemblies, new controls/wiring and D77 traction motors in the 80’s. All are rated at 2500 hp, and they retained their turbos. The original control system pushed the limits of DC technology. The remaining fleet usually is assigned to local service(outside of California). The genset engines are usually assigned to metro areas where air pollution regulations come into play. A few years ago I would have thought that gensets would be the GP38-2 replacement, The poor reliablility of gensets have left the door open for engines like the 710ECO re-power from EMD.
Jim