engine model detail parts interchangeability/standardization

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Kind of confused title, I know, but I have an outlet to buy a bunch of diesel detail parts that are labeled to be used on SD35’s. However, Im wondering about their ability to be used on other engine models. Specifically, I’m talking about sun shades, drop steps, windshield wipers and grab irons.

would the sun shades be ok to use on other engines? I’d be using them on geeps, primarily, and a couple SD9’s and SD45’s. With the grab irons, they’re selling them listed for specific engines (they have SD35, U30C, U23B, C424, and Dash-8 sets). These are all Atlas parts, btw. In looking at the different grab iron sets, I see there are specific ones meant for specific areas on their specific engine, but I’m just looking to be adding drop grab irons on the hood and rear of the engine; i’m just looking at these because they are cheaper than Detail Associates’ and they are a complete set for the specific engine. I mean, if Detail Associates sells generic drop grab irons, wouldn’t they be able to be used on every engine?

edit: Are 18" drop grab irons the ones that I’m looking for, to add to my diesels?

2

Parts were generally standard by model series. So cab shade for an SD35 would fit an SD40, SD45, GP35, GP40, GP38. U series parts might be interchangeable (U30C with U23B) and -7 parts might be interchangeable (C30-7 with B23-7). But an SD shade might not be the same as a U boat shade.

Or they might be standard by railroad. So All CB&Q engines might have one part and all PRR engine might have a different design. For example SP engines had a different light arrangement than other roads. Or one road might buy Nathan horns and another Leslie horns.

Having said that, the differences might not be big enough to matter in HO. So a EMD shade might not match a GE locomotive, but both might be 36" long and 14" wide with ends at a 45 degree angle (just pulling numbers out of the air).

Best advice is to look a pictures of the specific units and match the parts to the pictures.

Dave H.

3

hey cool, thanks. thats what I was looking for.

but in regards to the drop grabs: are the ones that Detail Associates sells and what people mostly use 18"?