I know Southern Pacific had 3 DD35 “B” units rated at 5,000 hp, but did SP have any “A” units with a crew cab? Athearn has a DD35/40 “A” unit in SP colors and I would like to know if it really existed. Thank you.
I believe the entire DD35A production went to the Union Pacific.
I have never heard of SP having any.
http://espee.railfan.net/spdd35.html
There weren’t that many DD35’s to begin with, 15 cabs: UP 70-84, and 30 boosters: UP 72B-98B and SP 8400-8402 (original numbers). The SP units were renumbered several times.
SP only purchased three cabless units, UP purchased the only cab units, EMD’s orginal intent was not to offer a cab unit, but for a customer like UP, EMD would do what was needed to satisfy one’s desires.
The SP DD35B were in transfer service between West Colton and Taylor Yard most of their service life, mu’ed with GE or just about anything else as needed. They were retired in the late seventies when oddball and one off examples of power fell out of favor with management.
I have some historic UP DD35 A/B movie subjects that I shot shot in 8mm film on Cajon Pass during a rare snow storm. They were indeed impressive!!
Dave
Dave