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May 12, 1999
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I will eventually be adding more prototype information to this section. The GP-38 was an important road switcher on Conrail, often pulling yard and local duty as well as filling in on mainline freights. Until I am able to do more work on this page, please check the article below on Conrail's experimental program to rebuild GP-35's into GP-38's.GP-35/GP-38 Rebuild Program:
In the early 1980s Conrail had a large number of second generation locomotives sitting in storage across the system. At one point the number reached into the thousands. Still looking for ways to save money and turn a profit, Conrail wanted to test the feasibility of a GP-35 rebuilding program. They selected GP-35 #2363 (exPC/PRR 2363 blt 4-65) as the test unit. It had been retired on 2/11/81 and was sitting in storage. Conrail hauled it into its locomotive shops and got to work rebuilding it into an unusual looking GP-38. On November 29, 1984, Conrail released the new locomotive as GP-38 #7635. Since the rebuild program was a bust, 7635 became the only such rebuilt locomotive on the system. It served for a while in the Midwest, until it found its way over to the East Coast. The unit was finally retired on June 11, 1997. Ironically, it served nearly as long as a GP-38 as it did a GP-35.
During the rebuilding process, GP-35 #2363 had its horsepower downgraded from 2,200hp to the standard GP-38 2,000hp. Bryan Jones informed me that the prime mover was rebuilt with 645 power assemblies and was de-turbocharged. A paper filter was added ahead of the dynamic brake blister, while the dynamic blister deactivated and blanked off to make more room. The original GP-35 class lights were replaced with the FRA-approved 'bug-eyes' normally found on SD-40-2R/50/60/ect. The GP-35 turbocharger was removed and two more exhaust stacks were added.
Bryan Jones also informed me that the unit has since been sold to the Quebec Gatineau RR and it is now their #2006.
Other details might have been changed. A close examination of this unit with the original GP-35 #2363 is really needed. This is a modeling project that is definitely on my list!
Special thanks to: Lon Godshall and Bryan Jones for information.
Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.