EMD SDP35

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**EMD SDP35**
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
Model	SDP35
Build date	July 1964 – September 1965
Total production	35
AAR wheel arr.	C-C
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Prime mover	EMD 567D3A
Cylinders	V16
Power output	2,500 hp (1.9 MW)

An EMD SDP35 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between July 1964 and September 1965. Power was provided by an EMD 567D3A 16-cylinder engine which generated 2500 horsepower (1.9 MW). Essentially this locomotive was an EMD SD35 equipped with a steam generator, located in the extended long hood end, for passenger use. 35 examples of this locomotive model were built for American railroads.

With its older E-units reaching the end of their serviceable lives, Seaboard Air Line asked EMD for a passenger version of the SD35 that could double as a freight unit, especially if passenger trains continued to be discontiued. EMD came up with the SDP35, and SAL placed an order, trading in E4 and E6 units. The first of SAL's new SDP35s was delivered in summer 1964.

The SDP35 wound up going to four railroads: SAL (20), Atlantic Coast Line (1), Louisville and Nashville (4) and Union Pacific (10).

Although SAL successfully used the SDP35 in high speed passenger service as well as on expedited freight and piggyback trains, Union Pacific found it unsuitable and relegated its entire fleet to freight service while its famous yellow E-units continued to handle passengers.

[edit] References

Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
Thompson, J. David. EMD SD35 and related models Original Owners. Retrieved on August 27, 2006