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South Jersey S Scale Modelers

Norfolk Southern 5235

 

And now for something completely different for me modeling MODERN, and for the first time ever modeling a loco that is currently running, on the Conrail roster out of Camden NJ. My last “modern” modeling was my Conrail SD40-2 in 1990.

 

The below photos were taken on 6-29-19 in Paulsboro NJ. What a novel concept it is to be able to take your own research photos especially close to home. As of spring 2024 5235 was parked in Conway yard near Pittsburgh. I do not know if it is running or not. Also I have done LOTS of “modern” buying and modeling since starting this project page.

 

Norfolk_Southern_5235_1 small Norfolk_Southern_5235_2 small

 

Norfolk_Southern_5235_3 small Norfolk_Southern_5235_4 small

 

 

My friend John Peters Jr. is running 5235 remotely in Camden NJ.  Note the belt control box. He is the engineer and also uncouples the cars for switching.

Norfolk_Southern_5235_9 small

 

This loco was also bought at the Ted Mauer auction on 6-22-19 with my Norfolk Southern B32-8 and Southern SD40-2 from the collection of the late Dave Bailey. I have recently become slightly obsessed with second generation High Hood diesels, which is very far off track from my main PRR, PRSL and Reading modeling interests.

 

This loco is Overland/Ajin model 1755 released in 1984. Only 15 were made making it a rather rare model. My choice to make this Norfolk Southern instead of Norfolk & Western was really tough. I like N&W as well.

 

Norfolk_Southern_5235_5 small Norfolk_Southern_5235_6 small

 



This plate should be in the long hood, not where it is here on the deck. Do we have classic the cold Overland solder joints, OR, NO Solder? In this case BOTH!!!  I spent an hour going around the handrail stanchions soldering them back for reinforcing. No Overland GP38-2 or SD40-2 I have ever handled had all the handrails well attached. They all needed repair or better soldering.  I got rid of the rubber tubing motor coupling and installed NWSL cups and a custom brass dogbone shaft.

 

Norfolk_Southern_5235_7 small Norfolk_Southern_5235_8 small

 

 

Added 4-18-24

This loco suffered great procrastination waiting for some info for making the size of the remote control equipment shelf on the cab that I never got. I still changed my mind many times about making this as Southern, Norfolk & Western or Norfolk Southern. Since getting this loco I recently got another high hood GP38-2 that was already painted for Southern so that made the decision to keep this as Norfolk Southern 5235 easy but before the remote equipment was added. That would have been a great detail but I want to get this loco done after 5 years.

 

This is what a bare brass loco looks like after sitting for 5 years. A quick trip through the blast booth removes the tarnish. I forgot I stopped just short of it being truly ready for paint. There are no horns or bell and a few other small things yet that have to be added here.

 

  

 

 

Revised 4-18-24

All photos and content © Lanes Trains 2005-2024