Why does Atlas seem to LOVE making SD35s?

[C855B]

     As I Model the SP in Southern California in the mid seventies SD35's are a must. They were regulars on Tehachapi, Beaumont and the Coast line. I often saw them used as trim switchers in West Colton too. But my primary need was for six just for my Kaiser Ore drag pool. I scratch built the first one on a Kato SD9 chassis, but Atlas saved me a great deal of work when they came out with them. I'm up to eight in my fleet.

I'm curious - why no 7900s?

[Skeebo]

     Oh, I do have a U30C, but its rare to find it on my Kaiser Ore drag. As on the prototype, that train is the domain of the U28C and SD35 helpers. The SP purchased the U28C specifically for that train. I'm told that is the only time the SP ever purchased a loco model for a specific train. The U28C was rarely found on other trains. The picture I posted earlier was of the 10 units I need to pull my ore drag up my 1.8% grade, when I was putting it together a few years ago. But, here is a picture of my U30C on another freight. One must be careful modeling an SP U30C as the first batch has 2 additional battery boxes on the Firemnans side as did the U28C and the initial batch of U33C's. The Kato model is accurate for the second batch, to add the additional battery boxes and adjust the handrails is a lot of work that is beyond many modelers. You'll notice my U28's have that mod.

[Skeebo]

     There was an earlier question if my first SD35, (Scratch built), was the unit between the front U28C's? That's the one, #6927, actually looking better than the stock Atlas units as it has brass handrails. It's still on my layout earning revenue miles.

[C855B]

The U28C was rarely found on other trains.

Yes. Never saw 'em over Tehachapi. As you likely know, we had 5300s, 6900s, 7900s, high-numbered 8400s, and the infrequent SD45. 3900/4300s on locals. 8300s showed up for the great Locotrol experiment starting in '74. That mix was pretty much it through the '70s, but 85/8600s and SD45s were more visible later in the decade.

I left the area in '82.

[jagged ben]

Great detailing on those locos Skeebo.  Show us some closeups.   
I'm particularly interested in any advice on doing those roof mounted bells. 

(Wait, was this a thread about Atlas SD35s?  Here I was expecting another bloviating discussion about manufacturer behavior and I pop in and find SP modeling gold instead.)

[Spades]

Great detailing on those locos Skeebo.  Show us some closeups.   
I'm particularly interested in any advice on doing those roof mounted bells. 

(Wait, was this a thread about Atlas SD35s?  Here I was expecting another bloviating discussion about manufacturer behavior and I pop in and find SP modeling gold instead.)

Yes, Skeebo we need to see more of your locomotive builds.  I know there was a website out there once.