my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific SD39

5300 - 5325

26 units delivered

see SD39 Roster for disposition details

Delivered in 1968 as mainline power, the SD39's were initially assigned to Texas lines, they later migrated to Tehachapi. Later still, they would be downgraded to heavy switchers at West Colton hump with SD38-2's and transfer service in the Los Angeles basin.

In 1993 two units were renumbered (probably to avoid conflicts with D&RGW SD45's). #5315 became #5296 and #5317 became #5298, for some reason #5316 was not renumbered, but an empty spot was allowed for it...

When first delivered, these units had SP's 5-light package and snowplows on both ends. As with most units, the light packages have been progressively removed and plated over, with Rotary Beacons appearing on most units.

One detail to be aware of; is that the handbrake was a wheel mounted on a stand on the rear of the long hood: see #5303 and #5318.
Details West makes the appropriate part for HO Scale: HB-177.

Prototype References:

• SP 1987/88 Motive Power Pictorial by Joe.W.Shine, Page 107.
• SP into the '90's by Joe.W.Shine, Page 191.
• SP 1995 Motive Power Annual by Bill Shippen - Four Ways West Publications.
• SP in Transition by Bill Shippen and Joe Shine - Four Ways West Publications.
• Southern Pacific Rails - a motive power finale by Peter Limas has a number of images and data.