GOOD-NUFF GP40ECO (Updated 5/14)

[GOOD-NUFF]

Greetings,

After a long absence from the forum, I decided to surface with a new locomotive build (errr... "rescue").

She started out as an Athearn GP40X (eBay buy for about $35). The previous owner "attempted" to make it a GP40XAce. He/she modified a RPP SD60M three-window cab by notching the nose and converting it to a 2 window cab. Then they installed roof top air reservoirs, an SD60-style inertial filter hatch and inertial filter screens, carbody mounted bell, a rear facing K5LA, and a slathering of green putty.

Here are the before pictures:





Yummy...

Here's what I have accomplished so far:
1. Removed the rooftop air tanks.
2. Filled the hole where the dynamic brake fan used to be with sheet styrene. Putty'd and sanded.
3. Removed the inertial filter hatch (it was installed backwards) and the inertial filter screens (one side was higher then the other).
4. Removed the "slathering" of green putty. Sanded the area smooth.
5. Removed the carbody mouthed bell. Filled hole with putty, sanded it smooth.
6. Removed the rear-mouthed, rear facing K5LA horn. Filled hole with putty, sanded it smooth.
7. Scrapped the RPP cab (it was a basket case). Installed a spare ATH SD70I cab (not glued in yet).
8. Reinstalled the inertial filter hatch and the inertial filter screens.
9. Installed shortened Cannon and Company SD50/75 radiator screens over the GP40X flush radiator screens.

Here she is as of this morning:





I still need to:
1. Install the handrails and grab irons.
2. Replace the step guard behind the Engineer's rear cab door.
3. Install the front and rear anticlimbers.
4. Install four "a-la SD60" doors on top of the locomotive where the dynamic brake fan used to be.
5. Install 2 below-deck air reservoirs.
6. Install the rear headlight housing.
7. Install the K5LA horn on top of the locomotive, in front of the exhaust stack.
8. Whatever else that needs to be done.

I've seen some interesting "Eco" rebuilds, both in real life and here on the board. Being a fan of any EMD with flared radiators, I thought the addition of the SD50/75 rads would be a nice touch.

We're in the process of moving, so work on the "ECO" will be put on hold for a week or so.

Enjoy!
Bryan

[Deleted]

I have to say those rooftop air tanks and the notched cab looked like a good idea but nice efforts rescuing this one.

[simulatortrain]

Awesome looking unit, can't wait to see how this looks finished.

[GOOD-NUFF]

Well, I'm settled in. There happens to be a hobby shop 2 miles from the apartment. So what should I do on my day off?

Today's work:
1. Removed the old ugly snow plow and installed a DW PL255
2. Added the front MU hose clusters (DW MU266)
3. Installed the front anticlimber (from Athearn)
4. Installed a Nathan K3 horn (DW AH254)
5. Installed both air reservoirs (C&C AR2155)
6. Installed two doors on top of the locomotive (C&C HD1003)



More to come tomorrow!

Bry

[Deleted]

You know I was going to get rid of my RPP GP40X. Your making me think again! Live this build so far!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using ProBoards

[GOOD-NUFF]

Today was a "focus on my rear" day:

1. I added the rear headlight housing - DA1023 (It took me almost 3 hours and 2 other now-broken headlights to get it to fit right).
2. I added the rear grab irons.
3. I added the rear anticlimber.
4. I added the rear MU hoses.
5. I added the "box" behind the cab (I can't remember what this thing is called. I think it's some kind of filter).



Next up will be getting the cab up to par (wipers and antenna need to be reattached).

Bry

[GOOD-NUFF]

I was able to get some major work done on the "ECO" yesterday. I'll finish up my work tomorrow and post some pics. I hope to have the locomotive ready for paint tomorrow afternoon.

Bry

[GOOD-NUFF]

Well, I didn't finish building today. I ran into a sna-fu with the front handrails.

Here is what I have accomplished since the last update:
1. Installed the step guard behind the Engineer's door.
2. Installed the bell under the deck on the Conductor's side.
3. Installed the windshield wipers.
4. Installed the rooftop antenna.
5.Installed the front and rear MU receptacles.
6. Installed all of the handrails from the cab back.

Here she is:




I still have to install the front handrails and the nose handrails. One step closer to paint!

Enjoy!
Bry

[GOOD-NUFF]

Hey Hey!

I had some time to kill today, so I made some more progress on the "Eco":

(I made two "boo-boo's". See if you can spot them)




I'm 98% done at this point. I still have a minor amount of body work to do. She's going up in the china cabinet for safe keeping for the time being as I am in the middle of a Business Car project as well as another flared SD70M.

More to come soon!
Bry

[jtnrr]

This is awesome! Love it!