Flexicoil 1s on a kato SD40

[Packer]

Something I tried on a whim;
As it turns out the sideframes from the BLI SD7/9 will fit the Kato SD40, and keeps the the brass pick-up from the Kato.

The only issue is the brakeshoe closest to the steps has to be cut off, and it won't clip in like the Kato or P2K sideframes. The BLI SD7/9 sideframe will fit the P2K SD7/9 but needs the pick-up from the Kato.

For those who have used the P2K SD7/9 sideframes on the Kato SD40, do you have to cut the brake shoe off nearest to the step?

[lyled1117]

Yep. I also narrowed the step well a bit. I don't remember why I did, it might have been so I could keep a little more of the sideframe. I may look at mine when I get home and see if I recall.

Lyle

[Packer]

Bump/update:

I tried the P2K sideframe swap and I think I got it to work. I'm having an issue in figuring out what to do about the brakeshoe hitting the rear of the step well. Also it seems that the brake cylinder stick out almost even with the edge of the shell. Is that right?

I want to know what I should cut/file/etc. I'm thinking filling the back of the stepwell and cutting the shoe, I just don't know where. Does anyone who has done this have a picture of the stepwell and sideframe from underneath? Also a pic of the sideframe with the shell off would help too.

Note about the BLI sideframes: They would work, but the tab is a little short and kinda narrow and the detail for the brake lines rubs against the angled frame on the Kato. So if I used BLI they'd have to be glued in and have the frame modified (or have new plumbing done). But the BLI sideframes are pretty snug into the P2K trucks.