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Post by grandtrunkfan on Apr 19, 2013 23:34:24 GMT -5
Cleaning out my boxes of model railroad equipment, I found this guy I started in 2010. I even started a thread about it on here! But it got shuffled around and placed in a box and was forgotten about. This was my "first official try" at diesel detailing. It has some holes where it shouldnt, but I will get around to fixing what needs to be fixed. The unit is a Athearn shell that I removed the hood lettering, repainted, and the correct size logos placed on the long hood. I added the horn, notched the nose for a headlight, and did the front grab irons. This morning I briefly messed with the unit by filling the cab headlight holes and adding some more decal details. I would love to get this finished, because I can see the potential for this unit!
A picture of mine, the real unit that inspired this unit back in 2009, west end of CSX's Grand Rapids, MI yard:
My model:
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Post by shoofly on Apr 23, 2013 20:59:38 GMT -5
Doing some research on a similar subject, ex CSX GP38-2s and I found that there were a few orders of GP38-2s that could be easily modeled. Here's what I discovered...feel free to use any or none of this info  The prototype you show, would most readily be modeled from a LL P2K GP38-2. The P2K model has the right step wells, pointed anti-climber, corrugated radiator grills, correct extended range dynamic brake access doors, and the correct 88" nose. Would just need a Cannon & Co. angled air filter for that project. The Athearn model best represents this earlier order of GP38-2s  I know it doesn't represent the numbering on your Athearn model but it has all the correct dimensional stuff like step wells, 81" nose, waffle style radiator grills, etc. If the model is an earlier Blue Box, removing the numbers can be done either with a pink pet eraser, dry, just gentle scrubbing. If that doesn't work, try microsol, and gentle brushing. Just sharing a few things I found out while researching a similar project  C |
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Post by grandtrunkfan on Apr 26, 2013 0:12:24 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info! I had this shell lying around a few years back and decided to do something with it. I was so excited seeing this ex Seaboard unit in '09 I just started going at it. Plus Ive never been able to find a P2K Seaboard unit for an affordable price. I see one on ebay but not paying 100 bucks for it, when my main focus isnt CSX anymore. I purchased the Microscale Seaboard System decal set, and that should have been my first clue to use another model when the lettering wasnt even right. But I think its looking good, and I would like to incorperate a lot of the details you recomended. It isnt impossible, just time consuming.
Thanks again for the imput!
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Post by shoofly on Apr 26, 2013 2:33:25 GMT -5
Nick, I commend you for staying with the Athearn shell...perhaps needs more work but the dimensions are much more accurate then the LL P2K model by far. As far as the info - I was working on a similar project, some of the EX CSX GP38-2s that went to HELM, then to SP, then back to HELM. I had the research handy on the CSX 2581 which is *almost* a dead ringer for the Athearn shell. I had been handed a LL P2K SP unit, this thing is MILES away anything SP ordered but was really close to the CSX 2667. Since I'm helping a friend with that I figured he probably didn't care so much about any dimensional problems, since he's the one that bought it, I'd do it up in the delivery series you're modeling to. It's shaping up to be a fun project. With all these different GP38-2s popping up like dandelions, It's only a matter of time when we'll be treated back to $20-$30 locomotives again |
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Post by grandtrunkfan on Apr 27, 2013 1:19:06 GMT -5
Nick, I commend you for staying with the Athearn shell...perhaps needs more work but the dimensions are much more accurate then the LL P2K model by far. As far as the info - I was working on a similar project, some of the EX CSX GP38-2s that went to HELM, then to SP, then back to HELM. I had the research handy on the CSX 2581 which is *almost* a dead ringer for the Athearn shell. I had been handed a LL P2K SP unit, this thing is MILES away anything SP ordered but was really close to the CSX 2667. Since I'm helping a friend with that I figured he probably didn't care so much about any dimensional problems, since he's the one that bought it, I'd do it up in the delivery series you're modeling to. It's shaping up to be a fun project. With all these different GP38-2s popping up like dandelions, It's only a matter of time when we'll be treated back to $20-$30 locomotives again I never knew CSX sold units to SP, learn something new every day! That sounds like me, not worried about dimentional issues, but would like a nice looking, fairly accurate replica. Im more focused on my RailAmerica secondhand power right now for my switching layout, so 2667 is on the backburner. Good luck with your project!! |
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