Post by redneckwes on Aug 4, 2013 23:18:31 GMT -5
The prototype.
www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=687468
This is another model that has been bouncing around in my box of abandoned projects for a few years. The real Conrail 6449 was a bone stock (err, mostly) SD40-2 that was obliterated in a wreck in the mid 90’s. Juniata shop went about filling the empty roster slot by combining the frame and long hood of a retired straight SD40 with whatever was salvageable from the original 6449. The resulting locomotive became Norfolk Southern 3383 after the merger and continues in service, now repainted in NS black.
I set out to make a CR SD38, but after shortening the walkway and removing the fans/grills I decided to try for an SD40, (originally a W&LE unit was my goal) Since this was, from the start intended as only a a quick and dirty budget build I just modified the DB blister and removed the -2 style rear cab overhang. I left the nose and brakewheel alone. I mounted the modified shell on an Athearn SD45 underframe and trucks.
After some internet research on SD40 rebuilds I found Conrail 6449:2/NS 3383, Which has the brakewheel and dash-2 cab from the original 6449. (I’ll have to put an un-modified -2 cab back on it.) It’s amazingly close to the half completed mongrel sitting in my projects box, so that’s what I have decided to complete it as. Changing the cab, and sanding off the reinforcement ribs on the blower duct are my next steps.
I might pry the grills back out and replace them with Cannon parts, but I only have one set left and I'd rather not violate the spirit of the budget build. If I were starting this out, and willing to spend money of course I'd do things very differently, but when it's completed and painted it should look the part.
www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=687468
This is another model that has been bouncing around in my box of abandoned projects for a few years. The real Conrail 6449 was a bone stock (err, mostly) SD40-2 that was obliterated in a wreck in the mid 90’s. Juniata shop went about filling the empty roster slot by combining the frame and long hood of a retired straight SD40 with whatever was salvageable from the original 6449. The resulting locomotive became Norfolk Southern 3383 after the merger and continues in service, now repainted in NS black.
I set out to make a CR SD38, but after shortening the walkway and removing the fans/grills I decided to try for an SD40, (originally a W&LE unit was my goal) Since this was, from the start intended as only a a quick and dirty budget build I just modified the DB blister and removed the -2 style rear cab overhang. I left the nose and brakewheel alone. I mounted the modified shell on an Athearn SD45 underframe and trucks.
After some internet research on SD40 rebuilds I found Conrail 6449:2/NS 3383, Which has the brakewheel and dash-2 cab from the original 6449. (I’ll have to put an un-modified -2 cab back on it.) It’s amazingly close to the half completed mongrel sitting in my projects box, so that’s what I have decided to complete it as. Changing the cab, and sanding off the reinforcement ribs on the blower duct are my next steps.
I might pry the grills back out and replace them with Cannon parts, but I only have one set left and I'd rather not violate the spirit of the budget build. If I were starting this out, and willing to spend money of course I'd do things very differently, but when it's completed and painted it should look the part.
