GP39-2

[Smoke]

So with the Atlas Trainman GP39-2 coming sooner or later I want to model one that runs on the local over here. Has anyone ever seen a fuel tank like this before? from the looks on the Atlas site the tank on the models will be the normal round EMD tank.

This is the loco I am planning on modeling.

[RunningExtra]

Andrew, That is an ex-KCC engine with a high clearance fuel tank, looks like one that the UP got from the Katy when they merged (got swallowed) in 1988......there is no model of such fuel tank, scratch building will be the only way to get it. BTW the Atlas Trainman will not be correct for that unit, Atlas is a Phase 1 while that one is a Phase 2

[Smoke]

What would I have to change on the Atlas model to make it a phase 2?

So in doing a little research this unit has been around! Here is a little history I found out about it.

"On all except UP 1203, the entire cab was lowered by removing the 26 inches of extra height, but because the actual cab roof was then too low, a four-inch hump was added to allow clearance to open the cab interior electrical cabinet doors. The extra-height cab on UP 1203, ex MKT 383, originally KCC 782, was in very poor shape from wreck damage repair by Kennecott (the cab had been sheared off by a mining shovel in the Bingham Canyon Mine). National Railway Equipment replaced the entire cab with one from a retired Milwaukee Road SD45."

I also found some pictures on it when it was a KCC unit. Raised cab and nose.
rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=146531

[Deleted]

Andrew,

Scott is correct about the fuel tank. It is an ex KCC GP39-2, but UP must have added some extra capacity to it. You can see an extra weld line a bit up from the bottom.

One of my long term projects is to build a couple of the high-cab KCC units. I already have it started and have a set of fuel tanks custom cut for them. I also bought the last remaining decals for them. I'm using an Atlas frame and an Athearn GP38-2 deck. Basicaly the deck is a shell of what it used to be.

If you send me your address, I will make a print of the drawing I made for the fuel tank. You will just have to figure out how much was added to it to make your UP model.

Brian

[Deleted]

Also, if I am correct and I have a photo of it, but I am not 100% if the unit you show in your photo above has it. The front cab door still has the small window down low.

Maybe the one you want to build has the door replaced.

brian

[Deleted]

Sorry, I forgot.

Another thing is the Atlas unit is the incorrect phase. Look at your photo and you will see that the first two engine room doors are not there. The clean air room is longer. Basically you will need to custom build the hood.

Your best to just start from scratch. Use an Atlas GP38 or GP40 and build your own hood.

[Deleted]

Got to correct myself.

Do not use the GP38/GP40. Use the Trainman GP39-2 and cut the hood off and replace with your own scratch built hood.

[RunningExtra]

I see Brian answered all of your questions, that what I get for working at night and sleeping during the day ;D

[nysw240]

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This is as close as I am to a Kennot copper GP39-2

[Randy Earle]

That's a face only a mother could love, eh?

[Smoke]

I think that they look cool actually!

[RunningExtra]

Andrew,

Here is a pic of a kitbashed ex-KCC GP39-2, I did not build it, was from ebay, but it gives a very good idea of how the model should look