Athearn SD40-2 DB hatch on Kato SD40-2?

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Does anyone know if an Athearn SD40-2 DB hatch will fit properly on a Kato SD40-2 model?

I need to know because I have to put the Athearn bulged DB hatch on and do not know if it fits properly on the Kato model.

[santafemikie]

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Hey Brian, I actually had one of these on the bench I could take apart and show you. The Athearn hatch fits nicely. I filed down the locator lugs in the four corners and cut off the mounting tabs on the ends. Mike

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Well Mike, I can't argue with a picture!

Thanks for the quick reply.

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Mike, Have to ask you. In the first photo, is that an 81" or 88" nose? I tend to think it is an 88" nose. But have to ask. I can never figure out how to tell which is which when looking at prototype photos. But what you have on your model is what I need to do to mine as well and I am guessing it is an 88"er.

[santafemikie]

Brian,

You are correct, it is an 88" nose. AFAIK, Kato didn't do an 88" nose until the last run. Kato calls them a "mid" unit. The first run, like my ex UP unit, has an 81" nose. It will receive an 88" nose and corrugated grills to bring it up to spec. The ex ATSF unit was a 116" snoot, which meant it had to come off. All of my ATSF SD40-2 fleet has or will have 88" or 123" noses.

Cheers, Mike

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Thanks Mike. I appreciate teh info.