sd40 versus sd40-2 lengths

[big train james]

I am trying to figure out how to adapt parts from an O scale Atlas sd40 to create an sd40-2.  There are lots of parts I can use quite readily, but there are also many little differences too.

From what I've always read, the sd40-2 frame is 3' longer than that of the sd40, but the hood is only 18" longer.  So where does that extra 18" happen?  It looks to me like the length from the front of the engine compartment to the rear of the long hood matches between both locos. So does that mean that all of the additional space occur in the area of the clean air room?  I'm trying to compare images from Trainiax imported into cad, but the numbers aren't quite adding up to the 18" I've seen specified.

Kudos to Atlas for stocking parts that make this sort of thing possible.  I'll have to move around doors in the radiator section, extend the dynamic brake blister, extend the clean air room, and bash or build the inertial screen and corrugated radiator screens.  However, parts are also available for a non-dynamic hatch, -2 cab, and high short hood.  For late versions, Q fans are available from Atlas from the gp60.  I would need to create the late dynamic hatch with the bulges, and also the exhaust stack panel.  In both cases, I may be able to stretch the sd40 frame, but I am kind of inclined to build one from scratch.

Speaking of the db hatch, does anybody have a source for info on the late dynamic hatch.  I feel like years ago I saw somebody, maybe on pbase, had some photos and dimensions of this style.  Now I can't find that site anymore.

I think this project is very doable, especially from the frame up.  I don't have a solution yet for the truck sideframes.  Any existing versions that I've seen offered from MTH, Lionel, and Weaver all look awful compared to the Athearn or Kato HO versions.

The biggest issue may be deciding on what version and road to build for.  So far I want high hoods with triple clasp brakes, ATSF with the 123" nose, BN, BCR, UP snoot, and maybe CP snoot.  Plus I've always been partial to the BN b-units.  And oh yeah, why not stretch it all a little and do a DRGW tunnel motor.  I get distracted easily.

Thanks,
Jim

[slowfreight]

How late a DB?

Yankinoz had a great kitbash thread for a late SD40-2

www.protomodeler.com/index.php?/topic/2687-soo-6617-late-production-sd40-2/?hl=sd40-2

[big train james]

I guess ultimately I'd like to be able to do any version necessary. But if nothing else, I'd like to mimic one of the ATSF units similar to one of Kiro's builds here on the DD. He had one from Santa Fe's last order of sd40-2's that had Q fans and the later dynamic hatch.

Thanks for the tip on that build. I've wandered around that site before but I must have missed that particular thread.

Jim

[soda]

You may want to take a peek at the Diesle Cyclopedia, I think Vol II has SD40-2 drawings. Also if you take a look at Brian Bannas site there are some links with dimensions that might help you out, I belive its the Utah Rails site. Some quick info on the CP Rail SD40-2 most had 102" nose's, Canadian style step wells, the number boards are a bit different than the U.S. versions, and the steps by the battery boxes are also a bit different.

Hope this helps,

Anders

[big train james]

Anders,
Thank you for the tips on resources. I'm familiar with several of them already. I will eventually need some information on the Canadian versions especially in the step well area. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Thanks again,
Jim