NS GP40-2 #3048

[jbaakko]

In preparation for the future release of Plano's knuckle baskets, I'm proceeding ahead with this project. NS #3048, a former Conrail GP40-2. Just behind the raised walkway is a knuckle basket, in the newer photos with "NS" reporting marks vs. earlier photos with "PRR" reporting marks. The "PRR" version lacks the knuckle box, however it gains an extra filter cabinet just aft of the blower housing.

The main "fixes" involved:

• Trimming off Athearn MU hose "cups" on pilots
  
• Removal, and replacement with front Anti-climber + new handrails
  
• Adding etched steps
  
• Adding tread plate
  
• Add Plano knuckle box
  
• Microscale decal patches
  
• Hand painted off color nose repaint
  
• Trimming and adding additional high stanchion around knuckle box
  
• Pilot plow on both ends + MU + Uncoupling levers + Ditch lights
  
• DW underframe bell
  
• Railflyer(?) Air tanks
  
• DW fuel tank filler, ect
  

I'm sure there's more... Weathering is going to be fun on this one, all that rust powder...

Here she is so far...

[jbaakko]

No marker lights, just one faded, rusty nose, and an ATS box.
rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=848916

rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=583861
rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=956348

[chessie8553]

Don't for get to lengthen the nose. Check out this site for more details.

[Randy Earle]

You should get the markers with the 88" Cannon nose. Looks like a great project.

[jbaakko]

Mar 19, 2009 6:28:45 GMT -5 chessie8553 said:

Don't for get to lengthen the nose. Check out this site for more details.

Now that poses a new problem that I did not even think of looking in to. This will require repainting the whole nose... Thanks for the site though.

Mar 19, 2009 11:18:33 GMT -5 Randy Earle said:

You should get the markers with the 88" Cannon nose. Looks like a great project.

Again, no need for it, they're patched over now... However, looks like I'll need to do some major surgery on that nose (heh, I'm a plastic surgeon now!).

[jbaakko]

Sweet I have a "spare" Cannon 88" nose... One less thing I'll need to order...

[jbaakko]

Just noticed the grabs on the side and top of the short hood are opposite the standard.

[jbaakko]

88" short hood is complete, of sorts, just need some NBW castings to mode the side grabs to the conductors side. Also need to order the option Conrail sub-base doors from Cannon & Co.

[jbaakko]

[jbaakko]

Huh, noticed I have the wrong Anti-climber, so that's gone, waiting for the new Cannon & Co part to come. I'll order the NBW parts new week, along with the paint & decals, and final details.