Building a Chopnose Geep Santa Fe Style

[superfleet93]

In recent times I've been asked on how I built my GP7u and Topeka Cab, so I figured I would post this short tutorial.











The cab on the left is the factory Rail Power Products Cab which I grabbed off of a GP40X. The reason I built a test cab is I wanted to see how "rough" I could be with it. Ultimately, I used a Cannon and Company cab for obvious reasons. You can use the factory Athearn Cab which is pictured on the right, however the numberboards are going to be an issue.


Now on the left you can see the completed the Rail Power Cab vs. the Factory Rail Power Cab on the right. Again, all I did was use this as a test bed for the far superior Cannon and Company Cab.


The cab on the left is the result of the final cab I used on my model. You can compare it to the stock Cannon Cab on the right.


Now the reason I put these black arrows are to show where I did not accurately model the windshield height. You will see what I am talking about in the next picture. The cab I am having produced will be correct and in the future I would have fixed this on subsequent models.


Now you can see exactly what I'm talking about.






And of course, the final product...


Perry

[Randy Earle]

Very nice article Perry, that's what we are here for! As long as you don't move the photos at your host these will stay in the achives. Thanks for posting this!

[superfleet93]

Thanks for the kind words guys! I will keep the photos for all to enjoy, so no problem there. As I build locomotives, I will do these short tutorials so anyone can ask questions on how something was accomplished.









Perry

[DRLOCO]

Outstanding work!
Do you <ahem> take requests?
Any thoughts on a BQ23? I've got some friends that are mulling over how to make one.

[superfleet93]

Hmm...a BQ23-7 Cab...might have to give that one a try. I need some measurements and pictures, and I'll see what I can come up with.

As far as the slug is concerned, I have sold it as well as the mother and I am building better ones. I will have better construction and model photos when I get to that project.

I will also be doing the same for an SD39 and slug set as well, but I am working on my SD40-2 build right now.

Perry

[superfleet93]

Stephen,

Yes! I am working on the drawings at this time and will be sent to be put into 3d CAD. Once that is completed, the masters can be built.

Initially, the way I wanted to have them cast first woudn't work which is fine, because now the numberboards will be a seperate casting and it will have hollow numberboards to allow for "glass". The kit will include window glass and photoetch as well and will be a lot nicer than what I was planning first. I still don't have a release date yet just because I am at the mercy of other people!

Perry

[NCCR 2580]

Very out standing work on the ATSF GP7U! That is some thing I have been wanting to do my self for a long time... Great work on the slug also. Very fine craftsmanship in deed!
David

[superfleet93]

Thanks David! I am getting closer everyday on the nose and Topeka Cab kits.

Perry