SP SD9E build (yes it's a RPP shell)

[spshastaroute]

Hi Guys. I promised I would post some pics of this build. This was the last RPP shell I had in my to-do closet. I've had it for years. Thought about selling it or junking it in lieu of getting a Proto SD9, but decided to let it rip. This will be a layout workhorse more than a static display model, so I decided to live with the some of the crude details of the shell, and fix what was easy and reasonable, plus add the appropriate details.

The main thing that I fixed with the shell was the pilot thickness and detail. I bought some Railifyer replacement pilots but they wouldn't match up with the RPP dimentions. I ended up making a jig and using a large mill file to file down the pilots to approx .020" thick instead of the original .060" thickness. I also reduced the thickness of the walkway wing things too, as they were super chunky.

Here is a link to the prototype I'm modeling: espee.railfan.net/nonindex/sd09e_photos/4408_sp-sd09e-bob_dengler.jpg
Enjoy these first progress photos. More to come.

[torikoos]

Cool, keep us posted on that one!

[ranchwagon]

Nice work!

[dekon]

Nice work. I'll be following this along. I have the DW detail set to do one of these.

[espeestacktrain]

She looks great Mike!!! ;D ;D I will also be following along with this build as well. I have an SD9E on the books, and may start it once I am finished with the SD40R.

[spshastaroute]

OK here are more pics. I had these on the camera, but hadn't uploaded them till now.

i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac182/SPSHASTAROUTE/locos/004.jpg

[carlmarsico]

I'll give you credit for using a RPP shell where another option was available. I do have some RPP B23-7 and C30-7 shells in my stash, but that's only because they are later phases than what Atlas had offered on their respective B23-7's and C30-7, and also, I'm holding on to them to kitbash GE's that Athearn probably won't do should they get around to adding one or both of them to their RTR line.

CJM

[spshastaroute]

Thanks Carl.
Keep in mind that this will be a layout workhorse amongst a fleet of other locos. I think it will turn out pretty decent, given the two foot (or is it three foot) rule. Plus the fun for me is in the heavy kitbashing and modifying of a loco or car. With some of the exquisite rtr stuff now available, there's not much to do but take it out of the box and run it (which I also do). ;D

[espeestacktrain]

Really looking great Mike!!!! ;D Thanks for the updated pics!!!

[icghogger]

Excellent work on your "plumbing" of the air!! Your attention to detail is very inspiring!!

[torikoos]

I see the pics are 'removed' by photobucket, I've seen this before, where are they now? Is there a way to access the piccies again?

Koos

[Randy Earle]

He either moved or deleted his photos.