NS SD9M 54 (P2K) Rebuild/Photo

[NCCR 2580]

As I was wondering around through the forum here, I noticed Dave C's NS SD9 built from a Athern. The NS SD9Ms seem to be in my opinion. Over looked... I built my NS SD9M a few years back using a P2K SD9 as the core unit. The most notable changes to be made to the unit was the front and rear pilots had to be completely rebuilt to a smooth face pilot and new buffer plates/draft gears installed. This was the same route NS took during the prototype rebuild. Any thing Southern or Norfolk Southern has done or will do doas not make it easy for a modeler! Below are recent photos of the NS SD9M #54 I built while referring to prototype photos. Two are of the front and rear pilots which I seem to get a lot of questions about. Please note that in the full shot of the 54, One notable thing that I feel is worthy of mentioning is the couple lift bars. They are hand made from 0.010" brass wire to replicate the N&W top portions that were added after foot boards were abolished.

[stillbre]

I've started three SD9Ms as well. I'm building 51, 54, and 55 since those were the ones I saw the most while they were in Raleigh. I'm using the P2K model as the core for my builds as well. Its really a simple build but my hang up has been waiting for Cannon 36" fans and hopefully a Cannon early EMD cab.

[stewarttrains98]

looks very nice, great work, thanks for sharing. Really awesome looking locomotive.

[NCCR 2580]

Stephen-What kind of shots of the SD9M did you want me to post. I do need to shoot some more of it when I get chance. Sorry it took so long to answer your question, I just now saw it as I was wondering on the forum here...I'm thinking of replacing those 36" fans with the C&C fans.
David

I just added better views of the SD9M 54 & also posting them to the forum via the photobucket accounts, So no links...

[Randy Earle]

Very nice! I used to see these units when I worked Bellevue and Sandusky Yards.

Added later....I just bought a RPP SD-9 shell and frame because of this post. I need a non dynamic piece for it though because the one I bought had the dynamic.

[NCCR 2580]

Dec 15, 2008 13:19:12 GMT -5 Randy Earle said:

Very nice! I used to see these units when I worked Bellevue and Sandusky Yards.

Added later....I just bought a RPP SD-9 shell and frame because of this post. I need a non dynamic piece for it though because the one I bought had the dynamic.

I want to see how yours comes out! Have you found a Non Dynamic hatch yet? As I said before, These units seem to be left out of the NS modeling world. A few years back in a issue of Railroad Model Craftsman, A fellow did a how to skitt on the N&W/NS SD9Ms. But a model was not featured. Just prototype photos and a parts list. If you can get your hand on a P2K SD9, You will like it much more I'll bet. The only thing I never have been happy with is the cab windows seem to be to small, Not to scale on the P2Ks. Exsept fot the side windows. They are OK. Other than that, I like'em.

[Randy Earle]

I couldn't afford the Proto 2000 I found. I got the Rail Power shell and frame today. No non/dynamic yet, hope I find one soon.