Athearn SD40-2 to CN

[malcolmcelyn]

Well guys, I've managed to get an Athearn SD40-2, as suggested in another post, as my first 'project'. I'm toying with a couple of ideas and would like some help, please. Other than the obvious (paint, decals, etc), what would it take to create a Canadian National variant? I realise I need to get a photo that shows some detail, for example dynamic brake or not, high or low brake cylinders and so on. But what else do I need to look out for? Roof fans (number/type)? Lights (including ditch & marker)? Are there any items which are specific to Canadian railroads?

Edit:Perhaps this would be better under 'EMD - Dash 2 era'. Please move if appropriate.

[iomalley]

You're easiest course would be to build 5364 to 5387. All ex UP units, non-dynamic, standard cabs with 81" nose. Purchased by CN in 1994, most painted into the CNNA scheme, with snowshields and nose headlights.



Here's what they looked like before CN rebuilt them;

[malcolmcelyn]

Can you suggest any dynamic brake options? Haven't received it yet, but I'm pretty sure it's DB-equipped. Or am I being too lazy by not wanting to modify it? ;D

I've also got an Athearn GP9 (yes, it'll be overwidth) which I can use to practice methods on first, cutting, modifying, painting and weathering etc. Any thoughts on improving the looks of the Geep without spending too much money on what will never be wholly accurate?

[iomalley]

Nope. All these units were non-dynamic, no options there. The only option would be to do either a widecab version (some dynamic units in the 5241 to 5363 range) or an ex-CP version (5388 to 5398?, ex OH units)



It would be a shame for this version to be your FIRST CN unit tho...

AFA Athearn GP9s, you're better off sourcing either a front range body for your Athearn chassis, or getting a Proto, or a Bachmann in a cheaper price-point. I'd hate for you to do a wonderful job 'practicing' on your widebody Ath, just to have your efforts dismissed on a POS starting point.

CN had a small amount of highnosed GP9s in service up until the last batch of GP9rms were rebuilt (1993)

[malcolmcelyn]

...Athearn GP9, you're better off sourcing ... a Front Range body for your Athearn chassis...

Proto Power West stock Phase II GP9 bodykits, but don't ship beyond North America. Anyone know of a dealer who ships to the UK (or even a stockist in the UK)?

...or getting a Proto, or a Bachmann in a cheaper price-point...

Do you mean the P2K or Bachmann bodies can be modified to fit the Athearn chassis?

[iomalley]

Nov 21, 2011 14:59:19 GMT -5 malcolmcelyn said:

Do you mean the P2K or Bachmann bodies can be modified to fit the Athearn chassis?

No, they are best on their own chassis. You can modify your Athearn GP9 chassis to fit the front range (provided you have the newer thinner motor) or find a front range frame for a better fit.

There is a vendor on ebay that sells frontrange parts, but here's a shot to get the whole deal...he'll ship worldwide:

www.ebay.ca/itm/Front-Range-Products-GP-9-SF-Zebra-Diesel-Locomotive-HO-Train-/350507926768?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item519be684f0

You can go ahead with your widebody Athearn, but it is very garish in detail, even without the improper width. You'd be better served to use a proper width model.

[malcolmcelyn]

Thanks for all that information Sean. Plenty of food for thought. I'll wait to see my purchases (now including a GP38-2!) before making any final decisions, but a non-dynamic brake SD40-2 seems very likely. I'm particularly interested in the late '70's early '80's period, so it looks like I'll be spending a few hours scanning the online picture collections!

Just for my own information though, why did CN have such an aversion to dynamic brakes?

[midro]

CN did not have an aversion for dynamic brakes?

They used DB for long grades in western Canada.

They did not need DB in eastern flat Canada.

MD

[malcolmcelyn]

Oh, I see! Obvious really! lol

[malcolmcelyn]

Nov 22, 2011 13:37:32 GMT -5 @modelmaker51 said:

The Athearn DB section is a snap-on part. Athearn has a non-db part that snaps-in it's place. Both parts include the exhaust stack. If you scatch-build the non-db section you will need either an exhaust stack from Cannon & Co, or you will have to cut the exhaust stack out of the old db section.

Thanks Jay. That's what comes of asking questions before receiving the goods!

A bit off topic, but I thought I'd list my roster.
1. An SW7/SW1200 or similar. (Just remebered buying a SP-liveried version 3 or 4 years ago. Don't know the manufacturer or model as I haven't looked in the garage storeroom for it yet).

2. Athearn SD40-2 Undecorated.

3. Athearn SD40-2 CSX.

4. Athearn GP 38-2 UP.

5. Athearn GP 9 SP.

I did have thoughts of CN, circa 1978/1980, but Randy's suggestion of a modern NKP has really thrown me!
What do you guys think? Prototype CN or Proto-Freelancing NKP?
Life's full of decisions.....lol

P.S. My next loco will NOT be Athearn!! ;D Maybe a Kato SD 40-2?

[redneckwes]

In my imagined version of a modern NKP, merged with C&O-EL-WM-RI and the D&H. The first and second order SD40-2's would have been non-db and standard cabs, but I think the AMC roads would have jumped into the comfort cab world with a few orders of SD40-2W's from 1978 on.

[graftonterminalrr]

I'd suggest the late-seventies CN, but then I'm biased...

[malcolmcelyn]

I can see why, NB! My reason for choosing the area/era is rather less obvious. I was given a modelling book many moons ago, and in it was an article on modelling CN, circa 1978. This was my first exposure to the railways of North America and I was hooked. I love the modern scene, even the steam era, but that first article keeps drawing me back to Canada in the late 70's.

[iomalley]

Model Buffalo circa 1967 and you could model both!

But Malcolm, if you're going to start a NKP discussion, then kill this thread...