My first TRUE kitbash... UP EMD SD60M

[shwrailroader]

Well, after yet another move back to Detroit after loosing my job, and spending 2 months getting everything battened dow yet again its was time to begin my first true kitbash, a UP EMD SD60M. For beginners here is a rundown of the parts used to get me this far:

1x Railpower Products SD60 Shell
1x Athearn SD40-2 Chassis (Powered, but dummy is fine too)
1x Smokey Valley North America Safety Cab, tri-window.

Step 1: Build the Cab- I followed the directions, but a simple note not mentioned in there is you need a #52 size drill bit to drill the headlight castings in the nose.



Step 2: Cut the nose and the battery boxes off to where the long hood starts. Had to sand it quite a bit to get it to fit correctly



Step 3: Add the Smokey Valley Cab....



And thats just today! Tonight when glue dries I am going to use Testors Contour Putty to fill in some small gaps and then its onto super detailing

[tamaman]

Nice lookin so far.

[CentralVermontGuy]

Looking good, keep us posted!

[shwrailroader]

Thanks guys. I was told however with the SD40-2 chassis its too small for the old RPP Shells? Gotta find a 40T-2 Chassis

[cnviaguy]

Or get your hands on an Overland drive (usually you can pick up an SD60 drive on eBay for $50 to $60)... The RPP shell should pretty much drop right on. It did for the SOO SD60 I started on years ago (I think)

David Voss

[shwrailroader]

Thanks Dave. I had someone contact me about having a spare RPP SD60 Chassis so I might try that first

[m a y o r 79]

Yeah the SD60 and the SD40T-2 chassis are the same length. Nice work so far on the cab modification.

[zakc]

Looks good, you might want to try Mr. Surfacer 500 by Gunzue it is a brush on filler file small cracks and file marks that dryes quickly and sands second to none. They also make a 1200 for a smooth finish. You can get both at Michigan Toy Soldier shop in Royal Oak Michigan

[jools1959]

Looks great, I have a Overland Models UP SD60M with the 3 window cab which I am detailing up to current standards. I am installing ditchlights, removing the rotary beacon and the usual extra cab details.

Julian Sprott