Atlas GP39-2 Phase II opinion/review??

[deez]

Im pretty sure some of you on here have Atlas trainman GP39-2's Phase II. I was thinking of getting a couple but, how nice are these? Is there any major mistakes in accuracy?

[santafemikie]

Hi Mark,

Actually, I think it makes a nice model. I didn't like the oversized EF cabinet or the molded in rear steps on the cab. I removed the boltheads on the cab and changed the brake ratchet out for Cannon pieces. I replaced the fans and then changed the DA fans out for some OMI castings that are not in this picture. I have also flipped the EF cab around so the long side is against the cab since I took this picture. It has the good "Master" drive also. I purchased it for $55.00 new, so it may even qualify as a "cheap build". I will be happy when I finish it and get it on my layout.

i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt353/mtomei51/050600x450.jpg

Cheers, Mike

[deez]

Well yours looks pretty nice Mike. Those are some easy fixes too. So it needs steps and tread plate right? It looks like it has the seem welds in the blower duct though and that's a plus.

[diesel]

that's pretty cool Mike! I got one too but haven't looked at it against proto pics yet as it's still at the club. There are the usual 'trainman' things going on with it, i didn't even realize the step thing...

I'm gonna wait until Railflyer has their Q fans in full swing. That's an excuse to put it off while I work on other locos! lol Those fans might actually be ready now. I'll measure up my tread plate for the GP38 against this and see how it fits.

[drolsen]

I'm pretty impressed that, despite these being Trainman models, Atlas went to the trouble of modeling the significant differences between the Phase I and II GP39-2s. That basically required them to make two completely different long hoods for these models, since the Phase II has two fewer engine compartment doors, and the dynamic brakes are pushed backwards, shortening the top of the radiator section. Maybe keeping them in the Trainman line allowed them to saw money on other small details in order to tool those major differences.

Feb 22, 2012 12:34:43 GMT -5 diesel said:

I'm gonna wait until Railflyer has their Q fans in full swing. That's an excuse to put it off while I work on other locos! lol Those fans might actually be ready now.

I'll be building a CSX Phase I unit, so fortunately I don't need Q-fans for this project, but I'm really hoping we'll see those from Railflyer eventually. I'm pretty sure he hasn't made any progress on them in a couple years (I think I pre-ordered 2 dozen). They will definitely be challenging to replicate since the (etched) grill will have to wrap down at the edges and also combine with (plastic) fan motor hub in the center, plus the grill has to be curved to give the proper "domed" look to the fan. I'm sure Chris can figure it out, but I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a few more years. One of the reasons I'm a little frustrated with his "distractions" (the tablet, etc.) when we all would love to see a quality etched Q-fan.

Dave