GP60 to GP59 conversion

[Deleted]

Hi guys, got another project on the bench, this one is a Norfolk Southern GP59.

I have started with an Athearn BB GP60, one of three shells I have so it was a safe start knowing I could use another if I messed up, however, I have managed to go pretty good so far. I intend to do this as one of the fleet that were painted in Operation Lifesaver logo's and would like to number it 4629 or 4633 but the decals I have ordered are for 4641 so for ease of decaling (which I dislike) I may just use the provided number. I've got most of the details I need including some Smokey Valley handrail stanchions so it shouldn't take long, just got to order two of the correct snowplow for this model.

Here are the progress phots of the body work so far...

















For those of you that are curious, I included these two last phots to show that I didn't mess around creating the correct door arrangement as I just wanted to get the overall feel for the GP59, not too fussed about 100% accuracy.

[John]

Looks like you're off to a great start. Look forward to seeing more

[hlcx4300]

Ahh, these units are very common in my parts here in Ohio, They seem to have alot of use on M.O.W trains. Great work, keep it up!

[Deleted]

Aug 29, 2012 11:35:00 GMT -5 hlcx4300 said:

Ahh, these units are very common in my parts here in Ohio, They seem to have alot of use on M.O.W trains. Great work, keep it up!

What other common assignments do they draw?

[Deleted]

I have made a bit more progress on this the last few days. I completed the long hood modification, still needs some minor filling and sanding, especially where the electrical cabinet filter box used to be; also made some modifications to the pilots, removed the moulded on anti-climber and replaced it with a much superior C&C part, yet to finish the rear pilot. I also added a Kato cab from a surplus SD40-2 shell, I like the windows and moulded on wipers that Kato do and think the Athearn cabs lack a lot.

Decals arrived with a whole choice of numbers so I have chosen 4633. Not much more to do before I paint this one.

[John]

It's coming along nicely, the Kato cab works well. Look forward to the next update.

[Deleted]

Yes it does. I think the window detail makes them all worthwhile and I never had much luck with C&C cabs so I will stick with what I know. I have a few spare so I think all my BB builds will get one along the way.

This one is ready to receive primer now but I have just realised I need to fill the old stanchion holes and drill new ones with the correct spacing for a GP59. I might just do the handrails before I paint!

[Deleted]

A mammoth effort on this one today resulted in a lot of progress. Take a look...

[Randy Earle]

If you are going to cut off those flat air tanks, I'd do it before much more detailing is added.

[Deleted]

If I don't have a pair lying around then I will use the moulded ones as funds are low. I did file the sill down so that it was all level as I realised this is correct as I looked at the handrails. I have messed the handrails up as the spacing should be even but mine are not even, however, having used CA it maybe to late to save.

[Deleted]

I made some progress on this today. Removed the handrail stanchions as I wasn't happy with the incorrect spacing. The other day I noticed I hadn't out this back together very well and it had an apex in it, so I started again.

I removed the inertial air filter/engine compartment from a GP50 shell I have and spliced in a new engine compartment. This makes it all sit right, or at least it will when I have it all sorted, I've taken some of the walkway with it to make the splice 'easier'.

I've made a bit of a hash of it so it's hopefully going to be appearing in the rescue builds soon!

[NS91]

Looks good. The have a High Hood GP50 and a GP59 being used to switch the Durham,NC yard.

[Deleted]

This will likely be my primary switching locomotive but I'll have a high nose SD40-2 that will get alsorts of assignments.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using proboards