Post by dcs077 on Oct 14, 2012 5:40:28 GMT -5
For a long time i have wanted to scratchbuild a gp40-2 with nothing more than an atlas walkway and cannon and co parts.
One of the things i found interesting about the phase 2 models was the notched stepwell. I was going to try to scratchbild the stepwells with cannon and co etched steps but decided to compromise and get the phase 2 walkway from atlas.
To be honest i am suprised of the sheer quantity of parts that are required for a build like this.
starting with the frame i decided to build my own brass frame as i wanted to model the underframe details. using an atlas motor and universals connected to athearn trucks. When run off the TCS a6x decoder the performance is silky smooth.
I have also scratchbuilt the draft gear underneath the end of the walkway at the end of the pilots the best i could as i do not have prototype dimensions
Moving on after the frame and associated details fitted i started working on the walkway. i cut the atlas phase 2 anticlimber off and installed the cannon and co version with etched treadplate.
I used a section of styrene to fill the blower duct channel on the underside so the walkway was flat on both sides. Fitted the cannon air tanks and DW brake vent valves air tank piping and filters. there are short sections of DW traction motor cables in there for good measure as well.
The cannon thinwall cab, sub base and nose was next after i prepped the walkway.
I have gained some fabulous squaring blocks from work that proved invaluable in squaring up the cab during assembly. it ended up so nice the roof will just sit there with minimal gap.
With the cab/nose in place:
The next part was something i have never done before... scratch building a hood with cannon parts. I must thank Brian (6axlpwr) for his help on this matter as his advice was indispensable.
The hood sides turned out great for my first try.
The following pictures are as the model sits at present. Still more DA and DW parts to go and the athearn DB hatch is not secured yet but i am extremly happy with my first scratch built effort.
i have a Keystone Locomotive works cab interior to go in and i have got the cab/chassis set up now so i do not need to compromise the floor and can use the full floor sheet. The drivetrain will be completely hidden by this and there are cannon wiper motors and such to go in too. I am also trying to find a pic of the back wall of a gp 40-2 but have not found one yet.
I have also been playing around with surface mount leds and want to use these on the model.
Its not perfect but i am happy with it so far and it is a big step up and i have enjoyed challenging my skills.
Dan
One of the things i found interesting about the phase 2 models was the notched stepwell. I was going to try to scratchbild the stepwells with cannon and co etched steps but decided to compromise and get the phase 2 walkway from atlas.
To be honest i am suprised of the sheer quantity of parts that are required for a build like this.
starting with the frame i decided to build my own brass frame as i wanted to model the underframe details. using an atlas motor and universals connected to athearn trucks. When run off the TCS a6x decoder the performance is silky smooth.
I have also scratchbuilt the draft gear underneath the end of the walkway at the end of the pilots the best i could as i do not have prototype dimensions
Moving on after the frame and associated details fitted i started working on the walkway. i cut the atlas phase 2 anticlimber off and installed the cannon and co version with etched treadplate.
I used a section of styrene to fill the blower duct channel on the underside so the walkway was flat on both sides. Fitted the cannon air tanks and DW brake vent valves air tank piping and filters. there are short sections of DW traction motor cables in there for good measure as well.
The cannon thinwall cab, sub base and nose was next after i prepped the walkway.
I have gained some fabulous squaring blocks from work that proved invaluable in squaring up the cab during assembly. it ended up so nice the roof will just sit there with minimal gap.
With the cab/nose in place:
The next part was something i have never done before... scratch building a hood with cannon parts. I must thank Brian (6axlpwr) for his help on this matter as his advice was indispensable.
The hood sides turned out great for my first try.
The following pictures are as the model sits at present. Still more DA and DW parts to go and the athearn DB hatch is not secured yet but i am extremly happy with my first scratch built effort.
i have a Keystone Locomotive works cab interior to go in and i have got the cab/chassis set up now so i do not need to compromise the floor and can use the full floor sheet. The drivetrain will be completely hidden by this and there are cannon wiper motors and such to go in too. I am also trying to find a pic of the back wall of a gp 40-2 but have not found one yet.
I have also been playing around with surface mount leds and want to use these on the model.
Its not perfect but i am happy with it so far and it is a big step up and i have enjoyed challenging my skills.
Dan
