Post by rock on Dec 22, 2013 18:17:57 GMT -5
In my fantasy world, the MKT still exists as an independent railroad in my era (1997-1998), although acquisition by the SPSF is getting closer; thus, the two railroads have a very close working relationship. In fact, access to my SPSF branchline is through trackage rights on the MKT from Kansas City. So I have a fairly large representation of MKT power (and rolling stock) on my layout. I am working on finishing up three more motors: GP39-2, SD40-2, and SD80MAC. The first two are real prototypes while the last one is a fictional motor, their newest power.
An MKT GP39-2 kitbash has interested me for a few years now and I have finally started working on it. My main resource for this kitbash is from the old April 1990 Model Railroader, in which Tom Busack wrote an article called "Keeping Up With the GP39-2," which was a follow-up article to his article about GP39-2 phases in June 1987. While the article itself is a little dated, since there have been some advances to using Athearn blue box motors and their shells, it gives a really good detailed description of what the hood doors need to look like, etc. Also, the Cannon parts mentioned in the article are the same ones still available today!
I decided to start with an Atlas Trainman GP38-2 shell and drive for this kitbash. The shell provides the correct length, has a later-phase geep nose, and the cab is a good match for a later-phase geep as well. I started by cutting off the long hood from the walkway, which is one disadvantage of the Atlas Trainman shell, but somewhat easy to do with a dremel tool. This provided the base for my kitbash.
I then scrounged up parts that I had on hand from a Proto 2000 GP60, Athearn GP50 dynamic brake, bought the required Cannon parts, and also bought a set of Smokey Valley GP60 handrails. Here's what it looks like with the parts ready to be put together:
Then I started building the shell, which came along rather quickly. This is my first time using Cannon doors for a kitbash, and while it worked out well, if doing it over I would have used more styrene between the doors instead of just behind the doors so there aren't large gaps. It doesn't look too bad, especially after the paint, but it's something that I will do a better job of for my next Cannon kitbash, a GP40P-2.
The three Miss Katy motors ready for paint:
And after paint:
And decals:
I just finished weathering the shells this weekend, so this unit should be up and running soon!
An MKT GP39-2 kitbash has interested me for a few years now and I have finally started working on it. My main resource for this kitbash is from the old April 1990 Model Railroader, in which Tom Busack wrote an article called "Keeping Up With the GP39-2," which was a follow-up article to his article about GP39-2 phases in June 1987. While the article itself is a little dated, since there have been some advances to using Athearn blue box motors and their shells, it gives a really good detailed description of what the hood doors need to look like, etc. Also, the Cannon parts mentioned in the article are the same ones still available today!
I decided to start with an Atlas Trainman GP38-2 shell and drive for this kitbash. The shell provides the correct length, has a later-phase geep nose, and the cab is a good match for a later-phase geep as well. I started by cutting off the long hood from the walkway, which is one disadvantage of the Atlas Trainman shell, but somewhat easy to do with a dremel tool. This provided the base for my kitbash.
I then scrounged up parts that I had on hand from a Proto 2000 GP60, Athearn GP50 dynamic brake, bought the required Cannon parts, and also bought a set of Smokey Valley GP60 handrails. Here's what it looks like with the parts ready to be put together:
Then I started building the shell, which came along rather quickly. This is my first time using Cannon doors for a kitbash, and while it worked out well, if doing it over I would have used more styrene between the doors instead of just behind the doors so there aren't large gaps. It doesn't look too bad, especially after the paint, but it's something that I will do a better job of for my next Cannon kitbash, a GP40P-2.
The three Miss Katy motors ready for paint:
And after paint:
And decals:
I just finished weathering the shells this weekend, so this unit should be up and running soon!
