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Post by riss2509 on Feb 13, 2009 13:58:48 GMT -5
Hey you guuyyyysss!
What is everyones opinion on the atlas trainman series of engines? I got a BNSF one through a trade a short time back, for the most part doesnt look to bad. The biggest issues I see are the sideframes and handrails! I know DW has the kit to retro a pair of Athearn sideframes on there, but, what about the handrails? Ive been wanting to sell or trade it off for more modern freight cars, but, if I can spice it up a bit, would love to keep it!
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CIOR
Chairman
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Post by CIOR on Feb 13, 2009 18:03:22 GMT -5
I bought 2 in Conrail paint (GP38-2)
Detail wise they are low end, but the drive is MASTERS quality.
So for nothing less, you get a nice drive on a 'ok' body.
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Post by riss2509 on Feb 13, 2009 18:53:34 GMT -5
I didnt really look into it honestly. Compared to my athearn Geeps, the nose definetly looks longer. But, the handrails are less than desireable! Too bad couldnt modify the frame to fit an athearn shell!!!  |
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Post by Randy Earle on Feb 13, 2009 23:49:36 GMT -5
I didnt really look into it honestly. Compared to my athearn Geeps, the nose definetly looks longer. But, the handrails are less than desireable! Too bad couldnt modify the frame to fit an athearn shell!!! Why can't you? Can't never did nothin. I've got Atlas shells mounted on Athearn drives, Kato shells mounted on Athearn drives. Where there's a will there is a way. I bought a couple Trainman GP38-2 drives and mounted Atlas GP-40 shells on them. The mount like they are made for them. GP-38s also. |
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Post by graftonterminalrr on Feb 14, 2009 0:28:28 GMT -5
The Trainman GP38-2 is a different phase than the Athearn GP38-2, so the difference in nose length is actually correct (88" vs. 81").
The major issues with the Trainman GP38-2 are as follows:
- Sideframes are so-so
- Engine room doors are too tall, resulting in the DB blister being too shallow
- No walkway tread
- Handrails are a mite thick
- The anticlimber is incorrect for many of their offered roads
The drive, as noted before, is the standard Atlas Master GP38/GP40/GP40-2 drive, which is to say very good.
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Post by Randy Earle on Feb 14, 2009 0:40:27 GMT -5
I also have a couple Trainman Alco RS-36 locomotives. they are really nice and only need grabirons. Cal Scale makes a detailing set for them including grabs, pilot grabs, and coupler lift bars.
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liengineerbob
Chairman
Sitting at my workbench trying to figure out what to do next!
Posts: 335
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Post by liengineerbob on Feb 14, 2009 7:52:30 GMT -5
I was impressed with the Alcos and picked up a few of them. I like the idea of a decent quality "bare-bones" loco.
The GP38-2's are good for the drives. I have no idea how they managed to screw up the body shell so badly and let it make it into production.
Hopefully the GP39-2's will be OK, and the GenSet too.
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Feb 15, 2009 14:11:24 GMT -5
I have two of the GP39-2's ordered in Portland & Western and hope they are proportioned properly. I need the GP39, not the Dash2 variant....LOL Oh well, a C&O man can only hope. I've got 2 engines that won't be produced in plastic.... SD18 (ALCo trucks) GP39 and booster.... ah well... |
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Feb 15, 2009 14:52:55 GMT -5
I was looking at CSX GP39's the other night. What are the differences body wise between the plain jane & -2? You know, I don't know. I believe there are differences in grills and a few doors, but not sure. I've never paid attention to it too much. Perhaps when the time comes to bash one or 2... |
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Post by MONONC420 on Feb 15, 2009 17:50:46 GMT -5
The only real differences I have noticed are the water sight glass on the engineers side of the long hood and the overhang on the rear of the cab.
christian
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Post by santafemikie on Feb 16, 2009 22:26:45 GMT -5
The GP39 can be built easily out of an Atlas GP-38. Just pull off the GP-38 dynamic hatch and install an Athearn GP-40-2 hatch with Evergreen #122 strips around the front edge of it. Fits perfect! That's all EMD did when they built it. The GP-39 was a turbocharged 12 cyl. instead of a 16 cyl. There was an excellent article on the GP-39-2 in the July/August 2003 Diesel Era by Peter Limas. It also included a picture of a C&O GP-39. Last I heard, they still had the backorders available
Best Regards, Mike
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Post by santafemikie on Feb 17, 2009 16:30:14 GMT -5
Guys,
A couple of things need to be said here. If the C&O GP-39 had extended range dynamics, use the Athearn hatch. If it had standard dynamic brakes, use the Atlas GP-40 hatch. Check the length of the traction motor vent, (raised walkway, left side). This should give you a very accurate GP-39. Now, the dash 2 is a whole different build. Instead of backorder, I meant back issue.
Sorry for the confusion, Mike
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Feb 17, 2009 21:49:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Mike.
Perhaps one day I will get back at it.
I know I need a couple of them...
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Post by stillbre on Feb 17, 2009 22:06:38 GMT -5
Gonna chime in here real quick. As far as GP38-2s go, the Athearn is still the best shell in terms of dimensional accuracy. Its a toss-up between the Trainman and P2K. Both have pretty major dimensional errors. Regarding the GP39, its a completely different animal from both the GP38 and the GP40. Most of the radiator compartment is shared with the GP38. The dynamic brake blister is shared with the GP40. The engine room, however, is totally unique. To balance the weight sitting on the frame, the prime mover was moved slightly to the rear. About half the width of an engine-room door if I remember correctly. Now if the GP39 is a whole new animal, the GP39-2 is down-right extraterrestrial. Again, the dynamic brake blister is shared with the GP40-2. And again, the radiator compartment is shared with the GP38-2 for the most part. Fan spacing changes at around the same time as the GP38-2 at least. Again, the difference lies in the engine room. The 39-2 went through so many phase changes that I don't think anyone has cataloged them all. First the prime mover was in the middle. Then it got moved forward. Than all the way back. Then you have Kennecott Copper's kinky units. www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=110418&nseq=17I believe the phase that Atlas is doing is correct for a couple orders or ATSF and D&H units. |
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Post by riss2509 on Feb 18, 2009 1:22:12 GMT -5
Anybody interested in purchasing an atlas trainman Gp38??? Make me an offer!!! |
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Post by graftonterminalrr on Feb 18, 2009 10:33:42 GMT -5
Two bits! ;D
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