Western Railway GP28M-2, a GP20 Rebuild Project

[rock]

Thanks! Here are my Western Railway units:
GP28M-2 229 and GP38-2 291 for the Western Dodger local
SW1500s 125 and 128 for the Western Transfer
AC4400CW 822, SD70MAC 714, and SD90MAC 902 - all for pool power in my unit grain trains - these are all Kato and Ron had only 10 Kato units so I was able to get 30% of his Kato roster.

I also have a GP50 and GP60 to stage on a bridge that isn't connected to the rest of the track; these have had their Athearn drives taken out.

[rock]

Today I programmed the decoder in the locomotive, consisted it with the GP38-2, and gave it a nice test run on the Western Dodger, the local that switches South Omaha. This went to the Belt Line, where a new light rail line is being built. The catenary poles are up and the wires will be installed next. When the light rail is up and running, the Western Dodger will only run at night, time-separated from the light rail trains (similar to how Salt Lake City operates). This will be the domain of these locomotives and they did really well switching the industries. The GP38-2 is an Athearn shell on an Atlas GP38 chassis/frame. The Kato drive and trucks on the repowered P2K ran really well and I am happy with the Tsunami sound with the iPhone 5 speaker.

Below are some photos I took during the test run and links to a few YouTube videos as well. Enjoy!

[PVRR 2647]

Eric~

That unit looks really great, excellent job.
I would like to add that you have a nice layout too.

PVRR2647

[rock]

Thanks! It certainly is fun to run and switch out some cars with. I just love that Kato drive! The layout is definitely a work progress... lots of scenery and structures to work on!

[PVRR 2647]

Eric~

I here you there buddy, my layout is in the same state.

PVRR2647

[osrr]

Not to be picky.. your videos say 12cyl but, your posts here say 16cyl.

Anyway... is it a true 645 or a 567 block with 645 assemblies? I assume 567 with 645 assemblies. That'd make more economical sense.

[diesel]

Eric, I am sure your friend would be very proud of this build.
229 looks great with the GP38 too!

[rock]

Thanks, Dan!

[sgoti]

I love the subtle differences in lettering between the two units, it further reinforces the concept of a recent rebuild paired with an older stock loco!

[pacbelt]

That is truly an excellent build!! My favorite part of freelance modeling.
As I wake up from an almost 3 year hiatus, it appears that something similar to that would make a great project on my Pacific Belt RR!

Thanks for the inspiration.