Parts LIst Question for SP SD9E and GP9R's

[danw]

Hello Friends,

I'm beginning my first projects in model railroading since I was a kid and would like to know about what or where to obtain some of them. I plan to model the NWP in HO in the 1970's-1980's. 

My first task will be to detail 3 Proto 2K SD-9's and 2 GP-9 Phase 2's from the GRIP program into 9E/R's. I've collected a few Details West and Details Associate Parts. For example the SD9E kits.

I'd like to purchase fans from Canon and Company fans but do not see any equivalent for SD9 and GP 9's on their site. I'm wondering will 36 and 48 work for this era? Mostly I can see dish shape with the occasional flat top making it's way on ( example in the link)

espee.railfan.net/picindex/gp09_detail/gp9_004.html

Also, I've seen that some modellers have used .008 wire for grab iron. Would anyone know where to get this? I don't see .008 on K and S's site.

Could someone recommend what to do for lift rings (buy or make from brass)?

I'm also looking for a cab interior. Has anyone looked at or used Keystone's?

Has someone stripped a P2 model? Would you remove the lift rings to strip? Would the hand rails strip safely? 

Pros/ Cons between Scale Coat 2 Washaway and 91% Isoprophl? 

I'm looking for a detail part for SP jacking pads. Is there one? Might be simple to make.

Scale safety chain for the front and rear walkway. Does anyone know what scale size would be correct? I'm looking at A-line. 

Other parts planned: Plano etched grilles and Sergent couplers.

Will have plenty of LED and DCC q's to come.

Best, Dan

[Kurt]

Jan 12, 2016 3:37:50 GMT -5 danw said:

Hi Dan,  
Modeling the Espee can be challenging due to the fact that they added every extra they could buy for their locomotives but is extremely rewarding in the end!  Let me see if I can help you with your questions-

"My first task will be to detail 3 Proto 2K SD-9's and 2 GP-9 Phase 2's from the GRIP program into 9E/R's. I've collected a few Details West and Details Associate Parts. For example the SD9E kits."  Sounds like a good start.  If I were you I would consider buying the Athearn Genesis version of the GP9 instead of going the Proto 2000 route.  Athearn did a great job tooling an Espee specific version that captures the GRIP GP9E's perfectly.  I have gone both routes and the Proto GP9 will build into a great model but it takes time!  The Proto SD9 is a great model and is your only choice for an SD9 at this time.

"I'd like to purchase fans from Canon and Company fans but do not see any equivalent for SD9 and GP 9's on their site. I'm wondering will 36 and 48 work for this era? Mostly I can see dish shape with the occasional flat top making it's way on". Cannon makes beautiful cap top fans for the 1st Generation EMD's.  See part numbers 1854 for the 48" fan and 1707 for the 36" fan.

"Also, I've seen that some modellers have used .008 wire for grab iron. Would anyone know where to get this? I don't see .008 on K and S's site."  Detail Associates makes that size wire. It is part 2502.

"Could someone recommend what to do for lift rings (buy or make from brass)?"  The DA eye bolts are a good choice but aren't always available.  Plano is making photo etched eye bolts that are nice and come in different sizes.

"I'm also looking for a cab interior. Has anyone looked at or used Keystone's?"  Can't really help you on this one.  Cab interiors aren't my thing.

"Has someone stripped a P2 model? Would you remove the lift rings to strip? Would the hand rails strip safely?"  I've stripped a ton of P2K models using 91% isopropyl.  I have a sealable plastic container and reuse it over and over.  In terms of removing lift rings its your choice.  I think they look oversized and pull them out and replace them.  The handrails on P2K units are molded in color and are not painted so there isn't anything to strip.  If I had a choice I would find an undecorated SD9 to start with as they do not have any of the detail parts installed yet so it saves the task of yanking off any parts before stripping.  Be aware though that undec Proto models are painted grey and will still need to be stripped in isopropyl!!  Also see my thread on the Proto GP30 I rescued from the cheap builds/rescue thread.  I show how I fill all the holes in the shell with styrene rod after stripping the model of paint.

"Pros/ Cons between Scale Coat 2 Washaway and 91% Isoprophl?"  See my response above.  Isopropyl all the way!

"I'm looking for a detail part for SP jacking pads. Is there one? Might be simple to make."  I'm assuming you mean for the SD9's since they are omitted from the P2K model?  If so just scratch build them out of .020" styrene.

"Scale safety chain for the front and rear walkway. Does anyone know what scale size would be correct? I'm looking at A-line."  These are molded into the Proto railing and I see no need to replace them.  

"Other parts planned: Plano etched grilles and Sergent couplers". I wouldn't worry about replacing the grills to be honest but that's just MY opinion!!

So I hope this helps you.  Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!


Regards,
Kurt

[milw199]

BLMA also made grab irons with .008" wire. Part number 4510 for drop grabs (4511 for a 60-pack of drop grabs), 4512 for straight. Walthers shows then out of stock, but your local dealer might have them.

[Nick Lorusso]

For your SD9 builds Details West makes 2 different SD9E kits.

[spdrew]

Hello everyone,

Dan, any progress on acquiring parts or starting build?

Not to hijack this thread - But I'm looking to replace all the P2K grab irons for a SD9E with metal/brass. Any suggestions? Im really looking for the front ones (near the number boards) with the bracket.


Thanks,
Drew