Post by fr8kar on Sept 27, 2017 17:22:38 GMT -5
I was going through some photos around the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area looking for a glimpse of piggyback operations in the late 80s/early 90s when I stumbled across a photo of a dirty GP60 demonstrator working for Southern Pacific in Dallas. I always liked the aerodynamic cab on these and began to wonder what it would take to model one.
A quick search of ebay found a ton of Athearn models and one P2K model in the demo scheme. I knew the Athearn model was too short for a GP60, so I didn't seriously consider it, though I think those models might still be good for late phase GP50s.
Anyway, I bought the P2K model and while waiting for it to arrive I got started on the CAD to create a cab and nose for this model. This is where I learned there are four different versions (that I know of) of these demo cabs: GP59 as-built and modified by NS and GP60 as-built and as modified by CSX. Here is a screenshot of the as-built GP59 cab:
I also did the dynamic hatch for these, which is kind of a cross between the GP50 part with its familiar angles and curves and the wide boxy version found on the P2K and Athearn models. I found a bunch of detail photos and measurements for these parts on Dave Hussey's photo site, so he deserves a big thank you for not only taking the photos and measurements but also posting the images and data.
Here are the parts from Shapeways after I cleaned and primed them:
And here they are assembled and installed on the model:
I decided to reuse the dynamic fan and toilet hatch from the P2K model. I mixed up some blue paint to match the model's factory paint and ordered the decals. The paint job:
Finally, decals and some details added:
When I took the last photos I was waiting on an order of Sergent Type F couplers to arrive. I got them assembled and installed on the model but my schedule has not lined up with sunlight in order to take any photos. I would like to dig into a little more detailing anyway. I have to figure out how to light this thing, too.
A quick search of ebay found a ton of Athearn models and one P2K model in the demo scheme. I knew the Athearn model was too short for a GP60, so I didn't seriously consider it, though I think those models might still be good for late phase GP50s.
Anyway, I bought the P2K model and while waiting for it to arrive I got started on the CAD to create a cab and nose for this model. This is where I learned there are four different versions (that I know of) of these demo cabs: GP59 as-built and modified by NS and GP60 as-built and as modified by CSX. Here is a screenshot of the as-built GP59 cab:
I also did the dynamic hatch for these, which is kind of a cross between the GP50 part with its familiar angles and curves and the wide boxy version found on the P2K and Athearn models. I found a bunch of detail photos and measurements for these parts on Dave Hussey's photo site, so he deserves a big thank you for not only taking the photos and measurements but also posting the images and data.
Here are the parts from Shapeways after I cleaned and primed them:
And here they are assembled and installed on the model:
I decided to reuse the dynamic fan and toilet hatch from the P2K model. I mixed up some blue paint to match the model's factory paint and ordered the decals. The paint job:
Finally, decals and some details added:
When I took the last photos I was waiting on an order of Sergent Type F couplers to arrive. I got them assembled and installed on the model but my schedule has not lined up with sunlight in order to take any photos. I would like to dig into a little more detailing anyway. I have to figure out how to light this thing, too.