SD-40X Demo Project.

[Randy Earle]

These locomotives, (434a-434f) were the precursor to the SD-40 and later models, circa 1964-1966, were built on SD-35 frames. Of special interest to myself was the fact that 434e and 434f were tested and run on the Norfolk & Western before finally ending up in Union Pacific (3040-3045) ownership. (I have the parts required for this project now and will soon have this one in the works also. You'll notice, the radiator sections were not as long or centered under the three fans above them.

• 434 not built with slanted radiators (GM&O #950)
  
• 434a-UP #3040
  
• 434b-UP #3041
  
• 434c-UP #3042
  
• 434d-UP #3043
  
• 434e-UP #3044
  
• 434f-UP #3045
  
• 434g-h standard radiators longer frame.
  
• 434g-ex-UP #3046 on Wheeling & Lake Erie.
  

[sarge]

I like this project Randy and look forward to seeing it progress

[icghogger]

Randy, do you have any information about EMD marketing the demos in their corporate colors? I seem to recall a black and white photo somewhere that showed a 434 in EMD markings.

[Randy Earle]

According to all accounts, these demonstators were all black with white numbers and no EMD logos.

Now... You'll also notice I've moved this thread. I moved it because I started this project today. With all my Cheap Builds, this one is an economy build also. I could not afford to buy an undec ATLAS SD-35 low nose unit, SO...... I had a Lifelike Proto 2000 SD-9 Drive sitting around that one of my friends here sent me not too long ago. Knowing that the SD-9 and SD-35 shared the same wheelbase, I looked into changing this P2K drive into an SD-35 for this SD-40X project. I also have an Undec/Low Nose ATLAS SD-35 body shell assembly that is going to meet Dr. FrankenRandy to be joined with this P2K SD-9 Drive. Sizing things up I realized "IT COULD BE DONE!". My trusty Dremel was brought out and in no time I had the sides of the fuel tank frame area ground down to fit the ATLAS SD-35 fuel tank. I had some Detail Associates air tanks in the parts box and they were just right for this unit. These were installed today also. Next I fit the ATLAS walkways to the P2K frame. I ground some off the ends and cut the P2K coupler mount off at the pad. Once I had the ATLAS walkway fitted, I scribed a mark at the top of the coupler mount opening on the SD-35 pilot across the SD-9 coupler mount shank and removed it to that line. I'll body mount the couplers and when the coupler box is installed the back of the box will hold the frame in the assembly.

[rdg5310]

You got another cool project going on there again. Your becoming a wiz with the tank grinding thing! Now all you gotta do is get some of these projects to paint.

[railfanalex]

Cool project Randy!

CP tested 2 of these units for a very short time in February 1966 before they ended up on UP:
www.cprdieselroster.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%207000A/CP%207000.htm
www.cprdieselroster.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%207000A/CP%207001-2.htm

As you can see they were renumbered 7000 and 7001.

[Randy Earle]

Jul 11, 2009 19:58:28 GMT -5 railfanalex said:

Cool project Randy!

CP tested 2 of these units for a very short time in February 1966 before they ended up on UP:
www.cprdieselroster.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%207000A/CP%207000.htm
www.cprdieselroster.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%207000A/CP%207001-2.htm

As you can see they were renumbered 7000 and 7001.

My guess is the renumbering was to avoid confusion with CP's roster. That blue looks very close to the old N&W blue. I had read the units were black.

[ssgburme]

Hi all, there's an article in classic train's (spring 05) that show's some demonstrators in blue and white #s 4354,4352+4353? look's good Randy, I don't use my dremel near as much since I got a sherline mill. This IS exactly the kind of work I enjoy to do, and why I'm here.
Karl

[Randy Earle]

Thanks Karl. I like to make things different than the usual RTR fare most folks accept. I suppose it comes from building model cars since 1957....nobody makes a model car in the stock configuration. Being a "po-folks" is also the reason I like to make what I can from different items.

[mrogden]

Good luck with this one, I have always liked the look of these beast. Back in 99 I drove up to Kemmerer WY for a "Never been to" trip and seen one DIT, and thats the only time I have seen one.


Bradley

[RunningExtra]

Your off to a great start on this one Randy....How many projects do you have working simultaneously?

[Randy Earle]

Jul 12, 2009 17:31:50 GMT -5 RunningExtra said:

Your off to a great start on this one Randy....How many projects do you have working simultaneously?

About 30.

[kwrengo]

Got me back on track too with my SD40X project. (I have been busy working on former DM&IR SD-M 316 getting it ready for our upcoming Missabe Historical Society convention in August. That project kind of took the wind out of my sails to devote to modeling).

The 40X I will model will have the straight radiators intakes. I spent some time last night during my layover in the hotel after work cutting and fitting the SD35 dynamic brake hatch into the GP40 dynamic brake opening. The biggest thing will be angling the rear of the hatch bulge so I clears the front of the radiator intake opening. Other than that it is pretty much straight forward kitbash.

Kent

[Randy Earle]

How about some pictures Kent?

[gnsteve]

Dear Dr. FrankenRandy, Do you ever come up for air or get time away from the workbench for good behavior? 30 projects at once? You're a far better modeler than me. I'd lose all focus if I had 1/4 of your projects going. On the positive side for me, your modelling inspires me to get back to the basement and work on my stuff. Thanks.

[Randy Earle]

Thanks Steve. I'm stuck home because of my health, (severe diabetic neuropathy in my lower extremities) so it's either work on locomotives, model cars (not much), or watch television. Sometimes I do both.

I found some information on EMD Demonstrators at HOSAM. According to them, the 434's were black.

www.hosam.com/emd/emddemo.html

[Randy Earle]

Well I spent the day working on this Demonstator. It has the look of the SD40X. The rear half of a Rail Power Products SD-45 shell was used after many modifications. The fan area was removed and filled, and I used a Plano SD-40 radiator fan photo etch for the top. I had to shorten it to fit. EMD placed the fan housings as far back as they could to fit. I used Cannon SD38/39 radiator grills, and they fit and look very close to the photos. I have to cut in the holes for the radiator fans, and once I do that I'll shoot some pics. Maybe thursday night?

[Randy Earle]

This is a color photo.

[Randy Earle]

I'd like to thank Gerry of Minuteman Trains for his help with this project, and some of my other projects also. I think I have him talked into joining here.

[CP_8530]

Looking good so far!

Jul 12, 2009 13:28:39 GMT -5 ssgburme said:

Hi all, there's an article in classic train's (spring 05) that show's some demonstrators in blue and white #s 4354,4352+4353? look's good Randy, I don't use my dremel near as much since I got a sherline mill. This IS exactly the kind of work I enjoy to do, and why I'm here.
Karl

Those would be the EMD SD45 demos, which later went to the D&H (and then to EL, and back to D&H). I think at least one still exists as a Mexican unit.