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Post by iomalley on Dec 4, 2011 14:51:33 GMT -5
Gents... Next project up for decalling...Bachmann GP7 ($60) with minor detailing to mimick CN's GP9 4524 that was involved in a wreck and thus got a GP7 long hood replacement. My dad used to like this unit as it frequented the London RH where he worked, even though it was a Stratford assigned unit. The louver arrangement is weird as is the lack of dynamic brakes for a CN unit. It was also a rarity with no winterization hatch, which was odd as it was a regular on the Stratford plow extra. So far, I only have $25 into it, MBE antennae, horn, spark arrestors and brakewheel, DA headlights, Tichy grabs and Plano louvers. I like the bachmanns for general superdetailing and workability. I bought the Clinchfield one as it was light colour, (after stripping graphics) easy to paint over. They also have removeable dynamic brake blisters that are interference fit!  |
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Post by Randy Earle on Dec 4, 2011 14:58:52 GMT -5
That's a Bachmann shell?
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Post by iomalley on Dec 4, 2011 15:35:11 GMT -5
you betcha! AFAIK It's dimensionally accurate too. A couple downfalls, crappy looking fans (I replaced with DA) and no grabs or nbws (you need a BLMA index card to lay out grabs)
The fuel tank under the full 1600 gal shell is a 1200 gallon shaped frame. perfect for 4524.
They come equipped with dualmode decoders and LED lighting. The trucks are a tad garish, but not as bad as early Proto.
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c415rock
Moderator
"Linking the East with the West"
Posts: 1,044
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Post by c415rock on Dec 4, 2011 17:49:53 GMT -5
There RS3 is the best dimensionally accurate RS out there. The cab is perfect. Just like the Geep the trucks leave something to be desired, but nothing some after market frames can't fix. Plus it needs a little weight to increase the pulling power. That is a easy fix also.
I can't wait to see there new FA under $100.00 with Tsunami sound on board.
Maybe they will become the new version of a Blue Box so many people want. ;D
That is a very good looking engine so far, I look forward to seeing it when you complete it.
Erik
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Post by m636 on Dec 4, 2011 19:11:17 GMT -5
Sean. I have done a correct fuel tank kit for the CN GP9.
Contact me if you are interested.
Éric
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Post by m636 on Dec 4, 2011 19:12:50 GMT -5
What it look like.  |
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sd50f
Superintendent
Posts: 189
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Post by sd50f on Dec 4, 2011 23:27:54 GMT -5
Hello all.
Yes, it's a Bachmann shell, but the even better news is that once you dump that junk they call a decoder and put in a better decoder, they apparently run like an Atlas loco!
Once I see these things being sold at fire-sale prices, I'll be picking up a few!
Timothy Dineen
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Post by tamaman on Dec 5, 2011 10:22:50 GMT -5
Nice lookin so far.
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Post by iomalley on Dec 5, 2011 12:23:46 GMT -5
Hello all. Yes, it's a Bachmann shell, but the even better news is that once you dump that junk they call a decoder and put in a better decoder, they apparently run like an Atlas loco! Once I see these things being sold at fire-sale prices, I'll be picking up a few! Timothy Dineen Yeah I took the decoder out and put jumpers in. I haven't run it except at the LHS and it creeped along nicely with a nice constant LED light. (albeit a little on the green side) I agree, this could be a BB source for us. I have plans to do a CN RS3 and was going to use the Bachmann based on the low inital outlay |
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Post by graftonterminalrr on Dec 5, 2011 21:47:02 GMT -5
Hey, Sean, the 4524 was actually a GP7-GP9 hybrid straight from GMD - a 1500 HP 567C engine in a Phase 1 GP9 carbody. I believe it was a wreck rebuilt F7, but let me check...
Whoops, my bad - it was the 48[/b]24. From CNlines:
CN 4824
•GP7m, serial A-1714 rebuilt in a GP9 carbody using parts from F3 9005 which had been wrecked at South Jct ON 17 May 1958.
•shipped from GMD 27 October 1958 as 4824; equipped with dynamic brakes; class GR-15b.
•retired 22 July 1975
•renumbered (with some rebuilding?) to GP9 4263:2
CN 4524
•GP9, class GR-17h, built 1956
•in an accident (date, details TBC) and rebuilt without the dynamic brake blister
•rebuilt to GP9RM 7028 in 1991
By the way, nice choice in using a Bachmann Geep. I've been toying with the notion of buying one as a detailing project, as a BAR GP7 (starting with a UP decorated one, for the DB blister and early-EMD winterization hatch, as opposed to the late hatch included with P2K diesels)
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Post by iomalley on Dec 6, 2011 22:59:31 GMT -5
decals started  |
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Post by graftonterminalrr on Dec 6, 2011 23:03:49 GMT -5
Looks Great!
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dtinut
Chairman
Modeling the DT&I of the 60's & 70's
Posts: 661
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Post by dtinut on Dec 7, 2011 0:20:16 GMT -5
Hey Sean,
Post some photos of the drive, would you? Curious if it would be possible to replace the trucks with Athearns or someone else's trucks, or even just replace the side frames with Athearns.
Thanks
Brian
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Post by iomalley on Dec 7, 2011 14:11:40 GMT -5
Hey Bri..
Not likely, its the standard Bachmann top bearing trucks. the pivot is above the driveline, not below like everyone else. I imagine there's space for a bolster, but I'll get some pics soon...
In fact, IIRC, the engine in your signature line has the same trucks...RPP on Bachmann drive??
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Post by graftonterminalrr on Dec 8, 2011 20:56:42 GMT -5
Brian's loco (in his sig) appears to be an Athearn RTR GP35.
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Post by iomalley on Dec 9, 2011 12:07:38 GMT -5
By the way, nice choice in using a Bachmann Geep. I've been toying with the notion of buying one as a detailing project, as a BAR GP7 (starting with a UP decorated one, for the DB blister and early-EMD winterization hatch, as opposed to the late hatch included with P2K diesels) Well, there's no quintessential GP7-9, they all have their quirks. The Proto is probably best but lacks fundamental details like the batten straps between the longhood sections, and the roof fan hatches weirdly wrap down the radius edge. Atlas is a good runner, but has a hard-to-work-with metal deck/sills, cast in pilot details. Genesis? I have no opinion cuz I haven't seen one, but the forums are abuzz with 'epic fail' opinions. It may still prove to be the kitbashers preferrence, but with its price point, maybe not so much. Frontrange has out of proportion radiators and crude knuckle busters. The Bachmann has non-standard chassis issues, but has proper proportions, no grab irons to remove, thin handrails (albeit GP7 stanchions) batten strips, proper sized rads, and a cool interference fit dynamic brake section. room for a speaker too. The fans suck, tho, and it does have that one tall GP7 carbody door and needs Plano louvers to make it a GP9. So from a kitbasher's standpoint, take your pic...  |
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Dec 9, 2011 16:19:20 GMT -5
Please excuse another dumb question, but are "...and crude knuckle busters..." those lift and twist handles semi-recessed into the side doors? If so, does anyone make an etch of them, or even plastic mouldings? Or is there an accepted way of representing them?
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kcs1967
Chairman
SWLA-SETX PINE SCENTED
Posts: 1,726
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Post by kcs1967 on Dec 9, 2011 16:33:31 GMT -5
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c415rock
Moderator
"Linking the East with the West"
Posts: 1,044
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Post by c415rock on Dec 9, 2011 19:39:59 GMT -5
Hi Guys,
I don't mean to hijack this tread, but I have been trying to get Woody at Archer to do knuckle buster latches. So I encourage everyone to e mail Woody and encourage him to do these.
Erik
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Dec 9, 2011 19:40:55 GMT -5
I'd seen the doors before Justin and was wondering whether it would be cheaper, with a better result, to make them with the knuckle busters you showed, rather than buy them ready made. A lot of work seems to be the problem! You'd need a square punch, I guess, to be able to recess them successfully. Then the hinges to simulate. Only for one off's I think!
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