Time for a modern design GP50

[SkipGear]

I'm not even a big diesel fan but this is the one loco that eludes me to complete a representation of the Indiana and Ohio fleet that runs around my area. Now they are getting fresh paint due to the purchase of the line by G&W.

http://www.jjakucyk.com/genesee/DSC_4659.jpg

The Kato chassis is very dated, almost impossible to find, and the hood is much too wide. A modern release of a GP50, preferably from Atlas would be very welcome.

[johnh35]

Mark IV makes the long hood to convert the Atlas GP40-2 (or others on the same mech)

[SkipGear]

The Mark4 hood doesn't solve the problem with the walkway and anticlimber in the rear being different. A new shell and walkway set is all that is needed by Atlas to create the loco. They have everything else. I would rather buy the paint job shown above than do it myself.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Is the GP40-2 mechanism a perfect match? For some reason I had in my head that the GP60 was closer. Maybe that's because of the N scale of Nevada GP60 kits that fit on the Kato GP50. If the GP60 mechanism is closer, maybe FVM would do them after the GP60M/B? I'd like a high quality BN and a Santa Fe GP50 with a modern DCC-ready mechanism.

[wcfn100]

A GP50 might be tough.  You're kinda stuck with doing a Phase I low nose which pretty much eliminates the roster of the two largest original owners (BN and SOU).

Here's what's left.

ATSF     3810-3839
CNW     5050-5099
MP        3500-3539
BN        3100-3109 (From the SLSF merger)

140 units.

The CNW and MP units went to UP and the BN did make it to BNSF (at least one did it looks like).  The rest went to regionals.

That's an uphill climb for sure.

Jason

[Denver Road Doug]

A GP50 might be tough.  You're kinda stuck with doing a Phase I low nose which pretty much eliminates the roster of the two largest original owners (BN and SOU).

Here's what's left.

ATSF     3810-3839
CNW     5050-5099
MP        3500-3539
BN        3100-3109 (From the SLSF merger)

140 units.

The CNW and MP units went to UP and the BN did make it to BNSF (at least one did it looks like).  The rest went to regionals.

That's an uphill climb for sure.

Jason

Yep, UP, BN, Santa Fe....they'll never sell. 

This is the one locomotive that is basically THE huge hole on my roster.   Being a pretty much iconic BN locomotive, I would wager that the BN units alone would carry the entire production.  Now granted, it would be nice to see the multiple phase and cab configs, especially the BN crew cab versions.   But, I'll make do regardless.   

[Packer]

I may be wrong, but wouldn't a GP60 shell with a different dynamic brake blister be really close?

[SkipGear]

I&O has 6 ex BN GP50's. Central Railroad of Indiana has a couple. There are pleny of regional and shortlines that are keeping these locos alive. Many paint oportunities.

[johnh35]

Is the GP40-2 mechanism a perfect match? For some reason I had in my head that the GP60 was closer. Maybe that's because of the N scale of Nevada GP60 kits that fit on the Kato GP50. If the GP60 mechanism is closer, maybe FVM would do them after the GP60M/B? I'd like a high quality BN and a Santa Fe GP50 with a modern DCC-ready mechanism.

Not sure about the span, all the data I find on the net says the 38, 40, and 50 are the same.

[SkipGear]

Yes, the GP 38, 40, 40-2 mechanism will work fine. It is only the shell that needs to change.

[wcfn100]

I would wager that the BN units alone would carry the entire production.

Ten units would carry the whole production?  I grew up in the heart of the BN and it wasn't ever very popular.  The GN, NP and CB&Q all have better individual followings.

Obviously you don't think people would care about the phase differences.  I think because they are so easy to spot, it would be a problem.

If the GP50 was as iconic of a locomotive on the UP or ATSF as it was on the BN and CNW, maybe that'd be enough.

Jason

[OHCR 4218]

The I&O GP50 on the Logan line ( Hocking Valley ) had Frisco paint showing last summer. I don"t know if has been painted yet or not.

Brandon

[Denver Road Doug]

I grew up in the heart of the BN and it wasn't ever very popular.

Yes, and clearly Pennsy is a third-tier model railroading market.   

The GN, NP and CB&Q all have better individual followings.

All of which didn't still exist when I was born.   That may have been true 30 years ago, but BN locomotives still run the rails to this day.  And specifically, I have taken a photo of a BN GP50 in the last 2-3 years, pretty sure I've seen one since but not sure if they're still out there...I think they are though.

Obviously you don't think people would care about the phase differences.  I think because they are so easy to spot, it would be a problem.

Absolutely not, I completely agree they care about phase differences.   I think in this day and age, the phase differences get done.   

[jagged ben]

Obviously you don't think people would care about the phase differences.  I think because they are so easy to spot, it would be a problem.

Well shoot, for twenty years I hadn't cared about the wrong blower on my Kato BN, and now you have to bring it up and ruin my day.   

Anyway, I'd be in for an ATSF.  And yes, those would sell.  I'd probably be in for a CNW too if the budget allowed.

[packers#1]

The CNW and MP units went to UP and the BN did make it to BNSF (at least one did it looks like).  The rest went to regionals.

that seems like a dream scenario for Atlas; they don't shy away from the regionals and shortlines