Questions: Modeling CN's GP40-2W/GP40-2LW

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I have been toying with building one again after talking about my previous failed attempt in another thread. It's been about 15 years since my last attempt so I wanted to run by the construction process with some more knowledgeable modelers.

Parts:
Atlas NDB GP40 for long hood and chassis.
Atlas GP38-2 for the still and handrails.
IM SD40-2W for cab, pilots, steps, end handrails and CN specific details.

I am guessing the GP40-2LW would be easier to model as the fuel tank is full size and the 2" height difference should not be noticeable.

Modifications as follows:
Add recessed hand brake wheel on engineer's side long hood.
Replace fans with etched parts.
Remove rear number boards and dual light . Replace with single light.
Replace 4 step pilots with 5 step IM parts.
Modify handrails aft of cab on conductor's side to match prototype.
Add bell, horn, grabs and other small parts.

Am I missing anything?

[Lenny53]

I am guessing the GP40-2LW would be easier to model as the fuel tank is full size and the 2" height difference should not be noticeable.

L version had the smaller fuel tank.

[Scottl]

The Kaslo cab looks much better than the IM.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

So this is wrong?
http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/PDF/CRO_gp40.pdf

It states the L's had a lighter taller frame to support a larger fuel tank while the standard -2Ws has a 2300 gallon shorty.

[Lenny53]

So this is wrong?
http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/PDF/CRO_gp40.pdf

It states the L's had a lighter taller frame to support a larger fuel tank while the standard -2Ws has a 2300 gallon shorty.

IIRC the units with the smaller fuel tanks also carried less ballast to reduce weight and were ordered for service on light prairie branch lines.  I would have to dig out my X2200 South issues with the CN roster to be sure and check the order numbers.

[cjm413]

I have been toying with building one again after talking about my previous failed attempt in another thread. It's been about 15 years since my last attempt so I wanted to run by the construction process with some more knowledgeable modelers.

Parts:
Atlas NDB GP40 for long hood and chassis.
Atlas GP38-2 for the still and handrails.
IM SD40-2W for cab, pilots, steps, end handrails and CN specific details.

I am guessing the GP40-2LW would be easier to model as the fuel tank is full size and the 2" height difference should not be noticeable.

Modifications as follows:
Add recessed hand brake wheel on engineer's side long hood.
Replace fans with etched parts.
Remove rear number boards and dual light . Replace with single light.
Replace 4 step pilots with 5 step IM parts.
Modify handrails aft of cab on conductor's side to match prototype.
Add bell, horn, grabs and other small parts.

Am I missing anything?

If you are going to use an IMRC SD40-2W shell for the cab, etc, you also have the option of reusing the engine room (without dynamic brakes) and the radiator sections from the long hood.   The clean air room would need to be replaced or shortened, and you'd still need to add the handbrake to the long hood given the SD40-2W has the handbrake on the rear " porch.

The handrails from the GP38-2 will be useless since they lack the taller stanchion near the blower housing, nor do they  match the GMD steps.

If you want a GP40-2W, a Life-Like GP38-2 chassis with a short fuel tank may be another option to keep in mind.

[cv_acr]

Dan's right, it's the L version that has the taller frame and large tank.