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If you are reading this page for the first time, you should know that I originally posted this article to the CRCyc several years ago. The information might be a bit dated by now. Athearn might not even offer this model any more, or it might be difficult to find. Like an old magazine article, this article still might have some value; therefore, I will keep it online.As I mention on the GP-40-2 Prototype page, Conrail owned three types or "phases" of GP-40-2's. Since the Athearn model represents a Phase I unit, modeling the five former Reading Company units (CR 3275-3279 or RDG 3671-3675) is the easiest route to go. The Conrail-purchased Phase II units (CR 3280-3385) take more skill to model since you will need to replace several molded-in parts with Cannon & Company ones. The final order of Phase III units (CR 3386-3403) take even more work.
Reading Phase I Tips by Bob Waller
In this section I chose to model one of the five Reading Company units purchased in 1973 for the Grace Mine run near Reading, PA. (For more info on these units and their assignments see the GP-40-2 Prototype page.) I specifically chose RDG 3675 to model, pictured to the left. This was the "extra" unit the RDG ordered and was often found pulling many duties in the Reading area until circa-1978. I've also included at the end some quick tips on modeling these units post-1977/78 in Conrail's paint-out stencils.I used Jim Hertzog's article in Railroad Model Craftsman, which is listed on the GP-40-2 References page, as my jumping off point for this model, which is currently under construction on my work table. Hertzog's article presents detailed background on these units, but his modeling is basic information reminiscent of the late-1980s. You really don't need the article in order to model these units. My list and tips below combined with basic detailing techniques should see you through.
But in keeping with Hertzog's article, I have reproduced his list of detail parts needed for this model. I have also included some additional parts or substituted other parts that I feel will raise the model to an above average level. These are marked with an (*). Some parts can also be purchased from other manufacturers; you may substitute them if you desire.
Microscale Decals: 87-691 Reading Diesel RS-3 & 40-2--Green Scheme* 87-708 Reading Diesel Barricade Stripes* 87-0048 Data Sheet (Builders Plates) A-Line (AL): 29200 Windshield Wipers* Athearn: GP-40-2 Shell GP-38-2 Frame/Motor* 42009 Blomberg Type B Truck Sideframes* Campbell Scale Models: 256 Chain Cannon & Co. (CC): 1501 Dash 2 Hood Unit Cab Kit* 1505 Window Set* Detail Associates (DA): 1202 Underframe Bell Mount 1402 Drop Steps (Late Style) 1505 M.U. Stand 1508 M.U. Hoses 1701 Clear Jewels (7"--Headlights) 1703 Clear Jewels (4"--Class Lights) 1803 Sinclair Radio Antenna 2202 Former Wire Grab Irons 2204 Coupler Lift Bar W/Brackets* 2312 Straight Air Deflectors* 2504 .010 Wire* For Rain Gutters 2807 Speed Recorder Flange Type* 3102 Fuel Tank Fitting Set* 6503 Curved Caboose Grab Irons 101101 Brass Eye Bolts* Details West (DW): 120 Snowplow 139 Fuel Tank Air Filter Set* 172 Step Lights* 190 MU Cables Double Plugs* 218 RSL-3L-R Air Horn*While I have added several extra detail parts to Hertzog's list, parts which I feel add a great deal of realism to the model without adding much extra cost, there are a few items I feel need special attention. These are listed below. Plus always check prototype photos of the unit you decide to model, since variations always exist among units, especially over time. This also allows you to model several units, though each is slightly different.
Fuel Tanks: Since the Reading had 2,600 gallon fuel tanks, you will need the frame/motor assembly from an Athearn GP-38-2. The frame/motor on the GP-40-2 contains the larger 3,600 gallon tank, which is appropriate for only the Phase II and II units. You could always buy a powered GP-38-2 for the frame and a dummy GP-40-2 for the shell to save money.
Locomotive Cab/Nose: I am a firm believer in Cannon & Company detail parts. If you have never seen a model with these added, I strongly urge you to track down some articles by Jim Six and other contemporary modeler/authors. These parts are extremely prototypical right down to the nuts and bolts. Some of the parts will take some skill to kitbash onto your models, while other parts are fairly easy to replace.
Do yourself a major favor and replace the stock Athearn cab and replace it with Cannon & Company's 1501 Dash 2 Hood Unit Cab Kit and window set. As always, this will remove all the errors found on the Athearn cab, give you higher detail for little effort/cost, and provide scale thickness walls. It will also easily remove Athearn's cast-on cab vent, which is not present on the RDG units. Plus you can even open the doors, which is pretty cool in and of itself.
Coupler Lift Bars: When modeling any of the former RDG units, use the stock DA coupler on the front pilot. If you decide to model RDG 3671 (CR 3675) or RDG 3673 (CR 3677), the rear pilot lift bar was either delivered or later modified with an upward extension on both ends, as pictured at right. This allowed a trainman to stand in the stairwell while lifting the bar, without having to bend over or step down. This is simply a straight extension with a rounded end. Modeling this feature might be difficult, or at least fragile. While I haven't tried this, a pin cut to the proper length then carefully glued to the bar using CA cement might work. Again, this might create a fragile model.
Trucks: As Bob Myers recently pointed out to me, the Reading received their GP-40-2's with standard Blomberg trucks, as pictured to the right. You will need to replace the stock Athearn truck sideframes with those from an F7 or GP-7. You might also be able to special order the part, which is listed in the detail part list above, from your local hobby dealer. Since these are standard Blomberg trucks, there are no shock struts. The Reading painted the end rings of the journals yellow.Speed Recorder: You might want to consider adding DA's 2807 Speed Recorder onto the lead journal of the front conductor-side truck. Simply CA it in place on the journal, then extend the piping up under the frame. It will take a bit of trial-and-error to angle the pipe up and back so that when the truck swings to the left, the piping doesn't get caught or swing out from under the frame. It's a little detail that adds some visual interest to the trucks.
Fuel Tank: Unlike the fuel tanks on the other two GP-40-2 phases, the former RDG units have the smaller 2,600 tank, which is included on the Athearn model. You will add a great deal of realism to your model by adding the details parts listed above and cleaning up Athearn's stock tank. Simply follow the parts' instructions.
Rain Gutters/Roofs: One of the unique features of Reading Company diesels are their V-shaped rain gutters on the cab roofs, as pictured to the right. You can easily make these by taking .010 wire and bending it to shape. Use photographs as your guide. Also, don't forget to apply the road number on top of the cab roof. We railfans tend to be earth-based, rarely seeing our locos from above. Many a die-hard Reading Company modeler has forgotten these numbers! We just never saw them. But now you have been "educated." These are included in the Microscale decal set.CR-Stenciled RDG Units: Basically, you will need to follow all the detail tips above when modeling the Reading Company GP-40-2's after Conrail painted-out the logos and stenciled them with CR numbers and initials. You will need the RDG decals listed above, plus the appropriate Conrail set. I haven't listed any here since they tend to vary from locomotive to locomotive. You'll have to check photos of the locomotive you wish to model, then compare them to Conrail decal sheets. One side note: Does anyone know if Conrail painted out the RDG numbers of the roof when they painted out the locos with CR? I have never seen a roof shot of these units when painted out and would like to know. I tend to think they forgot all about them, which would make for an interesting model.
Conrail Former RDG Units: I recently saw a photo from 1983 of a former RDG GP-40-2 repainted in full Conrail livery, CR 3277. On the surface it doesn't appear as if any changes were made to the units by at least this date. I'll try to track down more pictures of these units from various years to see how they progressed and hopefully have some tips on how to model these as well.
Conrail Phase II & III Tips by Bob Waller
In his Model Railroading article listed on the GP-40-2 References page, Jim Six tackles a Phase II unit. To model this phase, you must remove the molded-in Athearn 81" nose and sub base and replace them with the appropriate Cannon & Company parts. This calls for some advanced kitbashing skills. If you chose to model one of the Phase III units, you will need to follow all of Jim's suggestions as well as scratchbuild classification lights. Mark Paul, a former CR and now current NS conductor, notes that the radiator fans on the later phase III units (called IIIb) are the same Q-type fans found on the SD-50's and SD-60's, making modeling them a bit easier. You might want to check the Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
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