Page Updated:
May 21, 1999
EMD SD
EMD GP:
GP-7
GP-8
GP-9
GP-9B
GP-10
GP-15-1
GP-18
GP-20
GP-30
GP-35
GP-38
GP-38AC
GP-38-2
GP-40
GP-40-2:
Photos
Details
Prototype
Loco Roster
Paint Roster
Athearn HO
Atlas N
References
EMD SW
EMD E/F
GE Dash7/8
GE U-Boat
ALCo Century
ALCo RS/S
Electrics
Misc
Rosters
Rolling Stock
Maintenance
Scenic Gallery
Modeling
Ref Shelf
CRCyc Home
What's New
Help Out
Site Map
Contributors
|
Conrail owned three phases of GP-40-2. Phase I units were purchased by the Reading Company in 1973, while the Phase II and III units were purchased by Conrail beginning in 1977. While the Phase II and III units are fairly similar, they are very different from the Phase I geeps. This page explains the pros and cons of the relatively new Atlas GP-40-2, how you can pick the correct predecorated model, and how you can improve the detail on these models to raise them above the out-of-the box look. Update December 2005: This page is due for a major revision.Conrail Phase II/III Tips by Bob Waller
Back in 1989 Atlas offered their well-running and detailed model of a modern GP-40-2. This is an excellent reproduction of a Phase II unit, and can even be made into a Phase III unit with a little scratchbuilding. It was offered predecorated for Conrail Quality and Reading Company in both numbered and un-numbered versions. Some additional painting will have to be done to the handrails and step wells, but that is about it. These models are still available from many hobby shops and at many swap meets for a reasonable price.
Since the Altas model represents a Phase II/III unit, it has the correct 3,600 gallon fuel tank, corrugated radiator grills, flush-mounted classification lights (Phase II only), and correct 88" low short hood. While the model looks good, there are a few additional parts you can add to make the model look even better and more prototypical. If you have ever added detail parts to a locomotive, you should have no problems with these. While I tend to favor Sunrise Enterprise parts due to their high-quality, you might in some cases be able to substitute other manufacturers' parts.
Detail Associates (DA): 8201 Sunshades--Plastic 8206 Drop Steps Sunrise Enterprises (SE): N-207 Snow Plow--All Roads w/Grab Irons (depends on unit) N-351 Frame Mount Bell N-427 Vent--Short Hood (depends on unit) N-428 Vent--Cab (depends on unit) N-450 Sinclair Radio Antenna N-502 Electrical Box--Front Porch N-550 MU Hoses Pilot Mount N-614 Ditch Light Tall Porch Mount SP N-700 3-Chime Air HornAtlas Conrail Numbers All the predecorated models are in the Quality scheme and numbered 3387, 3400, and un-numbered. Unfortunately, all these road numbers are for Phase III units. You might be able to scratchbuild the Phase III FRA-approved "bugeye" classification lights, which from what I can tell is the only alteration needed to make the model accurate. It's a shame Atlas didn't check some photos and avoid this error.
Ditch Lights: All Conrail Quality locomotives were equipped with ditch lights. While there are no exact matches currently available that I know of, you should be able to use only the ditch light portion of Sunrise Enterprises N-614 Ditch Light Tall Porch Mount SP. These were generally mounted onto the pilot under the anticlimber. I have spotted some lights on GP-40-2's mounted above the pilot, so once again it's best to check photos.
Plows: All Conrail GP-40-2's are equipped with snow plows. These are usually the type listed under Sunrise Enterprises above. Since I never shot photos of 3387 or 3400, I'm not sure what type of plow they had. In their Locomotive Data Books, Conrail lists which units have plows on both ends or only on the front. But locos in the real world often do not match these specs, so photos are the only recourse.
MU Hoses: The Atlas model has these molded onto the pilot, but they can be easily chiseled off and replaced with the SE parts listed above. When you add the plow to the pilot, bend some of the hoses through the open door as on the prototype.
Grabs Irons: Grab irons are molded onto the model, but these can be replaced with formed wire ones if you desire.
Conclusion: The Atlas GP-40-2 is an excellent model with sharp details, crisp painting, and a smooth motor. For those looking to model a Phase II Conrail unit during the 1990s, this is a great choice. With a little work it can be a good Phase III unit as well. They will be right at home pulling your train of DeLuxe's RoadRailers or general merchandise. But you better get these locomotives before they are all gone! If your interested in using it as a former Reading Company Phase I model, continue reading below for some important tips.
Reading Phase I Tips by Bob Waller
Besides the predecorated Conrail Quality models, Atlas has also released their GP-40-2 predecorated and numbered for two of the Reading Company "Grace Mine" engines, with the third being predecorated but un-numbered. As I mention on the GP-40-2 Prototype page, the RDG purchased these locomotives for a specific task, then passed them onto Conrail in 1976. Eventually all five of the locomotives were stenciled in CR lettering, then repainted in full blue livery.While I enjoy seeing models predecorated in RDG colors, there are some significant problems with the GP-40-2. Whereas the model is of a Phase II locomotive, all five of the RDG units were Phase I. This means that the prototype engines did not have the anticlimbers, large fuel tanks, corrugated radiator grills, and trucks that are on the model. I am sure there are many N scale modelers who do not care about such discrepancies, but I cannot bring myself around to paying good money for a completely wrong locomotive that I cannot fix no matter the paint scheme.
If you really desire a closer representation of a RDG/CR Phase I GP-40-2, you might want to try using a shell from an Atlas GP-40 and cutting out a hole on the engineer's side for the water sight glass. This would eliminate the anticlimber, provide you with foot steps on the pilot, and give you the correct mesh radiator grills. The door pattern on the long hood will be different, but I won't tell anyone. The fuel tank will still be 1,000 gallons too large, but there is nothing we can do about this short of milling down the tank sides, which is possible given the right tools.
Conclusion: While the details, paint, and motor are all excellent on the Atlas model, it isn't correct for these RDG locomotives. You might be better off passing off a GP-40 as a stand-in. Still, it sure is tempting to have these nice models hauling loaded hoppers down the old W&N Branch.
Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.