Classic EMD's, Page 11
The GP30 is definitely a classic EMD. It can not be mistaken for anything else. Nothing comes even
close to its distinct styling. Even a quick glance from a novice diesel spotter would render the
comment "That's a GP30".
With the SD40 done, it is time to turn my attention to the next locomotive in the picture on the cover
page. The ex READING GP30 #2180. This model will be a combination of using the Kato GP35 chassis
trucks and drive with the P2K phase I GP30 shell and walkway deck/sill unit. I'll also be using the
P2K small fuel tank. This model will also get a Tsunami sound system installed. I want to give special
thanks to my good friend Tom Austin for providing the Kato GP35.
I chose the Kato chassis because of the superior drive system is has. It will match nice to the Kato
SD40 and the SD45 when I build it. Both the P2K GP30 and Kato GP35 chassis have one ugly
problem. That problem being the frame area around the fuel tank. There is to much open airiness to
it. This is more prominent on the P2K chassis. You should NOT see any light coming through above
the tank. The Kato model is better, but what is also missing on both is the "fish belly" frame. The
GP30/35 are built off essentially the same frame as the GP7/9/18/20. The difference being that rear
truck bolster is moved back one foot (1'). There are also minor differences with the gusseting in the
frame at the "fish belly". Those are really minor and fairly unseen.
I could not leave the frame alone on this project. The main reason is the READING GP30's had small
fuel tanks and because of this, there is a lot of frame left hanging out in the open. This required a
frame cut and rebuild. While I was at it, I went ahead and set the frame up to have a draft gear box
built at the coupler pads.
close to its distinct styling. Even a quick glance from a novice diesel spotter would render the
comment "That's a GP30".
With the SD40 done, it is time to turn my attention to the next locomotive in the picture on the cover
page. The ex READING GP30 #2180. This model will be a combination of using the Kato GP35 chassis
trucks and drive with the P2K phase I GP30 shell and walkway deck/sill unit. I'll also be using the
P2K small fuel tank. This model will also get a Tsunami sound system installed. I want to give special
thanks to my good friend Tom Austin for providing the Kato GP35.
I chose the Kato chassis because of the superior drive system is has. It will match nice to the Kato
SD40 and the SD45 when I build it. Both the P2K GP30 and Kato GP35 chassis have one ugly
problem. That problem being the frame area around the fuel tank. There is to much open airiness to
it. This is more prominent on the P2K chassis. You should NOT see any light coming through above
the tank. The Kato model is better, but what is also missing on both is the "fish belly" frame. The
GP30/35 are built off essentially the same frame as the GP7/9/18/20. The difference being that rear
truck bolster is moved back one foot (1'). There are also minor differences with the gusseting in the
frame at the "fish belly". Those are really minor and fairly unseen.
I could not leave the frame alone on this project. The main reason is the READING GP30's had small
fuel tanks and because of this, there is a lot of frame left hanging out in the open. This required a
frame cut and rebuild. While I was at it, I went ahead and set the frame up to have a draft gear box
built at the coupler pads.
| THE VENERABLE EMD GP30! |
As you can see the frame has been cut and a new one built up. In order to get the P2K GP30 deck to
fit the Kato frame, I had to cut out the frame where it goes up into the blower duct. I also had to
notch the frame in order to fit air reservoirs. Most everything will be built off the frame. I've added
top sheets and end sheets to the fuel tank.
fit the Kato frame, I had to cut out the frame where it goes up into the blower duct. I also had to
notch the frame in order to fit air reservoirs. Most everything will be built off the frame. I've added
top sheets and end sheets to the fuel tank.
Here you can see how the frame looks with the deck in place. The frame and fuel tank are now
ready for detailing.
ready for detailing.