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The base for this model is an Atlas GP38. I chose to use the Atlas model because of its excellent running
qualities and its modular assembly. There are a couple of prototype drawbacks that Are rather bothersome to
deal with, but we can't have our cake and eat it to. At least not in the railroad modeling hobby. The biggest and
most glaring drawback is the inability of manufacturers to pay attention to anything below the frame. This is not
an issue with the early geep through the phase I GP35 since they have wide side sills that hide the frame. BUT
with the narrow framed locomotives, all this area under the deck is open for the eye to see. The fuel tank is
unsightly on these models because of the shallow depth. Also, the step wells were compromised in order to
allow for see through steps. I and I am sure many others would have much rather had the solid steps with
proper depth and those of us that wanted see through steps could cut them out and replace with Cannon & Co
parts that are far superior to anything a mass produced model can have.
First order of business then is to cut the frame in a bit to build up a frame rail. The following photos are
showing the completed frame and fuel tank.
qualities and its modular assembly. There are a couple of prototype drawbacks that Are rather bothersome to
deal with, but we can't have our cake and eat it to. At least not in the railroad modeling hobby. The biggest and
most glaring drawback is the inability of manufacturers to pay attention to anything below the frame. This is not
an issue with the early geep through the phase I GP35 since they have wide side sills that hide the frame. BUT
with the narrow framed locomotives, all this area under the deck is open for the eye to see. The fuel tank is
unsightly on these models because of the shallow depth. Also, the step wells were compromised in order to
allow for see through steps. I and I am sure many others would have much rather had the solid steps with
proper depth and those of us that wanted see through steps could cut them out and replace with Cannon & Co
parts that are far superior to anything a mass produced model can have.
First order of business then is to cut the frame in a bit to build up a frame rail. The following photos are
showing the completed frame and fuel tank.
The cuts in the battery box weight is to allow teh installation of the Cannon & Co. battery box/ Sub base kit. The
sanding hoses are made Miniatronics 1.5v bulb wire. I just buy a bulk pack and use the wire for the hoses. The
frame rail is made from Evergreen 1/8" channel with one side of the channel cut off. I made new jacking pad
supports from sheet styrene. These match teh jacking pad locations on the side sill and sit flush with the side
sill. You can see all the Cannon & Co. fuel tank detail parts used as well.
The coupler draft gear box was made form drawings I have done using prototype measurements. The only
thing that is not prototype on them is the width. I squared up coupler mounting pad and built the draft gear box
around it. The ends of the frame were milled in a bit to allow a matching frame rail to be built into the sill so I can
facilitate the modeling of the pilot support tube that runs from the base of the pilot to the underside of th eframe
rail just behind the step well. You will see this in the deck construction photos.
sanding hoses are made Miniatronics 1.5v bulb wire. I just buy a bulk pack and use the wire for the hoses. The
frame rail is made from Evergreen 1/8" channel with one side of the channel cut off. I made new jacking pad
supports from sheet styrene. These match teh jacking pad locations on the side sill and sit flush with the side
sill. You can see all the Cannon & Co. fuel tank detail parts used as well.
The coupler draft gear box was made form drawings I have done using prototype measurements. The only
thing that is not prototype on them is the width. I squared up coupler mounting pad and built the draft gear box
around it. The ends of the frame were milled in a bit to allow a matching frame rail to be built into the sill so I can
facilitate the modeling of the pilot support tube that runs from the base of the pilot to the underside of th eframe
rail just behind the step well. You will see this in the deck construction photos.
You will notice in this photo a white sheet of 0.030" styrene glued onto the bolster pad. There is a very good
reason for this which will be explained later. I will add here though that surprisingly it did not effect teh deck
height or the coupler centerline. I do not know why, but the deck is still at prototype height and the coupler is on
center with other out of the box models I have.
reason for this which will be explained later. I will add here though that surprisingly it did not effect teh deck
height or the coupler centerline. I do not know why, but the deck is still at prototype height and the coupler is on
center with other out of the box models I have.
