Best HO GP40 - Not GP40-2?

[jmupton2000]

On my wish list of loco models I intend to get around to one day is DRGW GP40 3081 in its silver and orange Sierra Pacific guise.

Looking through available HO scale models, initially I looked at an old Atlas GP40 but then noticed the long hood side hand rails are wrong compared to the prototype.

Everything else I find is the later GP40-2 variant. Were the batch of DRGW GP40's that began with 3081 more -2 in appearance than their predecessors or is the old Atlas model just wrong?

I intend this to be a cheap project, maybe a kitbash from Athearn blue box shells but if there is an accurate reasonably priced GP40 on the market somewhere, then I would rather use that.

 

[Rico]

Other than Atlas as you mentioned the only other manufacturer that comes to mind is Bachmann?
Tons of the -2’s out there as you know.
I think Rapido might be coming out with one (?) but it would be the extreme opposite of a cheap project.

 

[bnsf971]

The DRGW GP40s were early models, from around 1966.

DRGW.Net | D&RGW EMD GP40 Roster

www.drgw.net

If you want a really nice GP40, here's a link to that, as well:

https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/gp40.html

 

[kjd]

There are two versions of Atlas GP40. One has a giant screwdriver slot in the fuel tank to get the shell off and the other/later one is much nicer. I don't have either so that is the extent of my knowlege on the subject. If the handrails are different, is the walkway different as well? You might have to do some cutting and pasting to get an exact match.

A lot more will not match starting with an Athearn Blue Box GP40-2. All the doors under the radiator are arranged differently. It would also be easier to modify the Atlas as the hoods and walkway are seperate pieces.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

On my wish list of loco models I intend to get around to one day is DRGW GP40 3081 in its silver and orange Sierra Pacific guise.

Looking through available HO scale models, initially I looked at an old Atlas GP40 but then noticed the long hood side hand rails are wrong compared to the prototype.

Everything else I find is the later GP40-2 variant. Were the batch of DRGW GP40's that began with 3081 more -2 in appearance than their predecessors or is the old Atlas model just wrong?

I intend this to be a cheap project, maybe a kitbash from Athearn blue box shells but if there is an accurate reasonably priced GP40 on the market somewhere, then I would rather use that.

I have two Bachmann GP40s, one with the old "pancake" motor, and a much newer version with a nice can motor. If you go with a Bachmann GP40, the can motor version is the one to go for.

 

[NVSrr1500]

Scale trains is coming out with a GP40. it is in pre order They have a drgw phase IIc version

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I have a couple GP40s from years ago by Athearn the blue box version. I have the shells mounted on Overland Chassis.
The bleakness of the shell clashes with the detail in the trucks.

 

[jmupton2000]

I think I have identified a potential Bachmann GP40 donor loco for the planned project. I think it would need a better cab (probably the Cannon kit) but other than that it should work.

 

[kjd]

Gordon Cannon made his parts exactly to prototype dimensions. A lot of manufacturers don't and swaping in a Cannon cab can become cab, sub-base, nose.
Ask me how I know......

 

[Iron Horseman]

initially I looked at an old Atlas GP40 but then noticed the long hood side hand rails are wrong compared to the prototype.

Do you mean because on the right side the models rail drops down for the last three stanchions? The foot board does not have a drop in it. the left side looks the same to me. Seems like the project would be to replace 1 hand rail.

 

[riogrande5761]

The ScaleTrains DRGW GP40s are out now. I bought all six numbers, 4 with sound. Got 2 on the layout now.