GP35 Group Build kicked off today.

[Deleted]

Today I kicked off my participation in the GP35 Group Build on Facebook. My entries are videos with updates posted on the page.

The first two videos are up and running.

#1 This video covers the introduction to the project and my subject entry.
youtu.be/1seHt3IQVjo

#2 This video covers thecreation of the Bill of Materials and planning. 
youtu.be/NUZk3eibrZY

#3 This video covers stripping paint from Kato models.
youtu.be/s7Ibh1IRRkY

#4 This video starts the actual build. Frame & fuel tank part 1 of 8.
youtu.be/AeZkk-j44yE

#5 This video continues the frame and fuel tank work. Part 2 of 8.
youtu.be/jdWlC3FDZRQ

#6 This one dives into cutting the fuel tank and frame. Part 3 of 8.
youtu.be/ZpEPXVcbrCQ

#7: More frame and fuel tank work. Part 4 of 8.
youtu.be/Jz9EqpnrZvE

#8: More frame and fuel tank work. Part 5 of 8.
youtu.be/9lSCwHDMrkk

#9: finishing up the plate steel and sheet metal work on the frame and fuel tank. Part 6 of 8.
youtu.be/6c4VgrtY240

#10: Here I correct my slope sheet mistake and build the fuel filler pipes.Part 7 of 8.
youtu.be/2xDHSKV6Hmo

#11: Ending chapter one. The frame and fuel tank deconstruction and reconstruction is finished.
youtu.be/LKKApqZ-if0

#12 This This video is the start of the truck rebuild program.
youtu.be/w4yrQlVZzS8

#13 This video covers weathering the wheels.
youtu.be/yznb1-F5Liw

#14 In this video I cover the building and installation of the brake cylinder air line plumbing and brackets.
youtu.be/fZAw-xIxmGw

#15 This video completes the trucks through applying a primer coat.
youtu.be/7FDVLCdYFGY

#16 Truck addendum: This is a short overview of what needs to be done to adapt the Kato RS2 AAR truck to the Kato GP35.
youtu.be/VzKSHZ9mbPM

#17 This video starts the next chapter in this build. Here I am deconstructing the sill unit to prepare it for detailing.
youtu.be/paMIWy2qASE

#18 This video takes me through the end of deconstructing the sill unit including all the necessary cutouts in the pilot plate.
youtu.be/ib49xPkE2dw

#19 This is the first part of the tread plate video. This video deals with the prototype information.
youtu.be/hWuSws_HnuM

#20 Video 1 of 3 Tread Plate Installation 
youtu.be/Y2RzL-_OQEk

#21 Video 2 of 3 Tread Plate Installation
youtu.be/my14UGYiuRE

#22 Video 3 of 3 Tread Plate Installation
youtu.be/MUo550qOGz4

#23 Prototype aspects of the air reservoirs and associated plumbing
youtu.be/Q8qh4VSZ9RM

Brian

[tankcarsrule]

Brian, you are the man!

Bobby

[Deleted]

Whenever I have a new video posted. I will edit the original post and add a new line with a link.

Brian

[ncrc5315]

Brian, really looking forward to this. I have some units I want to do later this year, and this will be a big help.

[roadkill]

Apr 8, 2018 14:16:45 GMT -8 ncrc5315 said:

Brian, really looking forward to this. I have some units I want to do later this year, and this will be a big help.

Same here, I have several Kato GP35's waiting to be PC-ed .

[Deleted]

Another update. See original post at top for link.

Brian

[nebrzephyr]

Brian, although I don't have the equipment you have, I appreciate you doing the videos. There are many "tips" that are applicable even to us less equipment endowed modelers.

Bob

[Deleted]

Update #6 is posted. See original post.

Brian

[Deleted]

The next video is up. Se original post for link.

[nstophat]

Brian;

So far great series. Looking forward to the rest of it.

Regards,
Russ

[Deleted]

The next video is up. See original post for link.

Brian

[nstophat]

Brian;

Thanks for keeping this going. I am inspired to build a GP35 for either RF&P or as a CSX Slug Set. The modeling insight is much appreciated.

Regards,
Russ

[markfj]

In regards to the fuel tank modifications, I’m wondering if using a Genesis tank might be an alternative for those who want to do an expedited build. It’s a really nice tank and already has the end plates and hangers included.




Just out of curiosity, I pulled the tank off of a Genesis GP38-2 and did a test fit on a Kato drive. As you can see in the photo, it doesn’t fit because the frame is too wide. However, the frame is .948” wide at the tank and the Genesis tank .934”, so it’s only a .014” difference. Either the frame will need some light milling in the tank area on the sides or the tank could be trimmed (probably an easier route). You would also need to mill about .039” from the bottom of the frame to get the Genesis tank to sit at the proper height. Removing the material from the bottom is necessary because the Genesis tank doesn't have an open bottom like the Kato one. This could be an advantage as you don't need to permanently attach the tank to the frame using glue. It could be secured by taping holes in the frame bottom and using countersunk flathead screws.



Another benefit of using the Genesis tank is that you can skip the milling steps required to remove the molded air tanks.


The part number for the 3200 gallon Genesis tank is G40397, but that’s just the tank, no fuel fill, sight glass, or breather pipe. The fuel tank detail set is part number G40331. Another nice thing about using these parts is that they’re all plastic and will glue easily.


Thanks for the videos Brian!

Mark

[Deleted]

Mark,

Unless you are building a phase II 35. You cannot use the Athearn tank. The phase II series 35's use slope top tanks like the one in your photos. The phase I series of 35's use a flat top upside down "T" style tank. The same type of tank as the GP30 as well as the same design as the larger tanks on the GP7/9/18/20. They are not slope top tanks.

Also just for information. The genesis fuel tanks DO come with all the fittings necessary. Again though. Just not the correct style tank for the Phase I series 35's. For a phase II series you want the 2600 gallon tank which was standard. I know of three railroads that purchased phase II units that opted for a 3000 gallon tank. RF&P, RI, Milwaukee. I know there was three and there might be a fourth. I do not have my notes with me.

Brian

[markfj]

Hmm, didn’t catch that the top shape was different on the Genesis tank. Heck, I was just excited that it "almost" fit the Kato frame!

So, now I’m wondering if the Genesis tank from a GP7 or 9 would work. I was also thinking that somebody might have the correct tank done as a 3D print model. Rebel Locomotives has some nice tanks, but not the correct shape for the phase 1 GP35 (i.e. the flat top).



Mark

[roadkill]

May 7, 2018 14:36:34 GMT -8 markfj said:

Hmm, didn’t catch that the top shape was different on the Genesis tank. Heck, I was just excited that it "almost" fit the Kato frame!

So, now I’m wondering if the Genesis tank from a GP7 or 9 would work. I was also thinking that somebody might have the correct tank done as a 3D print model. Rebel Locomotives has some nice tanks, but not the correct shape for the phase 1 GP35 (i.e. the flat top).



Mark

A Proto GP30 tank would be a good choice if you can find one.

[Deleted]

May 7, 2018 14:36:34 GMT -8 markfj said:

Hmm, didn’t catch that the top shape was different on the Genesis tank. Heck, I was just excited that it "almost" fit the Kato frame!

So, now I’m wondering if the Genesis tank from a GP7 or 9 would work. I was also thinking that somebody might have the correct tank done as a 3D print model. Rebel Locomotives has some nice tanks, but not the correct shape for the phase 1 GP35 (i.e. the flat top).



Mark

The GP9 tank would be the correct shape, but not the correct length. The GP30 and 35 tanks are longer (larger in capacity) hence the rear truck bolster moved back 1 foot.

A 3D printed tank would be OK. Just make it about .002" to .003" larger so you have material to sand off to smooth it out.

Brian

[nstophat]

Brian;

How much length would be needed to use the Athearn tank? I am wondering if you could splice a pair of them together at the bulkhead and trim the bulkhead to match the tank cross section to match what you did in Step 1 of video 8?

Russ

[Deleted]

May 8, 2018 12:13:25 GMT -8 nstophat said:

Brian;

How much length would be needed to use the Athearn tank? I am wondering if you could splice a pair of them together at the bulkhead and trim the bulkhead to match the tank cross section to match what you did in Step 1 of video 8?

Russ

Well, the standard 2350 gallon tank measures 186.75" long. That is 2.144" in HO scale. Whatever an Athearn tank measures out to be, make the adjustments.

Brian

[Deleted]

See original post for latest update.

Brian