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Post by rhpd42002 on Nov 7, 2012 15:00:10 GMT -8
Another impressive build, Jim. Very well done.
Do you happen to have any commuter cars to go with it or is that another project?
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Post by gregw66 on Nov 7, 2012 15:23:11 GMT -8
Gorgeous work. Very impressive, I love F and E units.
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Post by buffalobill on Nov 7, 2012 19:13:55 GMT -8
Jim: Very nice build. I am surprised you chose the Intermountain unit as the base for the rebuild given your recent comments about the SD-40-2-W's. I am going to guess it is because they offer an undec unit.
Bill
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Nov 7, 2012 20:42:11 GMT -8
Jim; You do nice work.
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Post by onequiknova on Nov 8, 2012 13:48:02 GMT -8
Lately, the Highliner shell kits and more importantly the Farr grille kits are as rare as hens teeth. Currently, Walthers shows the availability of everything Highliner as "Unknown" with no restock on the horizon. The grille kits for the F7A phase I (horizontal grilles) has been out of stock since last year. Prices for the just the A-unit shell kit on e-Bay are now going for in excess of list price. That's why I was shocked to stumble upon an online dealer a couple weeks ago with nearly every Highliner part # in stock, at a discount too. Needless to say I cleaned him out of A unit shell kits and grilles. |
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Post by metraupwest on Nov 10, 2012 8:46:28 GMT -8
Beautiful job Jim!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2012 5:09:12 GMT -8
Prototype photos.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2012 5:29:10 GMT -8
The distinctive CNW gong. I glued the top headlight lens in the model and then added the DW part.
HEP modification.
The CNW F7's were originally equipped with dynamic brakes. In the rebuilding process CNW removed the dynamic brakes and turned the hatch/area into the radiator section for the HEP Cummins. I took DA F3 fans and cut out the top grating. I then glued a piece of strip styrene on the bottom to hold the two fan castings together. Then I took another piece of styrene which I made openings for the fans and slipped that on top of the fans to form the flat like the prototype. The fan blades are modified Intermountain parts. I slotted the dynamic brake hatch from the model for the cooling fan assembly.
The exhaust and modified car body.
Lets start with the car body. The CNW modified the side of the locomotive behind the engine room door. Instead of the batten strip running horizontal, it now runs vertical. They also added a square piece of plate about the size of an EMD louver. I removed the horizontal batten strip from the model and used a piece of 0.010" strip styrene and cut a rectangle of 0.010" styrene to represent the plate.
When CNW added the Cummins to the F7's they enlarged the rear roof hatch to the size of dynamic brake area hatch. I can only assume this was to easily install or remove the Cummins. I used the non-dynamic brake hatch from the model and cut out the models roof and filed until the large hatch fit. I then added some strip stock for strength on the inside of the shell.
The exhuast is scratch built using a combination of hollow brass and styrene stock. I make the initial 90 degree bend in the brass stock. Then I slip the styrene over the brass. The next step is to bend the brass stock upward to represent the exhaust stack.
The "pipes" next to the exhaust is brass rod. Do not ask me what their purpose is on the prototype, for I don't have a clue.
Overview of the HEP modifications.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2012 5:35:18 GMT -8
The nose HEP.
I notched the pilot and added the HEP receptacles like the prototype. I used styrene and mounted DA HEP receptacle casting to the styrene. The CNW had the nose MU hoses mounted to a plate welded to the anti-climber. I used a piece of styrene and glued it to the anti-climber.
General detail photos of the model. The body is finished and ready for paint.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2012 5:43:59 GMT -8
Now its time to modify the chassis.
The CNW switched the air reservoir from between the two battery boxes to fireman's side. They also de-skirted the unit.
I first removed everything from the chassis. Then I cut off the cradle which holds the motor. This part of the chassis is usually hidden by the fuel tank and battery boxes. I filed the bottom smooth. I then removed material from the sides of the chassis so the motor which will now be mounted on its side will fit. The motor is held in place with a liberal amount of silicon.
The frame rails and air reservoir are Hi-Tech detail parts. The fuel tank is the models tank but modified and detailed.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2012 5:50:22 GMT -8
Finished.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 19, 2012 8:37:48 GMT -8
Excellent, beautifully detailed unit, Jim! Your modifications to the underframe and roof really set it apart.
Looking at your locomotive reminds me that I have several P2K E-unit shells that need detailing before their appointment with the airbrush. I'd like to junk the plastic hand and grab rails and replace them with metal versions. The rails on your F-unit look really nice. Are these available on the market, or did you form them with brass stock?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2012 19:16:55 GMT -8
Bent my own ladder grabs out of 0.012" brass wire.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 22, 2012 20:19:51 GMT -8
0.012"..........that's why they look so realistic. 
Jim, if it's not asking too much, could you post a photo of your unit with the lights on (headlight, numberboard lights) on a layout or outdoors? You did a great job on this and, imho, you should show her off in full dress mode.
Slightly off topic........but I'd enjoy seeing photos of your SDP40F when you get close to finishing her. In addition to myself, several members here are still interested in early Amtrak modeling.
High Greens 
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2012 10:59:46 GMT -8
Jim, if it's not asking too much, could you post a photo of your unit with the lights on (headlight, numberboard lights) on a layout or outdoors? You did a great job on this and, imho, you should show her off in full dress mode.
High Greens The lighting on the model consisted of headlight, rotary beacon and class lights. The class lights lighted red when the unit ran in reverse or "push mode". The number boards are not illuminated. |
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Post by rhpd42002 on Nov 25, 2012 16:04:52 GMT -8
Jim, once again, very impressive work, as usual. Sure shows what can be done when you go "all out".  |
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Post by trebor on Feb 15, 2013 7:09:35 GMT -8
Nice, reminds me of my ill-fated youth in Evanston and Park Ridge.
AFAK the rods next to the ehaust might be crankcase breather pipes.
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Post by marknycfan on Feb 15, 2013 15:41:32 GMT -8
Phenomenal work, I am awe struck
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