CP GP9u

[faraway]

Got a Walthers CP GP9u and put the shell on a drive with DCC decoder I did some years ago for the St. Marries. It is a nice runner. Not perfect but for the price a good drive and Zimo decoders love it to teach little motors good behavior.
IMG_4750 by faraway52, on Flickr

My challenge is the shell. The Walthers shell is extreme generic and I have to do a lot of modifications to get it roughly into a CP engine. Let's see how far it gets with my capabilities and without ordering parts from Eric.
IMG_4756 by faraway52, on Flickr

I see many prototype CP GP9u on photos done in this century without ditch lights. I understood ditch light are a Canadian invention and they are mandatory. Is that an indication the engines are used within larger yards only without level crossing and/or no need to run faster than 20 mph?.

There is a similar project at the diesel detailer http://dieseldetailer.proboards.com/thre...ct-ongoing. In fact did that project trigger my interest in the Walthers CP GP9u. I am "borrowing" something there

At the end of the first day.
IMG_4758 by faraway52, on Flickr

[sailormatlac]

Looking good Reinhard! Winterization hatch and large numberboard, you're already half done! ;-)

Matt

[Brakie]

Sweet!

[lajry]

Thought GP9"u" was a Santa Fe designation when they remanufactured theirs. That's when they also got the chop nosed cabs like on Reinhard's. You could also put a Santa Fe Topeka cab on it. Then paint it into a shortline scheme. >)

[faraway]

Most of the shell is complete and with semi gloss sealed. The number board, pilots and the stacks have a unique Canadian touch.
- Marker and antenna stand are missing due to lack of parts
- The conventional bell (no parts) is replaced with an easy to home build electronic bell seen on my engines of the same series
- Window glass will be installed after weathering

To be done sand fill hatch, drop step, hand break wheel, all weather window and MU cable connectors.

I am also very unhappy with the windows. Looks like AMB laser has no windows for this model as they did for the BB SW1500. Do know a source for better windows?
Can I apply a thick layer of Micro Kristal Klear on top of the windows sitting behind the walls?

Next will be the front and rear lights. Unfortunately blocks solid casting the intended place of the 3mm standard front LED and a SMD LED will be the choice.

IMG_4762 by faraway52, on Flickr
IMG_4763 by faraway52, on Flickr
IMG_4764 by faraway52, on Flickr

ps. My camera did not like the engine red in my room. I went to the balcony with natural light to do the photos.

[lajry]

The chains on the end handrails may have been painted when engine was new. But being chains the paint wont stay on them. Some kind of bare metal color would look better. But if the chains aren't used much they look rusty. Take a look at some prototype pix to see what the real ones look like.

[faraway]

Ready for revenue service on Monday morning.

IMG_4767 by faraway52, on Flickr
IMG_4766 by faraway52, on Flickr
IMG_4765 by faraway52, on Flickr

[Catt]

Reinhard,
That shell is out of the 50s.Iwould say you have definitely done justice.

[faraway]

Reinhard,
That shell is out of the 50s.Iwould say you have definitely done justice.

A perfect example to apply the 3 foot rule and old eyes become an advantage too
IMG_4768 by faraway52, on Flickr

[faraway]

Looks like I am seriously infected by the CP GP9u virus.

This CP prototype with operational dynamic breaks
CP 8215 & CP 8212 by t47360, on Flickr

has a lot in common with the CR 7271. I will take the risk and try to remodel an Athearn GP9. Disassembly went quite fine except the handrails have been glued at the steps. We had some casualties in that area.
IMG_4770 by faraway52, on Flickr

Don't hold your breath. It will take a little longer. I don't even have CP decals at hand.
I think it is best to keep the long hood attached to the base until the short hood has been remodeled and fits in place. I will decide later on if the long hood should be separated too for painting.

First step is done. I found an old "Cannon Thinwall EMD 35/40 Cab Kit" in the cabinet.
IMG_4772 by faraway52, on Flickr

[Twist]

Hi,

nice looking engine projects. The #1597 is looking very good. Great work on this one.

Cheers,Chris

[torikoos]

Looks like I am seriously infected by the CP GP9u virus.


First step is done. I found an old "Cannon Thinwall EMD 35/40 Cab Kit" in the cabinet.
IMG_4772 by faraway52, on Flickr

This one is looking good, nice kitbash sofar!

Koos

[faraway]

....., nice kitbash so far!.....

The project is on hold due to missing parts I am waiting for (decals etc.). With a palm tree dominated layout is a CP locomotive not my 1.st priority and an upcoming vacation (Tenerife, the most southern island of UK ) takes it's toll too.

[Brakie]

Reinhard,
That shell is out of the 50s.Iwould say you have definitely done justice.

Yup, a oldie but goody beautifully dress up for the ball..