Way back in 2004, I decided to have a go at a loco conversion - one of my first on a diesel. I had a Proto 2000 GP30 in BN colours, which didn't fit into the early 90s period I was working in at the time. Research led me to BN's conversions of GP30s into GP39E's, where a 2300hp EMD 645 engine was installed into the original carbody. Ther first few conversions retained the distinctive look of the GP30, which I like. Later conversions replaced the cab with a standard EMD cab, creating an odd-looking hybrid, IMO. Other than a few simple additions and removals, the conversion was little more than a repaint - good for a starter project. Here are a few photos from 5 years agoshowing the work done on the shell. I also slapped some paint on at the time - #2752 was one of only a handful of the early style cabs to get the whiteface scheme (but not the pinstripe. Now let's move the clock on 5 years.... Jon
With my 1990's era micro layout - Sweethome Alabama well progressed with the trackplan, I finally dug out the model a few days ago and decided to finish it off with a bit of weathering and a Tsunami sound decoder. I spent three evenings messing about cutting up the body weight to get the decoder and speaker to fit, before weathering the model last night. I prefer weathering with a brush, coating the loco in several watery acrylic washes followed by drybrushing - much less bother than a spray gun. Here's the finished GP39-E in a suitably mucky state - and it only took 5 years. A close up of the revised fan arrangement Jon
A few more photos to finish things off - Could someone confirm that, at 2300hp, the engine would have been turbocharged. I can't find anything to confirm this. I will shoot some video footage of the loco on Sweethome Chicago, once I get word on the Turbo Jon
that looks like it was a fun project! I'll have to attempt that kind of conversion to an older athearn GP30.
It may have taken you five years, but that's a nice job! :thumbs_up: The second photo in your last post looks really good. With that lighting and the great scenery work, at that resolution (just right!), it looks as good as the real deal.
From personal observation, I can attest to the fact that the GP39Es were indeed turbocharged. I shot one in Muskogee a few months back as it was idling next to the former Frisco yard on the NE side of town. I've also seen 'em in action in Sherman and Tulsa, and can verify to their turbocharged sound.
Thanks guys. I'll get some video uploaded to You Tube later today. Bob, I guessed the 2300hp engine would, in all probability, be turbocharged, but wanted to make sure before I spend ages editing together some clips. Thanks for the info. Jon
I started another BN GP39-E at the same time as the ex GP30 project, this time a GP35 conversion. The sound decoder is in (currently a Soundtraxx LC) and the weathering is on. This Kato loco started out in Canadian Pacific purple/grey Jon
I've finally added made video footage of the GP39E's this afternoon. You can now see the two locos over on You Tube [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZmZDJUttDY&feature=channel_page"]YouTube - BN GP39s[/ame] I have tried to disguise the 1930's nature of Sweethome Chicago as best as I could, with some strategically-placed freight cars hiding model A Fords and Mac trucks. I'm sure I didn't catch them all, though. I will eventually fit a Tsunami to #2917 as and when finances permit. I am very impressed with the Tsunami diesel decoders thus far Jon PS the odd noise about 3 minutes in, is one of the cats purring - grrrr!
Nice job, really glad to see that you postioned the wipers towards the sides on the vertical windows. Most often they get placed in the center which I'm sure your "HO scale crew" hates too. Off to the side it's alot easier to see.
