Who has kit-bashed an SDL39 in N scale?

Would like to get the details of what's required to build an N scale model of an SDL39. What body, what frame, trucks etc.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
The Chief


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.......MILWAUKEE........
"The Resourceful Road"

 

In two words - not easy! A friend and I looked into this some time back, before the latest offerings from Atlas and Kato cmae out.
It will depend on how far you want to go detail- and prototypically-wise. The SDL had a turboed V-12 so there are 6 engine doors each side and everything appeared to be squeezed up on these units, so I think a lot of cut-and-shut work will be required.
It was on a shortened frame which may be similar to first gen Geep frames (I don't have the specifics at hand). The trucks used were export models and IIRC had an off centred middle axle to fit the middle traction motor in, similar to the ALCo RSD trucks. Also, they are shorter than the standard HTC/Flexicoil trucks.
With the imminent arrival of Atlas's SD35, you might have the makings of one using the chassis as a starting point. There may also be an aftermarket shell available.

Good luck!

Gary.

 

Thanks Gary.
I've studied those SDL photos for hours on end, and could never come up with a good starting point. Thought my creativity was gone, but reassured to hear someone else sees the same problems I did. I appreciate your suggestions.
CH



------------------
.......MILWAUKEE........
"The Resourceful Road"

 

N scale SDL39

I have done a couple MILW SDL39's in N scale. I will post a picture or two of this effort so go check that out. I will not lay claim to this being other than a good representation of the real thing, but a rivetcounters delight for this engine is hard if not impossible in N scale.
My engine did come out with the correct length across the pilots, and had most major details correct. The major weak point was the trucks with the off center axle spacing. I read an article on how to do this engine in HO and the off set when rebuilding the trucks was 1/17 of an inch in HO. That means all the effort to do an accurate truck in N scale would result in chopping and perhaps messing with run quality for what amounts to roughly 1/34" in N scale. Hardly noticeable unless you are going to never run this and display it as a museum piece.
My choice of the readily available HT-B truck means pretty close for looks and superior run quality. It has been over a year since I did the last one and it was sold as this is what I do for a living. Unfortunately I didn't keep notes as to all the parts used.
I did start with a GP9 chassis which is almost perfect for the SDL39 length. By taking a GP38 or GP40 non dynamic shell and removing the correct length, and adding a few details you end up with a carbody which is very close to the real engine.
The hood section of the carbody needs to be cut just behind the blower motor, and just ahead of the radiator. You can then remove the unwanted length, and cut the middle section of doors to recreate the correct number and arrangement of service doors. I am pretty sure I used a GP38 as I recall lifting a turbo hatch from another model which would not be present on the GP38.
Trucks are fairly interchangeable so you can simply insert the SD style strucks in the GP9 frame after cutting the fuel tank down to correct size.
No one should imagine this is an easy task or ends up with a perfect engine, but it should amaze anyone who sees it run as it is a tiny engine white huge trucks squeezed under the frame. All the flavor and 99% of the detail is right using this approach. Best of all you can "parts" this out piece by piece by ordering everything from Atlas and you will only spend $40-$50 for material.
If you have the skills and patience, you can build one in a weekend if you are not interrupted.
An invaluable tool in building this is the blueprints for a SDL39. This will help you get measurements right, and details in the right location. I have saved them and will send them to anyone who asks. I will post those too but I can send a higher res file. It was also part of a MR article some time back.
Go look at the pics. No comments critical are wanted. I know it isn't perfect. It is pretty good though and you end up with a serviceable model that can run as well as any engine on your layout.

 

You happen to be in luck, if you are looking for direction on modeling the SDL-39. Go to this web site http://www.nscalesupply.com/NAN/NAN-NSR0609.html and order this N Scale Railroading magazine to receive a detailed drawing and directions to build this model. Good luck and please keep us informed on your progress (with pictures).

 

Yup
Looking at the article now and they used an Atlas RSD 4/5 chassis and it sounds like alot of work. But what the heck, if you want one bad enough!
Rob

 

Yup
Looking at the article now and it is in N Scale Railroading Sep/Oct and they used an Atlas RSD 4/5 chassis and it sounds like alot of work. But what the heck, if you want one bad enough!
Rob