"Take the GP60M and GP60B to be produced by FVM...just need to have a popular enough railroad to be profitable on the total number of units sold." I hope that you didn't miss the joke that was intended when I mentioned they weren't painted "Santa Fe."
That is because ATSF had NO SDP45s...the SDF45 is just Sante Fe's designation for an F45, just as the SDFP45 is an FP45.
The SDF45 is a Full Body SD45, while internally similar, they are not the same thing. And the SDFP45 is not a FP45. There are several differences internally and externally between the F45 and the rebuilt SDF45. Note there is no "P" in that designation, the P was for Passenger and the SDF45s had no steam generators (like the FP45s did).
Put me down for a BN or 2. I have toyed with the idea of making one but never got around to it. Kevin
so anyone want to take lead and appeal to IM about this? im about to email and post to their facebook group with a link to my new thread here once its populated. wanna vote here guys n gals? http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?139173-want-a-SDP45-vote!
If you wanted them to do all the SDP45s, that would basically be asking for TWO locos! The EL styled ones, which consist of the tapered rear end, regular steps and regular "porch" on the back. The GN/SP style has the squared off rear on the long hood, has the vertical "ladder-type" steps(like the rear on the tunnel motors) and has the extended porch on the rear, also like the TMs! Another note to consider too is that the EL units had EVERYTHING on the hood made lower because of clearance restrictions, from radiator fans to the exhaust even to the bulge above the air intake. That might be "rivet-counting" but if IM didn't do it, I'm sure hardcore EL fans might say something! I've finally made the tapers for the radiator ends and also finished the brakewheel in the nose, along with getting the CP lettering off. I've really got burnout for this project (started it WWAAYY back in '97 or so!)and also can't decide on a paint scheme to do and don't know if I should add seperate ladders and lift-rings. My younger brother was modelling D&H and I was going to use this as a EL run-through unit, but I don't know!:tb-confused: Here's a link to my Photobucket album, I've got some side-by-side shots of a regular SD45 compared to the cut-down sections of the SDP. You'd need two complete SD45 shells, two fuel tanks and the mechanism from a C44-9W(the trucks are interchangeable, you don't even have to change the side-frames!). Also note that the Dash 9 frame was from the ORIGINAL run, newer runs might have all the tabs on the frame in different spots, or they might be larger! Keep in mind, mine is an EL-based unit. http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh21/TrevorDiabo/Modeling pics/ The hardest part for anyone is probably taking that saw/knife and chopping into a Kato shell!!:tb-shocked: Even though it's taking me this long to get to this point, the crazy thing is I'm looking to start on a SD40A too! Just a little grinding of the Dash-9 frame should make clearance for the rear porch on that! If I start that one, I'll probably be done around 2024! Trevor D.
I remember the 6634 , I recall when we got it you could still see the EL stripes under the conrail blue and the helm blue. I always thought that a GP40 rear hood spliced onto an SD-45 shell would about do it. It didn't look like the EL SDP45-s ever had steam generators-at least I never spotted any telltales on the floor of the locomotive. The long mechanism should be close to an Athern FP-45 (we had on of those also on WC- 6652) R Stahl
EL never had steam generators on their SDP45s...they wanted the longer frame for the extra large fuel tank, same reason the SD45-2s had no external air cylinders. Designed to go from the East coast to Chicago and back on a single tank. Also, the Athearn mechanism will not work for an SDP45 as the Athearn mech is full width, and we need a mech for a hood unit
You are correct in the fact that EL's SDP45s never had any steam gerneraors, they acquired the models for the oversized fuel tanks, to be able to make a run from Kearny to Chicaga and back without refueling. Unfortunately one wouldn't be able to use the Athearn FP45 as the mechanism fits under a cowl unit and would therefore be too wide for a hood unit. Trevor D. Edit; I see Ike already answered!!
With almost the exact same answer...creapy... Now I'd rather see an SDP40...I used to have pics of one of the old EL units rebuilt by MK for SP, still in SP paint with a UP patch...then my stupid harddrive crashed...
Check this thread out. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?126266-Project-SDP45&highlight=customnscaler
Glad to see its still around. I got to run that unit a few times before it was retired. Took lots of pics inside and out. Will be nice to see it in GN colors again.
