Still need to add some final details but here a couple builds I'm completing. The SW9 has KV models radiator screens and handrail details. The GP39 is a GP39 that was wrecked and rebuilt with a Spartan cab and some modifications. The GP20 is a mish-mash of several body parts on a modified Athearn chassis with custom motor/drive.
Nice work! I initially thought the 161 stripes looked odd, but they are prototypical. http://archive.trainpix.com/bn/EMDORIG/SW9/INDEX.HTM
Thanks! I'm trying to do some of the BN oddities. The GP9 with windows and a door on the short hood is next.
Thanks Dan. I looked at a few different sites and some refer to it as a GP30 and some a GP39M. Even this one is mixed on the same site.
Probably depends on the year, based on when it was rebuilt. Dozens of early second-gen Geeps were cycled thru at least 3 total rebuild programs. Older GP 30s and 35s were redesignated GP39E, M or V, from EMD, Morrison-Knudson or VMV, respectively. GP35 core units would then have a GP39(E/M/V) designation post rebuild; same with GP30 cores. When in doubt, this site is most helpful. http://archive.trainpix.com/bn/ROSTER.HTM
Yeah, that one is interesting. Isn't a GP39M in the pure sense of the word as typically understood...being one of the massive conversions that happened in the late 80's. I suppose, that IF it was rebuilt by M-K, it might have been a "prototype" of sorts for that rebuild program, and maybe they did upgrades electrically and called it a GP39M. I am doubtful of that, but stranger things have happened. Also, you could equally argue that this shouldn't be called a "GP30", since it was wrecked and rebuilt with a different cab. If nothing else, just because it's too good of a story to tell to not come up with some cool "Franken-BNs" type nickname. It was retired in 1985 and apparently not utilized for the conversion program, so there's that. Internet research is always a crapshoot. I'm learning more and more that dates on ANY railroad photo site or random webpage should NOT be trusted. And ESPECIALLY not from Facebook, where resposting is rampant without the least bit of concern for anything. Regardless, thanks for sharing...nice models.
You can also tell by the number series. BN GP30's were in the 2200 series. GP39E's were numbered 2750 - 2778 and 2900 - 2940. GP39M's were numbered in the 2800 series. GP39V's were numbered in the 2950 series. The GP39E, GP39M & GP39V were all built using GP30/35 donors. Dan
@BoxcabE50 bnphotoarchives underneath gp39 category lists present number and read across back to original numbers And disposition date
Hey Vince. Just saw your question. I used Cannon and Company thin wall cab with the optional Spartan cab sides. Not a direct fit, so it took a little fiddling to get it to look right.
Okay was curious I have one I started awhile back that's gone nowhere I don't remember which tote it's stored in Also is that a cannon nose replacement?? Thanks
