AZL GP38-2 into GP40-2 WIP

See next, my first steps in converting the AZL GP38-2 into a GP40-2:

-adjusted dynamic brake covers
-additional nose light (D&RGW)
-door at the long hood side
-step under the new rear door
-window at the long hood side
-rounded edge underneeth top headlights
-removed sharp edges of front windows
-handbrake in short hood
more to follow...

Some of these steps can also improve the look of a GP38-2.

 

Interresting project... How did you drill the long hood side windows?

Dom

 

I have drilled 2 starting holes with a 0.5mm drill in a hand vise. Shaped the window with needle files and small diamond files. At the engineers side , I have 'opened the door' and attached an opened door,which I made out of styrene. The top is completely shaved off and needs to be rebuild according the GP40-2.

 

OK... Good job! Staying tuned.

Dom

 

Love the open cab door-nice touch!!

 

Some progress..

 

Indeed looks good. Fans and hatches I see added, what else?

 

... More than all, rear of cab with windows and door.

Dom

 

Hi all,

Again some small progress:

I just have tested the body mount MTL coupler on my switching layout. ..Had to be carefull, since the air tanks are not yet installed.. :teeth: The decal artwork is nearly finished.

 

Hi John,

This is exactly what I thried to accomplish with this thread.

 

Very nice! But can't you move the rear coupler a lil' bit more inwards for closer coupling? Is because of the coupler box that may be hit by truck frame in the curves?

Dom

 

Hi Dom,

Because with the AZL truck construction there is not enough space to attach the the coupler closer to the truck. The functional magne matic MTL coupler is a must for me. So a short shank AZL coupler won't work for me. The MTL coupler is screwed on to a brass interface strip. This way it can always be replaced easilly. The coupler intrface of the MTL gp trucks can be trimmed off further, since the truck sides are screwed to the truck. AZL has snap locks at front and rear of the truck.

 

Thanks Frank for input. Your experience is interresting because for me as well MTL couplers are a must. Indeed my GP38s will mostly be used for branchline service, meaning a lot of switching. No chance to file the truck's external part in order to gain room?

Dom

 

The AZL truck has a notch at the front and rear side. As far as I can see it, there is no way to trim off more plastic whenthe coupler box is cut off. But maybe I can cut off the backside of the MTL coupler box. I'll let you know.

 

John, according to your experience, how deep inside can the MTL coupler box be trimmed?

dom

 

OK, but which "depth" does that mean? What is the length reduction of the coupler box? Of course my goal is to keep a fully operational magnematic coupler..

Dom