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 Posted - December 30 2008 : 4:28:20 PM
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Been a while since I last posted a kitbash/conversion. Here is one that would make a perfect first try! Converting an old Athearn GP-35 into the near identical GP-28. I found an article on this in a back issue of MR.
This conversion starts with a cheap, old, wide bodied Athearn GP-35. Remove the molded on radiator fans, exhaust stack, and dynamic brake blister. Fill any areas with plastic sheet and putty. Sand smooth. I used a pair of Detail Associates 48" fans to replace the originals. DA non-turbo exhaust stacks were also used. And that's about it!
I added wire grabs and the NMN mandated brass bell. This shell rides on a Bachmann Plus GP-35 powered chassis.
For those looking for a simple conversion project, this is it! PM me and I will scan the article and email it to you. It also deals with converting Athearn GP7 into several phases of GP7s, GP9s, and GP18s. Also covers making B-units.
I wanted to have an unusual loco to pull an MOW train. Only a total of 26 prototypes were made, with 16 used in the US and 10 in Mexico. All the US locos were made sans DBs. Atleast a couple of the Mexican locos were made with high short hoods housing steam generators.
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Posted - December 30 2008 : 5:03:01 PM
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| Nice Job - erich
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Posted - December 30 2008 : 5:16:48 PM
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Erich is correct. And I'll bet productivty will increase with all the fresh paint and repowers on the NMN!
Alco Fan
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Posted - December 30 2008 : 8:57:02 PM
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Nice job.
That sounds like an interesting article.
Ray
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Posted - December 30 2008 : 9:30:11 PM
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 Cool beans...
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Posted - December 30 2008 : 9:54:54 PM
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Looks pretty slick...
Sounds pretty easy to make too! 
    
- Matt -
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Posted - December 31 2008 : 10:43:06 AM
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Yes, it is quite an easy project. And cheap too. All the alterations are limited to plastic body work. What I liked is the total cost! You can get the old GP35 for about $10-15 each. The fans and exhaust will set you back less then $5 more.
I used the Bachmann plus chassis simply because I had one with no shell. I was surprised how easy the Athearn shell could be made to fit the Bachmann chassis.
Thanks for the comments! I like to do these simple, cheap conversions. Now off to work on another project.
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Posted - December 31 2008 : 10:47:47 AM
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Hey Ray,
The article is from Model Railroader, Sept 1984. PM me your email if you want me to scan and send a copy.
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