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Good evening all! Just wanted to show a loco I have been working on and will be show cased at the Chicago O scale meet contest 

This started life as a Weaver “GP38”. (actually close to a GP39-2 variant) Many changes had to happen to bring this loco around. Original fans, exhaust stacks, horn, molded grab irons, side air vents and many other molded details were removed. The rear radiator section and dynamic brake blister got most of the attention  fans had to be removed and filled in and new PCS castings placed. GP38 radiator sections are realtively short and on this model they were to far apart to be prototypical. Other details included rebuilding the hand brake, cutting the fuel tank to proper sive and adding finer details. P&D brass trucks will replace the original Weaver drive, and A Right-o-way speacial drive will take it’s place eventually.

I will update as things progress. On to the next set of parts!

 

 

James 

 

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Jay, the magic isn't so much with the 3d printing, as with the 3d modeling .

The trucks used on the sdl39 are quite different from the HTC-1's.  I believe they are a design for export locomotives, so while they are somewhat similar to EMD Flexicoil 3 axle trucks, there are any number of distinctions.  The trucks are often the most difficult aspect of any sdl39 build, due to their unique style.

For starters, the wheelsbase on the sdl39 truck is 12'-2", versus 13'-7" for the Flexicoil or HTC-1.  There are also differences in the truck castings, some subtle, some obvious.  Some of the detail parts are common to other EMD trucks, like the journals and brake cylinders, so those parts wouldn't be an issue. 

There are versions offered via Shapeways, although I only know of them in HO scale.  The usual caveat applies about contacting the owner and requesting  O scale versions.  O scale frames may already be available, but I've never looked for them in particular to know one way or another.

If you expand your search beyond manufacturers for North American prototypes, you will find manufacturers who have done the trucks for export locos.  Again, they tend to be HO scale.  However, it may be worth an email or two to ask for help, or availability in O scale.

In the worst case scenario, given sufficient information, an accurate 3d model of the side frames can be produced, which can then yield masters for casting, as Jay suggests.  In fact, 3d prints could be used directly if they weren't load bearing.  However, in my experience with this sort of piece, with the inherent detail, the common materials available for printing are fairly brittle and not particularly durable.  So in my opinion, a brass or resin casting, or hybrid casting/etch combination, would be more ideal.

Everything else besides the trucks will be a matter of scratching or bashing common EMD parts to match the prototype.

Good luck!
Jim

big train posted:

Btw, where did you source that ratchet hand brake on the gp38-2?  I could use a couple of those.

And don't forget to rotate your radiator fans 90° before you get to far along.  The flats on the mounting flanges should be facing each other .

All of the brass detail parts are Precision scale.  The handbrake is “Housing w/ handbrake” part number 56130. I am impressed with how detailed these are. 

 

Thanks for pointing out the fans. Fortunately they are just on there for look at the moment and are not permanent. I will look closely at all of my photos before adding such details correctly. 😁

 

james

Jay C posted:

See!  This is why it's good to have talented and knowledgeable friends.

Jay

Very much so! I’m glad there are dedicated individuals out there with the know-how. I would very much like to see these trucks made as the bodies I can completely scratch build to correct proportions. This 38-2 project is a good start for my scratch building skills. 

 

James

E21 James posted:
 
 
CBQer posted:

How about truck sets for an SDL39?

Dick

I am actually looking into scratch building an SDL. I have all the drawings required to build one. Side frames would more than likely be built from brass bar. I am seriously looking into doing this in the next couple of years. 

 

James

I'm almost 71. Can't wait that long. I have a body built and a pair of urethane side frames. My mental block has to do with the rest of the gearbox, etc. Any help is really appreciated.

Dick

Update! 

GP38-2 is coming along nicely. With the shorter rear radiator section, the dynamic brake blister section took up more area and have properly added the length to match the prototype. I have added lift rings, electrical cabinet, and have now started end details. These locos had anyiclimbers installed and have modeled those. Grab irons will go on tomorrow and after paint is applied, I can add the hoses and rear cooling fans. 

The next update will include painting the model, and how the P&D Brass trucks will mount to the frame.  

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James

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