Would like to duplicate diesels

A gp-38 might be a good stand in. JohnA

Also, K-line makes a gp-39, which they use. JohnA

@Bill Grafmiller posted:

They have the GP29 series engine.

Can’t find this engine.  Do you mean GP28 or GP39?

Looking at their roster they are all GP39-2 or GP39-3M models.  The two GP-39Ms, 3903 and 3904 started out life as ATSF GP35s.  Without going into a lot of research, the GP35 with some modified details may be a good starting point.  The other road numbers would be a bit more difficult to model as they have the modified cab.

Regardless, this would be a custom paint job as no manufacturer has offered the paint scheme. 

Good luck!

@CAPPilot posted:

Can’t find this engine.  Do you mean GP28 or GP39?

Sorry for the miss print. GP39

@GG1 4877 posted:

Looking at their roster they are all GP39-2 or GP39-3M models.  The two GP-39Ms, 3903 and 3904 started out life as ATSF GP35s.  Without going into a lot of research, the GP35 with some modified details may be a good starting point.  The other road numbers would be a bit more difficult to model as they have the modified cab.

Regardless, this would be a custom paint job as no manufacturer has offered the paint scheme.

Good luck!

You are correct. Fat fingers here . Yes I was going to paint there paint scheme also wondering if any one would have there decales? And who offered those models ? I have the GP- 35 and GP-30 legacy but they do not look like the GP-39 models . Like you stated I can search for the GP-35s and see what is out there if any. I want to convert to deadrail so need to keep price down . I will check trainz.com. any more information much appreciated.

Search “o scale gp-39” and you’ll find K-line units. CP Rail diesel cab numbers are the same font. JohnA

John . Thank you .

The K line "GP39" while labeled as such by the manufacturer in certain road names is not a GP39, it is a GP38.  While very similar looking, the GP39 has a single rectangular turbocharged stack vs the twin oval normally aspirated stacks of the GP38..  typical of many manufacturers of identification based on paint scheme.

Knowing these things, consider a Williams gp-38. Just change the stack. Reliable and reasonable price. JohnA

Personally, I would prefer the K-Line GP38.  The handrails alone make the difference over the stamped handrails of a Williams product.  However, again it depends on how much accuracy you are looking for.  These locomotives are GP39-2Ms.  In short, that means they were upgraded to GP39 specifications, but details may vary based on the locomotive that was upgraded.  I always say it pays to know your prototype.  Before considering any locomotive purchase in O scale, look at photos of the prototype and photos of the model you are looking to purchase and see how much work is involved with making into the model you want.

No judgement here at all, you may be perfectly happy with an off the shelf GP38 painted in the paint scheme you are looking for.  Others may want to take it further and match the prototype model more closely.  The great thing about this hobby is there is no wrong answer because it is your hobby.  I make these judgment calls all the time.  I have lots of trains that are "good enough" for me and some that will never be "good enough".  I think most of us are similar in that respect.

Not in your road name, but the top photo is a stock K-Line GP38 while the bottom one is a stock Williams GP38.  I don't see much of a comparison between the two.  The downside of the K-line model is a lack of dynamic brakes for your project, but those are easily added.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Looking at their roster they are all GP39-2 or GP39-3M models.  The two GP-39Ms, 3903 and 3904 started out life as ATSF GP35s.  Without going into a lot of research, the GP35 with some modified details may be a good starting point.  The other road numbers would be a bit more difficult to model as they have the modified cab.

Regardless, this would be a custom paint job as no manufacturer has offered the paint scheme.

Good luck!

These were indeed BNSF GP35s in the beginning (I inspected 50 something of them in the Barstow desert and thought I was going to die!). They are labeled as a 39-3M, but they still have the 16 cylinder engine as opposed to the 12. The horsepower was however derated to match a "true" GP39. If you need any other details on them I can probably provide them. They were rebuilt in Canada at CAD for us (LTEX).

Thanks so much to all for the information. I will use this in my decision making.. need 2 like diesels so now it's in the search. Thanks again.

I purchased  2 GP-2 lionel diesels from Trainz.com . they were SOO LINE  . I painted and added decales for the rail line I am trying to duplicate.  Put battery  and railpro module inside shell along with charge port . 3 position on / off/on switch in fuel tank  .  1st picture was , next 2 are is.

Sorry took 2 pictures of  #3903 here is #3904

Those came out great! JohnA

Yes thank you . I am a happy deadrail guy.

“Put battery  and railpro module inside shell along with charge port . 3 position on / off/on switch in fuel tank”

Bill -May I asked what battery you used? This is my next project converting a Lionel TMCC GP-38 to battery with RailPro.

Ron sorry for the late reply. For some reason I never received a notification. I used the HJE 14.8V, 2600Mah Lithuim -ion working current 3A , Max cutting 6A. I mounted in top of the shell. I bought several from RLD Hoddies,LLC