Modelling CPRS 9551...

The GE AC4400CW has been a mainstay on North American rails since around 1993. On CP, the model was so successful that the railway embraced this new AC techology in a big way, buying over 500 of these giants for use on all types of trains.

Athearn released their model of this popular locomotive in 1996 and the RTR version came a few years later. While the RTR CP model looks great right out of the box, it benefits greately from a little refinement. You do not need to disassemble or repaint the model to make these changes. They can be made on the fly, as a one-afternoon project or a few parts at a time until you are finished. Here is what I did to mine.

  • Add a speed recorder to the middle journal of the FR truck.
  • Add ditch lights
  • Add spare coupler knuckles to the rear pilot
  • Add extra voice and small FRED antenna
  • Add MU hoses
  • Add coupler lift bars
  • Add MU sockets and mount above the frame on front and rear
  • Add capacitor box to the walkway behind the inverter box. This is a Details West part.
  • Paint the handrails; black on horizontal sections and red on stanchions (black on portion below walkway surface)
  • Add handrail extension above the inverter box behind the cab. This was a CP retrofit and post-1995 orders for these units feature this modification from the factory.
  • Add windshield wipers and railings above windshield
  • Change back-up light to a single-lens type.
  • Add wind deflectors/mirror(s) according to prototype location. There are detail parts available for these, but if you apply them in the outward position they will break off when moving the model in and out of storage. For that reason I have glued all of my mirrors and deflectors in the CLOSED position.

Here are some notable AC44 magazine articles and references:

  • Model Railroader April 1996 excellent prototype article including drawings
  • Mainline Modeller August 1997 "Canadian Pacific Railways AC4400"
  • Diesel Era March/April 1999 "Canadian Pacific AC4400s"
  • Railroad Model Craftsman December 1999 "Modeling CP Rail's New GE AC4400CW".
  • CP Tracks issue 9-2 "CPR's General Electric AC4400CW: the first order"
  • beautiful models by the master modellers at Details West: http://www.detailswest.com/AC4400%20Info.htm

© this page updated 2-1-08.

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