CP SD40/-2 Models...
What details need to be changed on an Athearn or Kato SD40-2 to make generic US kits into accurate CP models? It's not as bad as you think! CP Rail SD40s in the 5500-6080 range have a number of standard features that can be built using a variety of detail parts from manufacturers such as Miniatures by Eric. Here is a list of standard changes you need to do to any model.
-steps need to be replaced with Canadian straight-up design (MBE)
-nose needs to be either shortened to 81" (Cannon) or lengthened to 102" (Detail Associates SB3605)
-lack of headlight on nose (MBE part)
-incorrect back-up light (MBE part)
-lack of bell between numberboards (MBE)
-profile of handrails (reshape manually using photos as a guide)
-lack of ditchlights, lift rings, sand hatches, MU hoses, grab irons, radio antenna, drop-steps, eye-pins, front pilot/plow and MU stands. (most available from MBE)
-cab needs work (see the cab page)
***As-delivered nose lengths are either 81" (5500-5674) or 102" (5675-6080, 5388-98). ***
Other details to be changed depend on the unit being modelled.
My recommendation is to use SP Scarlet Red over a coat of grey primer for CP Rail action red. If you disagree with this, please remember that the shade of red on CP units looks different to each and every one of us. They have faded badly and as such the choice of red is completely subjective. Take a photo of the red you agree with and bring that photo with you to the paint rack at your favourite hobby shop. Finding a match should be relatively easy, but if not, you can mix other colours with that base of red to adjust the shade to a tone you agree with. I have had great success with water-based Badger Model Flex airbrush paint, but make sure you get a fresh bottle.
|
My fleet (these models built by me from 1996-2007) |
 |
 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
5558 |
5594 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
5614 |
5632 |
5694 |
5695 |
 |
SOLD |
 |
 |
5712 |
5717 |
5758 |
5779 |
 |
 |
SOLD |
 |
5800 |
5801 |
5836 |
5875 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
5911 |
5928 |
5942 |
5992 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
6047 |
6066 |
6067 |
9023 |
| SD40 operational distribution chart |
|---|
Coal bathtubs 1 (L2, non-PTC) |
5800-5801-5779 .. slaves 5712-5558 |
|---|---|
| Coal bathtubs 2 (L2, PTC) | 9023-6047-5928 .. slaves 5758-5942 |
| Grain hoppers (L2, PTC) | 5875-5992-5694 .. slaves 6067-5695 |
| General freight & standby (powered) | 5632, 5594 |
| General freight & standby (dummy) | 5614, 5911 |
| Spare coal units (PTC, Pacesetter, Locotrol II) | 6066 |
© Updated 8-4-08
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