Canadian steps!!!

It never ceases to amaze me when I see beautifully detailed and painted HO SD40-2s that have had all the work done, but the modeller failed to change the steps and re-configure the handrails to match. It's very easy to remove the steps from the Athearn or Kato shell and glue in the replacement part by MBE #S17. Railflyer Model Prototypes also offers a series of GMD steps to match every CP variation ever made.

Here is a prototype photo of the front left step of 5758. Compare this to the US-style sloped step that comes with your Athearn SD40-2. Surely you can see the difference. This is very noticeable. Don't cut corners when it comes to this - Invest the extra few dollars to change the steps on your CP SD40-2s!

Check photos for the distinctive handrail configuration. You will need to use the older style of Athearn metal handrails to do this, or make your own. A bending template by Patrick Lawson appeared in the March 1989 Railroad Model Craftsman or you can just use needle nose pliers and rebend the Athearn handrails. It gets easy with practice.

Fuel tank ...

Here is a photo of the left side of the fuel tank details on 5762. The right side is a mirror flip of the left. The filler neck and vertical sight gauge is available in DA part #FU3102. The round gauge is added by drilling into the Athearn fuel tank and gluing in DA part #FU3101. Don't forget to file off the flash from the sides of the fuel tank and also remove the knob that appears to represent the filler neck on the Athearn fuel tank. Have fun!

© updated 8-4-08.

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