The Subject

I started this model back in the mid 1990s, using what was then available, an Athearn "wide body" blue box model.  It was detailed following prototype photos, with some items removed so they could be replaced with something better (cast-on grab irons, nose signal light, brakewheel), or eliminated since they were incorrect (cab roof vents, armrests).  I also added my usual details for piping, air filters, cut levers, radio antenna, wind deflectors, tank mount fuel gauges and fillers, Nathan M5 air horn, correct WP MU receptacles, WP-style MU cable holders mounted on the stanchions, plow, and so on.  I also replaced the truck sideframes with EMD Blombergs as per WP practice.

Some details had holes drilled at this stage only, such as grabs on the rear of the hood (to avoid interfering with decal striping), wipers (a different color from the rest of the model), and MU cables (ditto).

Although finer quality handrail stanchions were available, I decided to live with the stock parts.  Instead of doing what most did and assemble with CA, I cleaned up the railings and soldered them so they would hold up better to handling.  I re-formed some of them to better match prototype photos, and removed the center section on the ends so I could add a chain.  To hold the chain, I soldered short lengths of small wire into the stanchion holes adjacent to the main handrails, then installed the chain over them and cut off any excess wire.  The MU cable holder "cans" are also soldered in place.

The mechanism received a full rebuild, with a Mashima motor, hard wiring to the trucks to ensure uninterrupted electrical flow, new nickel silver wheels, and other general fine tuning.

Despite the amount of work invested, the model is still "basic" by today's standards, but it runs great and is just fine for op session use.  It's a layout model, not a contest candidate.

A Closer Look

This view of the engineer's side shows the brake chain.  I mounted a piece of thin wire onto the guide that's attached to the body, which allows the truck-mounted chain to hook into place, and is readily removed if I need to separate the shell from the frame.

Also note the oversized journal bearing end caps added from Athearn's GE sideframes. 

I did not replace the bearing caps on the fireman's side since they will be hidden with adapters for wheel slip indicator cables on all four axles.  To avoid sloppy brushwork, I used slivers of decal stripes for the various pieces of orange safety striping in the step wells and on the battery boxes.  A long shank Kadee coupler prevents interference with the plow.  Note the GE builder's plate below the first battery box door.

The rear of the unit shows some additional compromises.  Instead of body mounting couples like I usually do, I used frame mounting. I figure this a road unit and will almost always be MU'ed with something else, which will disguise the gap in the pilot.  Athearn's shell lacked rear number boards, so mine are a few layers of decals.  The proportions of the hood are off in a number of ways, so adding number boards and grabs involved fudging a lot to keep the overall look as decent as was practical.

Great looking rr

Great paint scheme

Paint Scheme

Me too!  There does seem to be a bias among WP fans for the old silver and orange scheme.  Some are even outright hostile to modeling a later era.  When a manufacturer offers a decent WP green loco, I try to support the move by purchasing at least one.

Atlas did come close

In 2006 Atlas did do the GP40 in a green and orange scheme in 2006

http://www.atlasrr.com/HOLoco/hogp38404.htm

I had one in the Silver series w/ DCC.  A very nice runner.  It was when I was trying to decide on a prototype to follow and I was going to have the WP and SP interact with each other.  Then some guy made the cover of the Jan 07 MR and I was swayed to just the SP.  No worries though, I didn't have the heart to paint it over so it was sold to a huge WP fanatic.

You can still find them now and again on E bay

Steve

It's Done!

I recently took the loco out of service for maintenance, and decided to finish it up.  I added the remaining details to the trucks, including the missing swing bolsters which I scratchbuilt from styrene (for the old Proto 2000 EMD sideframes), air lines, and wheel slip indicators and cables.  A styrene light baffle was built into the cab for LED lighting.  I also installed a keep-alive for the decoder.  Weathering was added with the airbrush and chalks, including oil leakage from under the rear hood doors that was typical on the prototypes.

Nope nope nope

You're supposed to moan endlessly that no one has yet done an accurate WP U-boat, then mercilessly pick it to pieces when one finally shows up.

This business of adding parts and altering details and special lettering and special paint could get out of control pretty quickly.

A man after my heart....

Someone who takes years to fully finish a project.....

Scott Chatfield 

Yip

Ah, the real fun of the hobby right there.  The source of endless forum excitement. 

Don't mind me, I have more 30-year old diesels to maintain.