GP9 Project

[up148]

Made a little progress. I had to cut up a new AN chassis for a better fit. The 1st chassis was just to confirm this would work and it had cutout errors. It still sits a skosh too high, but there's not much room to play with underneath. The compormises made by Atlas to the RC chassis in order to accomodate their drives and DCC were many. But, I'm happy with where it's going.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

But, I'm happy with where it's going.

There's what's important,

[up148]

Got lucky on cooling piping as I mentioned in another thread. These piping assembles were donated from a 3rd Rail NP Z5 shell I bought on EB for parts. Little did I know they would be used on a diesel projuct, but they are close to perfect....even the little tabs on top of some of the brackers can be shaped to duplicate the UP installation.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Nice salvage and re-purposing of parts!

[86TA355SR]

Nice work, Butch. You’re certainly busy with the many projects you are working on.

[up148]

Thanks guys. I have a lot of projects going, but I don't get as much done as I would like. It seems after a couple of hours I get drawn to something else or just don't want to concentrate that hard.

I contacted CMR 3D as they have an HO "B" insert kit to see if they would do one in O. They seem interested yesterday or at least asked the right questions, but waiting to hear if they want to take this on.

[up148]

My Scale American RC fuel tanks arrived today and I cut, filed and sanded two halves to splice into one. I want to build up some of the UP's turbo charged GP9 experimental engines with these models and the fuel tanks are larger. I picking up some styrene sheets (interal bracing) later today and I'll glue this tank up.

Next is to notch the RC frame like the prototype and start adding details and building up the chassis.

I've been in communication with CMR (3D printers) for the past few weeks and I believe they will be printing up some "B" cab conversions and I'm going to make at least one GP9B. The plan is to put in on Jay's powered chassis, which will eliminate the need for an interior in that unit. Jay's conversion pretty much fills the cavity of the model, so a "B" unit is the perfect solution.

I know its baby steps, but it's been rewarding and forcing me out of my comfort zone. What I know about 3D printing couldn't fill a thimble.

[up148]

My Scale American RC fuel tanks arrived today and I cut, filed and sanded two halves to splice into one. I want to build up some of the UP's turbo charged GP9 experimental engines with these models and the fuel tanks are larger. I picking up some styrene sheets (interal bracing) later today and I'll glue this tank up.

Next is to notch the RC frame like the prototype and start adding details and building up the chassis.

I've been in communication with CMR (3D printers) for the past few weeks and I believe they will be printing up some "B" cab conversions and I'm going to make at least one GP9B. The plan is to put in on Jay's powered chassis, which will eliminate the need for an interior in that unit. Jay's conversion pretty much fills the cavity of the model, so a "B" unit is the perfect solution.

I know its baby steps, but it's been rewarding and forcing me out of my comfort zone. What I know about 3D printing couldn't fill a thimble.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I know its baby steps, but it's been rewarding and forcing me out of my comfort zone.

It's coming along - slow and sure is the way to go!

What I know about 3D printing couldn't fill a thimble.

That sums it up for almost everyone,

[up148]

A little progress. Still too many other house projects. Still lots to do with this 2400 gallon tank conversion.

[De Bruin]

Super cool project Butch, thanks for posting your step by step here, I'm learning a lot so again thanks for that too.
I love GP's and especially UP's as they had so many variations within a single class.

[up148]

It has been fun, rewarding and a real learning experience......but that's been part of the fun. I've built kits, done repairs (plastic and brass) modified 3R to 2R, but I've never done a project like this. Being a rivet counter and a bit OCD on how a model should look, I just never took the time to see what I could do. God willing I'll get this one done and to my satisfaction.

One of the nicest aspects of this experience is the really nice modelers I've come into contact with while doing this project. "Big Jim" and others off forum have been very forthcoming with information, reference material and suggestions. Being a "lone wolf" modeler forever, that has been refreshing.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

........I'll get this one done and to my satisfaction.

That's a good endpoint....just don't make your "satisfaction" beyond reason,

[up148]

........I'll get this one done and to my satisfaction.

That's a good endpoint....just don't make your "satisfaction" beyond reason,

Good point! In the past, my rivet counter OCD kept me from enjoying building models.