my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt

GP40M-2

© Jim Griffin HO Scale Athearn GP40-2, converted to a SP GP40M.

My model was based on a photograph appearing in Railfan & Railroad.
The basis of the model was an Athearn GP40-2, the dynamic hatch was re-profiled to better represent an earlier design, the overhang at the rear of the cab was removed and the sightglass at the rear on the right-hand side was filled in. The sideframes were replaced with Blomberg 'B' type Athearn #42009, Ditchlight/MU stand brackets were scratchbuilt for the front of the unit, and the usual assortment of liftrings, grabirons and other details were applied. The model also received Run8 windows and was finished with Floquil paint, and Microscale #87-048 and #87-620 decals.

Models available:

• N Scale:
  • Atlas

• HO Scale:
  • Atlas - now has a 'correct' GP40
  • Athearn #4700 - undec. GP40-2
  • Athearn #4708 - Speed Lettered GP40-2

• O Scale:
  • Central Locomotive Works

References:

• Railfan & Railroad Jul. '91 Page 2 - SP 7107 in SP Speed Lettering
• Railfan & Railroad Sept. '91 Page 2 - SP 7102 in standard SP lettering