SSW GP9
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
Well, I've finally taken the plunge into P48 for my US O scale. Next stop Anorak Central.
I've had a Red Caboose GP9 floating around for a few years and whist clearing out unwanted HO stuff I looked at the GP9 which which promptly whispered 'build me next'. After checking the kit I found the original gears had split so I ordered a replacement geared wheelset from North West Shortline albeit to O gauge 115 tread (however, there is room on the axle to close this to P48). I wanted the track gauge to be exact for 1/4'' scale and after much umming, erring and trawling through various P48 websites, P48 it is to be.
Trackwork will be handlaid code 100 to represent a branch line. Just need to decide which method - copper clad and solder (easy) or spikes and tie plates (????). I've still yet to order the switch parts but the rail is on order though.
I have also acquired several items of rolling stock including several boxcars to convert to SSW prototypes. The biggest conversion is to the Chessie International Car wide vision caboose. Effectively converting it from a Eastern road version to a SSW version which already means windows to move or blank out, cupola to raise, verandah end to rebuild etc etc.
I have at least made a start with the GP9. Knowing there was a sagging problem with the chassis, and after much discussion, I decided to strengthen the existing chassis with 3mm brass angle. The plastic chassis was effectively sandwiched between the brass angle and held together with superglue and 1mm machine screws.
Top
Bottom
The angle protruded into the truck mounting hole so I filed some of the brass to widen the hole but kept at least 1mmof the angle to preserve the strength. No more sagging chassis though.
While messing about I also ordered loads of wheels and working knuckle couplers from Protocraft. And loads of decals and boxcar parts.
At present I'm using the new Atlas trucks which are closer to scale and the differences are noticeable. The old truck and wheels is on the left and the newer truck with the P48 wheels is on the right.
As for the couplers. This is an assembled version with a working cut lever. I have also put a small piece of steel wire in the top of the pin to enable a stick with a magnet on the end to be used. And it works. Good old 7mm British handrail knobs are used for the cut lever bracket.
And the GP9..... will be good old Cotton Belt weathered bloody nose finish. More will follow.... and loads of research into boxcars which is a subject in it's own right.
I've had a Red Caboose GP9 floating around for a few years and whist clearing out unwanted HO stuff I looked at the GP9 which which promptly whispered 'build me next'. After checking the kit I found the original gears had split so I ordered a replacement geared wheelset from North West Shortline albeit to O gauge 115 tread (however, there is room on the axle to close this to P48). I wanted the track gauge to be exact for 1/4'' scale and after much umming, erring and trawling through various P48 websites, P48 it is to be.
Trackwork will be handlaid code 100 to represent a branch line. Just need to decide which method - copper clad and solder (easy) or spikes and tie plates (????). I've still yet to order the switch parts but the rail is on order though.
I have also acquired several items of rolling stock including several boxcars to convert to SSW prototypes. The biggest conversion is to the Chessie International Car wide vision caboose. Effectively converting it from a Eastern road version to a SSW version which already means windows to move or blank out, cupola to raise, verandah end to rebuild etc etc.
I have at least made a start with the GP9. Knowing there was a sagging problem with the chassis, and after much discussion, I decided to strengthen the existing chassis with 3mm brass angle. The plastic chassis was effectively sandwiched between the brass angle and held together with superglue and 1mm machine screws.
Top
Bottom
The angle protruded into the truck mounting hole so I filed some of the brass to widen the hole but kept at least 1mmof the angle to preserve the strength. No more sagging chassis though.
While messing about I also ordered loads of wheels and working knuckle couplers from Protocraft. And loads of decals and boxcar parts.
At present I'm using the new Atlas trucks which are closer to scale and the differences are noticeable. The old truck and wheels is on the left and the newer truck with the P48 wheels is on the right.
As for the couplers. This is an assembled version with a working cut lever. I have also put a small piece of steel wire in the top of the pin to enable a stick with a magnet on the end to be used. And it works. Good old 7mm British handrail knobs are used for the cut lever bracket.
And the GP9..... will be good old Cotton Belt weathered bloody nose finish. More will follow.... and loads of research into boxcars which is a subject in it's own right.
only kidding - it does make things easier when stringing together a consist.
.
...... then just Ebay
) I will have to post a photo again when home. Rather wish I'd gone with them from the off on my loft layout above, but I saw the Peco spikes at my local model shop, & was actually trying to do something a bit more authentically by using them, but they're more suited to Gauge 1 & larger, I reckon. 
