Large Scale Central

N&W GP18 kitbash

Modeling
#1

Hi,

I just wanted to share some photos of the N&W GP18 that I had posted about a few months ago when I was asking for some technical help and advice.

It’s finally finished up at last! It was based on a stock USA Trains GP7 shell, but was heavily modified to match a N&W (ex. NKP) GP18 prototype. Details include:

  • Fully detailed truck frames

  • Modified side skirts to match prototype profile

  • New 48’ roof top fans

  • Spark arrestors

  • All new louver groups on long hood, and small louvers beneath the cab

  • New radio antenna

  • Re-worked pilots including hose detail

  • New headlights

  • Custom 3D printed gyralight

  • Nose mounted bell

  • New piping around fuel and air tanks

  • painted, lettered and weathered for N&W #2708

My thanks go to Stan Cederleaf for the amazing decals, thank you! Your patience and help with this really brought this project to life!

Here are some photos of the prototype (apologies if you have already seen these as they are repeated from another post!)

#2

Here are a selection of photos of the model. Apologies for the quality, I will try and take some outside as soon as I can!

#3

And a few more:

Thanks very much for looking,

G

#4

Is it real , or is it Memorex??? Very nice job. :slight_smile:

#5

Out standing! :slight_smile:

#6

Beautiful locomotive…

#7

Stunning work.

#8

Looking Good!!!

#9

You should take it to the wash rack. :slight_smile:

Great work!

#10

Looks great!

Later,

K

#11

I’m still waiting on my croissant !

Nice work :wink:

#12

Awesome! Great job!

#13

Top notch, Gavin. Take a few photos of that baby in an outdoor setting and no one will be able to tell that it’s a model. Superb modeling.

#14

Amazing work!

#15

You sure done that one proud, Gavin… :slight_smile:

That’s fantastic…

#16

Thank you very much for the kind words folks, much appreciated! :slight_smile:

G

#17

Excellent job - great weathering. The pilot looks great. Would look even better without the Kaydee uncoupling pin if you don’t use the magnets.

#18

Thanks for the kind words Jon.

I do know what you mean about the trip pin, but we use the magnets when operating our line. All our major switching areas are fitted out with a magnet or two between the rails so we do use that feature of the Kadees.

#19

I always leave the Metal pins on my Kadee’s, only to simulate the airhoses… My railroad is modern type era, and using magnets as actual airhoses won’t work, as my freight cars will not always be worked in the same direction…

However, I do adjust the metal pin height, to insure they won’t snag on trackwork on switches and crossovers…

#20

Very , very nice work.

Yes, I have adjusted all my trip pins. I lay a strip of 1/8th wood on the track and make sure the pin clears the strip of wood. First, of course, I set the coupler height with the Kadee height gauge. Those 2 adjustments have helped solve the phantom derailments and unwanted uncouplings on my railroad.