Large Scale Central

Southern GP 38-2

Modeling
#1

Any thoughts on how to convert a USA Southern GP38-2 to a high hood configuration? Southern rail fan shows photos of several.

#2

I’m not sure I understand the question.
You’d have to cut the nose flush at the bottom and raise it up to the desired level. The easy part.
The hard part is replicating the missing lower panels.
If they are the same as the low hood panels, you could cast them from the hood.
Ralph

#3

Another suggested approach is to add to the top of present hood. Then add the number boards and other details. Do you think an old GP7 hood would work?
Thanks, Matt

#4

You should be able to cut 2 hoods and piece them together to get the high hood effect, Or you can wait a couple of months as we are getting ready to cast some up and maybe sell a few to the nice people…:slight_smile:
Nick

#5

Sounds like a plan. Could use 2-4. Thanks, Matt

#6

Hi Matt,

The answer to the question depends on how accurate you want your model to be. The Southern GP38-2 had different pilot steps which you would need to scratch build. Not that hard but not easy either. The lower numbered GP38-2 are closest to the USA trains 38-2 but there is alot of work because the USA trains GP38-2 is a kind of hybred (my opinion) between 38-2 and 38. In addtion to the pilot steps; shorten fuel tank (easy), revise the battery box lids under the firemans window; possibly change the shape of the dust collecter above the air filter, add dash 2 electrical box; add high short hood (use a second shell available from USA trains - take the high hood from the long hood, fill in the holes for the fans, replace the radiator grils with blanks and cut the shell to length - the long hood needs to be a GP38 not a GP7 as the GP7 nose is the wrong shape); rework the dynamic brakes to include the extended range detail (hopefully the additional 38 shell with come with DB brakes)

Does it have to be Southern, NS 5005 an ex Southern GP38-2 receied standard pilot steps following accident damage.

Other thoughts a GP38 or GP38AC might be easier using the aristo GP40 (it’s a better model anyway), it’ll be easier to rework the radiator grills and reposition the fans, add high short hood (not easy, someone the aristo forum cast one). One of the former original NS GP38 without dynamic brakes would be another option.

Hope that helps

Colin

#7

Idk if we are allowed to link to other forums, but here is a build thread on the aristo forum of a high nose NS GP40 that turned out really nicely.

http://www.aristocraft.com/vbulletinforums/showthread.php?t=17769

#8

Thanks for your insights. At your suggestion I have rethought the USA loco. The web site helps a lot—Matt

#9

Gents-thanks for all of the ideas. Being new to this site I am having some difficulty responding to each message separately. One change for sure is USA To Aristo. Matt

#10
Matthew Poelke said:
Gents-thanks for all of the ideas. Being new to this site I am having some difficulty responding to each message separately. One change for sure is USA To Aristo. Matt
It seems you need more truthful info from some posters, attention to the fine points is a must.......... A.... GP-40 motor blocks dont work well, Plating on wheels is poor as well.......B My USATs always works well out of the box and continues to out perform ANY of my Aristo Locos. C..can you find a GP 40? Only made once and didnt sell to well, i think cause of all the issues with it............... My bet would be on the GP 38.
#11

Personally I agree with Nick and would stick with the USA unit…That high hood conversion is a mold made with Aristos permission? Hit Charlie Ro at one of the train shows or call him and see if they have any shells laying around. I see them at the shows all the time (the shells that is) …Actually I probably will make a high hood someday myself as I think they are rather neat looking. Wonder how close the Geep 9 hood is ?

#12

For the record I wasn’t trying to convert anyone from usa to aristo, since I have no experience with either the GP38-2 or GP40. Just wanted to use the thread as an example of how a short hood could be converted to a high hood. Yes the casting was made with permission from aristo for personal projects. This could be done similarly for your project.

#13

Matthew Poelke said:
Gents-thanks for all of the ideas. Being new to this site I am having some difficulty responding to each message separately. One change for sure is USA To Aristo. Matt

Pictures Please …Any updates. I know Aristo’s long gone into the wild blue. but did you get this done? pictures please :slight_smile:

#14

Matt , I have to agree with Nick and David on the USA loco's. I've been running my two GP38's outside since 2004 and they are some of my best engines .They litteraly have many "real" miles on them and they keep going.  I have to do my anual spring tune up , grease and inspect / replace any worn parts ( and they do wear out ) like axles and gears but its easy to do. I don't have any experiance with the Aristo gp-40 but I do have 3 other Aristo engines , two dash-9's and a sd-45. One of my dash-9's doesn't run cuz it's got some thermo fuse problem , so it will be running fine and suddenly it stops and won't go anymore till it cools off. Not good if your pulling a long train . The other two run fine . I'm not bashing Aristo just saying I have had MUCH better reliability with the USA stuff.  Can't wait to see your progress on the high hood conversion . Any pictures yet ?