Model Railroading > Western Maryland GP40's

With Athearn seemingly able to easily interchange GP40 and GP40-2 parts from their Genesis line, this is the perfect opportunity for them to produce a Western Maryland GP40. These units were kind of a "hybrid" GP40 and GP40-2 model with the extended dynamic brake blister, high-profile dynamic brake fan, no sight glass, cab overhang and an unusual 3,800 gal fuel tank. Although the WM rostered only 5 GP40's, they were quite striking models in red, white and black paint with speed lettering. Dear Athearn, a couple of these would make a great present under my Christmas tree!

The problem here is Athearn does not offer a GP40.

Posted from iPhone

Photos I checked show a typical late 40-series cab on WM 3795-3799, i.e. no Dash Two overhang on the rear or drip rail over the front cab door.

Doug Stark

I need to clarify - some of my initial info was incorrect:

The WM GP40's are from August 1971 and among the last GP40's built. They had a 3200 gallon fuel tank, not a 3800 tank. The prototype 3200 gallon tank is 2' shorter than the 3600 gallon tank and 3' longer than the 2600 gallon tank. Other distinctive features include 1) long hood stanchions all on 4-foot spacing 2) bottoms of stanchions all level 3) ribbed blower bump 4) d/b front taper elongated 5) taller d/b fan with the recessed flange base.

I'm thinking that an early phase Athearn GP40-2 could be modified to produce this model - I'd just rather have Athearn do it for me :-)

I might be mistaken, but I believe C&O (if not also B&O) had similar, late GP40's, possibly with larger fuel tanks than the WM units. Might be possible to update the Atlas GP40 using an Athearn dynamic brake section, Cannon (?) blower duct, and other parts. Now then, what paint color is closest to the WM red? It borders on orange.

you will need extended Dynamics on both sides

twl

Don't forget the GP40s had a different hood door arrangement under the radiator area than the GP40-2s. A different door on the clean air room as well.

I agree Atlas parts would be the best way to build one of these units.

Andrew C



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/14 12:15 by andrewcastle.

From what I can see, if its WM 3795-3799 your refering to, these engines do not have extended range dynamics. Just longer DB blisters to cover up a conduit as an EMD model modification. Extended range has a small door on the blister as on this UP unit.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/14 15:09 by TomG.

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The closest color to WM red is SP Scarlet. Be sure you paint the whole model white first as this changes the final color of the red.

WM GP40's

Mike Bannon
St Catharines, ON

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Western Pacific also. But I guess, getting Atlas to produce anything but a generic early phase GP40 is too much to ask.

wlankenau Wrote:
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> I might be mistaken, but I believe C&O (if not
> also B&O) had similar, late GP40's

keysubdiv Wrote:
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> you will need extended Dynamics on both sides
>
> twl

The longer blister has nothing to do with extended range dynamic brakes. It was done to route the cabling further away from the exhaust. This bludge is slightly different on a straight 40 and is on both sides vs left side only on a -2.

The presence of a door on the blister indicates extended range.

Posted from Android

Didnt I just say that 2 days ago? lol