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Re: (erielack) SD45M modeling

Pat,
I would definitely suggest taking a look at Brian
Banna's project page.  However, a little disclaimer
here, Mr Banna is nuts.  Certifiably nuts.  He may be
starting with a stretched Athearn SD45 but by the time
he's done, he will have completely remanufactured
everything.  It will be the best looking SDP45 model
you've ever seen when he's done.
The biggest problem I see with stretching frames is,
as previously mentioned, stretching the drive train. 
When Andy built his for the article, I believe he cut
the Kato universals in half and then cemented them
inside brass rod.  The original styrene warped and had
to be redone.
Personally if I was to start one right now, I'd use
the Genesis FP45 frame.  With a little filing or
milling its possible to make a new shell fit.  Either
fill the steps cast into the fuel tank or buy a
SD50/60 fuel tank.  Granted, the Kato drive runs like
a Swiss watch, but the Genesis is pretty nice.  The
Athearn side frames definitely beat the snot out of
the Katos in terms of detail.  Biggest issue will be
getting your hands on a Genesis drive train without
having to shell out big bucks.
For a shell, get a P2K shell and two walkways.  I
still think the P2K has issues but its the best SD45
shell on the market.  The walkways are definitely the
best SD walkways out there.  The rest will have to be
built out of Cannon parts and styrene of course.

Josh Blevins
Charlotte NC
http://www.pbase.com/stillbre
http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=2240


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