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Re: (erielack) SD45M modeling



Josh...   
 
> I can't remember the fuel tank size offered either by
> Athearn nor the size of the SDP45 fuel tank so some
> cutting and splicing may be required.  However, the
> Athearn fuel tank has the correct EMD contours and can
> easily either be shortened or lengthened.  

That is what I was thinking.  Isn't the recent Athearn fuel tank a plastic covering over the weight stuck on the bottom of the frame, like other manufacturers are doing?

> The SD50/60
> and the SDP45 do not have the same bolster spacing. 
> The only thing the SDP45 shares wheelbases with is the
> FP45 and IC's SD40A.  The SD50/60 have the bolsters
> offest to one end of the trucks off the center line. 
> The axles are also not evenly spaced.
>
Right.  I should have guessed that because of the HT-C truck and its uneven axle spacing.
 
> It should, yes.  Same motor, same gear ratio, etc,
> etc.  I believe Athearn still uses the 12:1 gears in
> the Genesis stuff (except for F-units) while Kato uses
> a 14:1.  That said, I have never had an issue with
> Athearn stuff MUing with Katos.
>

Thank you for answering my next question.  I was wondering how well a Kato unit would operate with an Athearn Genesis unit without having to do all sorts of fancy configuration with DCC.  

> Athearn by far has the best side frames be it
> Blomberg, Flexicoil, or HTC.  Another benefit is
> Athearn uses styrene instead of Delrin.  Delrin is
> difficult to glue to and requires special glue.
>

I was not aware of that.
 
> The P2K walkways have the "zig-zag" pilots that the
> SDP45s have.
> http://rr-fallenflags.org/el/loco/el3635blb.jpg
> If you look at the bottom step, notice how the pilot
> has a diamond-shaped bump out.  The P2K walkway has
> the best representation of this of any SD model.  

Hmm...now to get a hold of a P2K shell and walkways...

> Of course, if you really want to go gung-ho, you can
> replace the entire pilot and steps with Railflyer
> Models pilots and steps.  

Well, for me it is always a cost (and time) v. benefit analysis.  Here I go again trying to re-open the "what is good enough" discussion.  Probably not worth it for me, of course, I guess I don't know what I'm missing.

> After looking at them for
> two days this weekend, I believe this is the way I'm
> going from now on for all my models.
>

Hmmm...something going on in Charlotte this past weekend that I didn't know about?  Doh!

- -pat moore
in greenville, sc

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