How To: Kitbash a Mopac RS2 / GP12 / RS3

[Colonel]

Here is my next Project I will loosely model one of these.

http://www.trainweb.org/screamingeagle/other/j_carson/mp1078.jpg

I will base this on a RS2 Kato model. I hope to make a start this weekend.

[cf7]

Paul - That is more of an RS3; note the battery boxes on the walkway. I did one of these years ago and started with an Atlas RS3 and used the 2 fans from an Atlas GP7 shell. The numberboards on the corners were built from styrene with small notches filed on the shell. I built the fuel tank from styrene and used Sunrise air tanks. Sorry I don't have pics but that was pre-camera!

[Eagle2]

Paul, for the difference it makes to you, the GP12's were indeed based on RS3's, repowered and with manifolds changed at North Little Rock in 1965. Not being an Alco expert, I'll not try to say how noticable the differences really are, but will say I hope you'll show pics of the whole construction process.

[Colonel]

hmmm not sure what I've got myself into I was just looking for a use for a RS2 shell lol. I'm not the true prototype modeller so its not going to be an exact replica. At this stage I'm thinking of just making some styrene spark arrestors and possibly those number boards

[Triplex]

These are actually good-looking as RS repowerings go. They didn't raise the hood.

This should be interesting.

[Colonel]

Today I pulled out some styrene and a a couple of bits and pieces and here are the results.

Here is the original shell

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7180.jpg

Here is the modified shell

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7179.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7173.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7172.jpg

Now I'm heading off downstairs to paint the shell.

[Colonel]

The shell has had 3 coats of modelflex Mopac blue and is awaiting decals which I hope to do tomorrow.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7182.jpg

[Flash Blackman]

Are the numberboards just glued to the shell or are they set in a notch cut into the shell? Thanks.

This is a good method for a lot of Espee RS3s that had similar number boards.

[Colonel]

Are the numberboards just glued to the shell or are they set in a notch cut into the shell? Thanks.

This is a good method for a lot of Espee RS3s that had similar number boards.

Yes Flash I used a razor saw to cut a groove in the shell for extra support

[johnh]

Didn't the GP12s have the original fan replaced with 2 EMD fans mounted diagonally on a modified box? Seems like they were 2 different types. If you look at the leading unit in the picture, you can see the box assembly above the radiator intakes.

[johnh]

And one other thing, you do realize that you used an RSC-2 chassis instead of an RS2?

[johnh]

Here is a link to a pic that kinda gives an idea of what I am talking about. A few years back one of the train mags did an article on kitbashing one.

http://www.mopac.org/photos_diesel/mp1065.jpg

[Colonel]

John,

you are correct I only loosely modelled a RS12 lol I will eventually replace the trucks next time I place an order at Kato.

I may even do a model of the RS2 that you show

Today I finished decaling the locomotive. I was worried decaling the numberboards would be difficult but I was surprised with how they went on.

I did the decals in pairs and let them dry before applying the second pair.

Here is the result.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/557/IMGP7191.JPG

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/690/IMGP7193.JPG

[Colonel]

And one other thing, you do realize that you used an RSC-2 chassis instead of an RS2?

Are the trucks friction or roller bearing?

[Flash Blackman]

The trucks in the first prototype photo are roller bearing.