Need to know if a Kato SD45 shell will fit on a Kato SD40-2 chassis. The SD45 is an older non DCC release while the SD40-2 is DCC ready. Trying to get a DCC SD45.
SD40-2 and SD45 have different trucks and a different frame length. The SD45 rides on Flexicoil trucks, while the SD40-2 has HTCs. The traction motor arrangement is different, making the HTC longer. They had to lengthen the frame for them to fit, which is what gives the SD40-2 its distinctive long porches on the ends.
I always thought it would be funny to put a figure in a lawn chair (or lounger) on the porch, sunbathing. Like every other Kato I have, they are great runners.
The only time I have heard the term Veranda used is on the UP Veranda Turbines, which had a narrow short hood, but carbody-width roof so that it covered the walkways. I doubt you could call the SD40-2 ends 'verandas' in the architectural sense as they lack a roof.
See there, it IS prototypical! And if it's good enough for Conrail, then it's good enough for my Spaghetti & Western district of the ATSF!
I remember sitting at the east end of Wolcott siding, for hours watching some of the richest golf club players in the region play (crazy rich). It was surprising how many golf balls were on the ROW. We had a great guy here we called, "sarge" that went around gathering a few balls, and then launched them off the front porch of our SD-40. He was a first SGT US Army, so he didnt take too much grief. I saw him tell a club member, that "this particular ball, was trespassing on RR property and was being expelled". That was the end of the argument and discussion, it was among my first trips as a trainman. I never laughed so hard. He was and remains a great friend.