IC SD40A (SD40A-2R)

I'm enthralled with the SD40A/SD40A-2R locomotives of the Illinois Central for some reason right now, and I want to have one or two. It looks like the SD45T-2/SD40T-2 chassis from Intermountain would be the right length (the same frame as the SDP45), am I right or would another frame be better? These huge locomotives would just be fun to have running around the layout. Any suggestions (or pictures of one you've made) are welcome!

 

Was Milwaukee the only road owning these? Anyone have a picture? Thanks.

[edit] I mean IC.

 

Here is a link to Railpictures for IC 6008 :
http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=IC206008

There was some nice pictures right here , go to the link above to see them .

 

EMD built 18 of them for the Illinois Central. A handfull found their way into CP ownership, but the rest are still IC/CN.

 

Into CP hands via the Soo. They do look good in red/white with those 5000 gallon tanks!

 

I would like to remind members that we are not supposed to post pictures from other websites unless we have permission to do so. Links are permitted but not the actual pictures. Thanks.

 

The prototype SD40-2 frame is about four feet shorter ([edit] two feet shorter) than the tunnel motor (SD45T-2, SD40T-2, SD45-2, SD45X) frame. If these engines were rebuilt from SD40-2 engines, I would presume they are on the SD40-2 frame. Kato makes the SD40-2 model; I would start with it if it is available. OTOH, the extra four feet could be "hidden" with the correct proportions.

I think the SD50/60 is only about a foot longer than the tunnel motor frame.

 

The originail SD40A's were built new for IC by EMD on SDP45 frames (and I think the same frame was used for the SD45T-2 and SD40T-2). Originally, they had dynamic brakes. IC rebuilt them in recent years to SD40A-2R standards with updated electricals, revamped lighting placement, and elimination of the dynamic brakes. I love the huge 5000 galon fuel tank.

Just immagine a 5000 gal. tank SD40A-2R leading a Milwaukee Road small-tanked SD40-2 on a freight. Makes me smile.:tb-biggrin:

 

SDP45 is a tunnel motor size frame, all right. In that case, I would use one of the IM SD45T-2 or the Atlas SD50/60 mechanisms depending on which sill and hand rail best matches the SD40A-2R sill.

 

I've never seen them with dynamics. Strange that IC ordered them that way.

 

Check this out, then. In ICG colors, still with the dynamic brakes.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1145164

 

Extended-range dynamics no less... IIRC, the intention was to use them in run-through service.

 

The SD40A frame is 5' longer than a SD40 frame (66' 6" vs 61' 6")


SD40-2 frame is 64' 8""

SD40T-2 frame is 66' 6"


SD50/60 frame is 67'

 

ROFL!!! I did just that, Hemi.... I got a screaming deal on an Espee 40T-2 today and I'm planning on turning it into a SD40A-2R.

I like the white & orange, but for what I'm modeling, the black paing is what it'll wind up in, but HEAVILY weathered.

 

Well! We've finally got that settled. Lets get on with the project and post some pictures. JKD, the cheering section will back you up to your last dime! Heh, heh. I'm looking forward to the project. :thumbs_up:

 

I really can't wait to see what you come up with here ( I am an SD40 and all its variants addict) maybe you could take some progress photos to show us how you do it?
my best,
Jan

 

Well, now that I've got the mechanism down, it's time to really look at the details I need t figure out how to remove the dynamic brakes, how many doors are on each side (tall and short) and a way to put a normal radiator section on this beast. If the first one works out, I'll probably do 3 or 4.

I'll keep you all posted!

 

These may help...

 

Robbman, what are these drawings of/for? The top 2 i recognize instantly as the long-hoods on SD40A's. The others are SD40's?

They do help! Thanks! Are you making shells with these? (Fingers crossed)