CSX SD40-2 No 8047

Here's a project I'm working on for a friend. It is slowly but surely taking shape.

The original model was an Union Pacific Athearn Blue Box SD40-2, one of the older tooling of the BB SD40-2 with the molded on grab irons and and frame tabs sticking out from the side sill.

I still have to do more finition sanding and wait for some detail parts. I have also managed to get the exposed roller bearing caps to rotate on one side frame for the moment. I still have the three others to do when I get more roller bearing caps.

When done, it will have the CSX YN2 paint scheme (grey, yellow and blue).

Here's a few pictures of the prototype:
CSX 8047/CSXT Q574
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=12777&nseq=4
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=245696&nseq=0

And the model:

 

More pictures:

 

very nice looking detail job that you have done so far. looking forward to seeing more. How did you set the unit up so that the roller bearings turn?

 

Thanks Mr. Stewart!

To get the roller bearing caps (Details West part No. BC-244) to rotate, I drilled a pilot hole through the center of the bearing on the sideframe. I noticed on my model that the the center of the axle end was slightly offset to the center of the bearing on the sideframe when the weight of the engine is on its wheels. I then used a larger drill bit to enlarge the hole.

I then used a round file to get it to the final dimension (slightly larger than the axle bearing cap) by turning it while pressing on it. I found that using a file made it easier to get the hole slightly offset.

I then glued the axle bearing cap to the axle end and test fitted the sideframe. The axle cap still rub a bit against the sideframe so I will address that by making the hole slightly larger and by filing down the side of the axle bearing cap while it is glued on the axle.

I'm still waiting to get the Northwest Shortline wheel sets to replace the original Athearn ones. I tested the rotating roller bearing caps on one sideframe only.

 

NIce work love them csx sd40-2's

 

The detail job is quite nice, I'm anxious to see the finished model. Thanks for sharing

 

Beautiful job. I think the bearings are incredible details. I continue to be amazed at different hobbies and their evolution. We have sound, and revolving bearings, the airplane people have REAL turbo jet engines. Where is the limit now? Steve

 

so where are the photos of the finished loco? Really looking forward to seeing end results.

 

I have given the engine back to its owner (my friend) after not working on it for about two months. I will post pictures of the unit once he will finish it in a little while I guess.