OK, I have heard many requests for a new F40 and when my new BL-2 Mechanism showed up I just had to try something Check out the pictures Now this project has little interest for me as it far too modern. I will be using this chassis under an F9. However I just had to plant the seed for someone to do this up right. You would end up with an F40 that could pull stumps and run incredibly slow. For all the guys crying about this locomotive, here it is. You don't even need to mill the frame to put a decoder in. This has got to be the easiest locomotive project I have run across.
Wondering two things. Does the LHS have BL2s on sale? Second, maybe Dan wants to dispose that out of era pre-stripped shell?
Well I have five of these LL shells and I would be happy to part with 4 of them. The BL-2 chassis can be had regularily for under $25.00 from you know where. I am looking for Kato F7 shells. I would swap these at an equitable ratio in a minute. email me if anyone is interested.
I know. I had made a swap with WCD, for one, but his disappearance has meant I am looking for another. I have molds for resin Kato F3 shells. This past week I cut the cabs of some LL F7s and grafted on the Kato F3 cabs. They look much better now, and they sit on the LL GP-20 chassis, to give me a very inexpensive F7.
Imagine my shock when I saw this topic! Of course, all is not what it seems, but in this case, I'm okay with that. I am not oposed to a little work to get what I want (even if it is beyond changing couplers). Sure, it would be great to have a RTR with knuckle couplers from a high quality manufacture, althought I have always thought Life Like is the logical choice. This looks like it would be a fairly easy, straight foward converision even for an unexsperienced engineshop like mine. I will be adding this to my to-do list, but don't be looking for results anytime soon, I have many things ahead of it. Thanx for the heads up Dan!
As I said on Railwire, great work Dan. Seriously. But I refuse to accept that I must buy multiple items (Shell, Coupler conversion, frame) and then put them together (which I suck at) to get what I want. I will wait for a factory made, high quality F40PH (and F45 too). It will be enough work for me to repain/decal a fleet of RTR's, much less try to build my own fleet..... But again, thats just my opinion and I'm glad this option is available for others. Great work!
As you already paint your own road name I thought I would entice you into this easy project. This would be a great first kitbash project. No milling or casting. A little bit of work with some styrene to fill in the gaping holes where the truck mounted couplers used to pass through and that is about it. Sometimes in N scale ,if you really want something you have to build it. It is getting much better lately, but sometimes manufacturers are slow to respond. This is one option to give you an F40 that runs and pulls as good as a Kato. I know your position on this well, but some others may get tired of waiting. This is a viable option for them.
Dan, Everything you say is true. Please don't misunderstand me. I think your discovery (and application of such) is great work. Seriously! I am sure it will be a great option for some people. I just don't have the motivation to deal with the work involved. You ARE correct that it seems like a great first kitbash, but withall the repainting/decalling I've got ahead, it may be some time before I would be motivated to try it myself. I continue to have faith that our cries for a RTR High Quality F40PH and F45 will be answered eventually. Till then, I have tons of MT 3bay coal hoppers and Boxcars and Gondola to repaint and decal into VARR and W&OD colors. I am not angry, just vocal is my desire (which sometimes comes accross as angry I suppose). Again, great work Dan. Keep it up!
No misunderstanding here. None of your comments have any hint of anger in them. I do know that you would like to see an Atlas or Kato version of this locomotive and would be much happier if a RTR quality version of this locomotive was available. Nothing wrong with that. I am baffled that LL, who has all the necessary components at their disposal doesn't re-issue this. No new investment is required on their part and they could have a very decent F40 at a reasonable price. [ 01. January 2004, 18:27: Message edited by: Dan Crowley ]
Two questions for you Dan. 1 I don't have any KATO shells what would you take for a pair of the F40 shells? 2 Do the trucks clear the pilots ok on curves or do ya think there will be some surgery needed?
You're not he first person to ask me that. My answer is I would like to swap the 4 shells for one Kato F7 shell, and am kind of holding out for that. I test ran this unit around my layout and had no trouble with the trucks hitting the steps. Contact me by email and I will put you down as being interested in the shells. If the elusive Kato F7 can not be found I will then consider other options on my stock of Undec LL F40 shells. There is one other ahead of you though.
I WANT MY F-40PH !!!!!!!!!! I WANT IT DONE RIGHT!!!!!!! I WANT IT TO ATLAS OR KATO!!!!!!!!!!!! I WANT IT IN N.J. TRANSIT!!!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEASE I WANT VARR TO GET HIS F-40'S!!!!!!! I WANT EVERYONE WHO SAID THEY'D BUY ONE OR MORE TO DO EXACTLY THAT!!!! IF WE DO,THEY WILL LISTEN TO US MORE!!!!!!!!! MIKE
My email server is having trouble right now, but once it is up again I will email you on those F3 shells Dan
