does anybody have a suggestion regarding atlas mkt gp40 oversized fuel tanks---the stock tank is much larger than what was prototypical----yes i could grind on the frame and cut up the stock tank but i am looking for easier way.[plese help]
What size is the stock tank? 3200 gallon? You'll probably have to got the route of cutting the chassis to make it fit. Gary.
Sorry Scott but your probably going to have to cut the frame. I don't see any other way. ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. http://users4.50megs.com/blma/
does anybody know if another atlas or kato fuel tank thats shorter will work---im open for suggestions
If you can give us the size of the proto tank, then we could possibly point you in the right direction. If it is a 3200 gallon tank, I suggest the Atlas GP30/35 tank, which I have used on 2 Soo SD40-2's that I have under construction. This has required the frame to be modified to fit the tank. Look at the Atlas site for the part number. Another alternative is a Kato GP38-2 tank, which I believe are still available. It's a 3000 or 3500 gallon tank, but the air reservoirs are in a different position to the 30/35 tank. It depends on the tank used on the loco you want to model. Any URL you can point our way? Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
Gary and Casey, Here is a photo of the tank in question: http://gelwood.railfan.net/other/mkt/mkt170.jpg - it looks to be similar to a tank used on SOU units-what they called a branchline tank. The SOU used these smaller tanks on the GP38s and when absorbed into NS, these were replaced with tanks off of the SD35s. I dunno what size they may be but looks interesting enough. Y'all have a good one, Justin [This message has been edited by Justin May (edited 05 September 2000).]
Thanks Justin. Looks like a tank mod as well as the frame. Casey - I just grabbed an Atlas GP40 and a Kato GP38/-2 tank as this is about the closest I can think of in profile to MKT170's tank. This tank is too long for the correct conversion and will need be shortened about 4-4.5mm, taken from the front. Conversely, the frame will need around 2mm removed from the rear of the tank protrusion, and 4.5-5mm from the front, to fit the shortened tank. Trim the notches from the tank casting's front and rear rather than taking too much from the frame. Check the frame mods I did for the Soo SD40-2's using a stock (but detailed) GP30/35 tank. BTW, If you have access to the correct proto tank length, then let me know (I find that info indespensible!). The above will give you a near 100 percent replica as the tank will be close to length and the air reservoirs will be in the correct position to the tank and side sill. Although it looks like a lot of work, with careful planning it's not too hard at all. (At least the Atlas frame halves are readily available in case of mistakes.) Once you have done one of these mods, you'll be confident to tackle just about anything! Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
