I'm looking to kitbash a pair of EMD SD38's in N scale. Since I'm not very well versed in prototype spotting features, can anyone help me with this project? What are the external differences between an SD40 and an SD38? If I could modify an old Kato SD40, that would be great. On the other hand, would it be possible to modify a Life-Like GP38-2 shell and put that on a six-axle chassis? Thanks for the help! ------------------ Brian Schmidt railohio@hotmail.com ICQ #21630753 AIM - railohio
I'm not sure if the SD38 was built on the SD40 chassis or not. I'm thinking it was. The main differences are only two radiator fans and a filter box setup like a GP38... I'm not sure on brakewheel/etc placement.
The three biggest things are the Two 48" fans, the slightly different DB section, and the air box. I'm sure there's other small differences, but changing those three would make a believable model. Overland had some ads for their SD38 series a while back. If you can find those in mags, it has good photos. What road are you doing these for? Someone turned me onto this pic of a DT&I SD38 that a guy did which looks pretty good. http://DTI.Railfan.net/modimage.html he used a Father Nature SD39 shell I believe. I bought some of those myself, but decided it would be better just to kitbash using an SD40. The FN shells are not as good as normal shells. Dave D. Los Angeles, CA The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List: http://eje.railfan.net The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page: http://eje.railfan.net/adn Southern California Trains: http://eje.railfan.net/socal
One more thing... keep in mind that the DTI model is for a non DB unit. That's why I ask what road yours are for. If they used non DB units, it would make it easier to do. Dave D. Los Angeles, CA The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List: http://eje.railfan.net The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page: http://eje.railfan.net/adn Southern California Trains: http://eje.railfan.net/socal
Brian, The SD38 and SD40 both rode on the same chassis. The lengths are both 65' 9.5" and the truck centers are both 40'. Hope this helps and best of luck, Justin May
We got lucky on this one, I am modeling the DT&I units! The way I figgure it, I remove one of the radiator fans, change the exhaust stack and air box, and sand off the dynamic braking details and I'll basically have an SD38. ------------------ Brian Schmidt railohio@hotmail.com ICQ #21630753 AIM - railohio
Brian, For what it may be worth, instead of cutting off the DB housing, why not look into a L/L SD7 non DB hatch? It looks to be a seperate part and may possibly save you some time and effort on the kitbash. Have a good one, Justin
Well... You could take one fan off, but the other two would be in the wrong place. If non DB is what you need, then you might want to try the father Nature SD39 shells. http://www.fathernaturetrees.com/ You would just need to fix the air box then. BTW... The site that pic was on is a very good DTI site. Dave D. Los Angeles, CA The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List: http://eje.railfan.net The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page: http://eje.railfan.net/adn Southern California Trains: http://eje.railfan.net/socal
Dave, don't forget the SD38 was a normally aspirated unit, not turboed. Brian, replace the single stack with two Sunrise N326 EMD short stacks. Check the photos for correct placement. Looks like another lunatic is born! Good luck with your project, and keep us informed. oh, yeah, guys... check Model Railroading in a few months time. Maybe some N Soo SD40-2's may turn up there. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
Oh! Details Details! I'll keep an eye out for the article. I went to the store today, and it's funny how many places are refusing to carry Model Railroader now because of the whole eHobbies thing. Dave D. Los Angeles, CA The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List: http://eje.railfan.net The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page: http://eje.railfan.net/adn Southern California Trains: http://eje.railfan.net/socal
Gee i must be out of it, what ehobbies thing? I don't know what it's about but i told em they should have a UBB forum a long time ago.
There was a thread on the r.m.r newsgroup about this several months ago. This is my take on the story, gleaned from what I remember of the few posts I read. It did degenerate into a MR bash after a few days. Apparently, MR and EHobbies entered into some advertising deal that saw several full page ads in MR at the expense of some regular advertisers. Additionally, it appeared that special treatment was being given to EHobbies, which made the traditional vendors, ie shop front, feel slighted. Since mail order, and now online order, houses have been a bone of contention for years, I think this was the last straw for them. There were calls for boycotting, etc. Whether this happened, I don't know, as I don't get MR usually. I'm certain someone else can add much more to this. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
