Has anyone ever seen or done a successfully scratch built MP-15? Since no one has ever made a model of this animal, what would be a good loco to hack-up as a base for this project? I was thinking about a Bachman Plus F7B unit as I THINK it's close to the right wheel base. I can alter the frame on a bridgeport and turn the flywheels down if necessary. Con-Cor's SW1500 cab is close to the right one but the cab is the easiest part to scratch build and I'm sure I could do better. Any input would be good as I'm considering this for a long term project after I get my hip replaced this fall.
There was a good article in the March 1981 Railroad Model Craftsman about kitbashing the MP15AC. Although the article is an HO scale kitbash, it might give you some ideas about what parts from what type of shells you might need. If I recall, the main parts were from a SW1500 (cab and body) and a GP35 (body, frame, and trucks), but it's been awhile. Anyway, I'm sure there would be a lot of interest in how you go about it so keep us posted!
Here are some useful MP15AC links for your project ****** Here are links to proto photos of both sides of the MP15AC from the UP Photo Archives ****** UP1430 right side view http://www.widowcreek.com/wcrr/unionpacific/locomotives/MP15AC/pix/UP1430.htm ******* UP1488 left side view http://www.widowcreek.com/wcrr/unionpacific/locomotives/MP15AC/pix/UP1488.htm ******** There is also a way-cool detailed computer rendering of an MP15AC in 1:25 scale here: http://paintshop.railfan.net/images/moldover/mp15ac.html ******** An info page on the SP MP15AC's here including a bibliography: http://espee.railfan.net/spmp15ac.html ******** There are also 26 detail walk-around photos of an SP MP15AC unit here: http://espee.railfan.net/picindex/mp15ac/ ********* And the MP15AC GM demonstrator unit here: http://gelwood.railfan.net/other/emd/emd-mp15ac.jpg ******** An info page on MILW MP15AC's here: http://landru.i-link-2.net/beaber/mp15ac.htm ********** Here is a modeling reference for an HO kitbash "Kitbashing EMD's MP15AC". Photos, sketches, procedures (SP details), starting with Athearn SW7 and GP35 shells. Railroad Model Craftsman, Mar 1981, p.76 - 80 ******** Good luck on your new project. THR surgery is no fun. Neither is BKA -- I lost my lower right leg to diabetes in 1997. eNjoy Don B
Thanks Don. These links are VERY helpful as finding one to photograph here near Cleveland is not very likely. I figure that this, and the big Cutty Sark model I bought several months back should keep me busy through the healing process.
Oh,crap,i just read an article on that in a magazine.Some one used a Life-Like SW 12 for the body and the fans and intake grills from a GP 9.I don't remember what magazine or month it was,but if I find it I'll let you know.The author made a U.P. unit.I think it was a Railroad Model Craftsman issue???
Dangerboy, that sounds more like a UP SW10. I vaguely recall an article or 2 in HO on that. Not seen a N Scale article, though. Gary. No, I mustn't bow to the Borg.
Gary,the mentioned article was in RMC several months ago. It was definately Nscale. Will I build one ? Someday ,but not anytime soon. <marquee>North American Rail Alliance</marquee>
As Catt said, the article was N scale and in RMC and was a VERY good article if you ask me. The modelar did a great job on that thing. Very impressive!
I always keep this project in the back of my mind. I would love to kitbash one someday. I've always thought that a Con-Cor SW1500 would provide the starting point and that the rear end of a JnJ GP15 shell could be chopped down for the front of it. Of course a couple other bits and pieces and whala. Also Don gave plenty of links for pics but just thought I'd mention my sites have several more for all y'all. Nor-Cal SP MP15AC Nor-Cal UP MP15AC Good luck!! and I'll be looking forward to hearing the results and maybe seeing some pics of the project. John
I saw one of these units about two weeks ago in the City Of Industry, CA. In UP colors, its number is 1074. Looked pretty nice and I got some good footage of it sitting (not to much moving on the UP the day I decide to railfan with my new camcorder! LOL...just my luck).
