HO: Converting a C40-8 to a C39-8

[TerryC]

I would like to convert some C40-8s into two versions of C39-8s. The first version would have flat roof like Norfolk Southern 8666. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=76910
The second version would be the CONRAIL version with the red class lights. http://crcyc.railfan.net/locos/ge/8c39/cr6015cf.jpg

Keep asking keep learning
http://trainiaxindex.cjb.net/
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=78025

[Otto Vondrak]

Are you asking a question, or updating us on your latest project?

-otto-

[pdt]

The NS locomotive is a late production C39-8, which was called a C39-8E, I think. Whatever it is, it's basically a C40-8 with the air reservoirs mounted in the typical Universal series and Dash 7 location - fore and aft of the tank. That results in a shorter tank than a C40-8, so it will require hacking up an Atlas or Bachmann C40-8 frame. But, that's pretty much the only change I know of.

The first one is a pain in the neck. I know, I'm doing two early production C39-8s in NS. What I've done is shorten the tank casting of RPP C40-8W frames to make room for the reservoirs as mentioned above, filled in the depression where the air reservoirs would be on the C40-8, remove the engine compartment (the six door per side section of the RPP C32-8 shell) and radiator exhaust section and replace each with the corresponding parts from an Atlas B40-8 shell. The rest is just replacing cast on parts with aftermarket detail parts, such as A-line steps, adding headlight castings, etc. It's been interesting so far and I'm nowhere near complete. If I were to start over on the frames, and I'm tempted to, I'd use Atlas C40-8s.

I hope this provides you with enough information to get started on your C39-8s.

[TerryC]

I just want to know how to make the 2, C39-8 versions.


keep searching keep finding
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[MR77100]

Just to fill in the on 2 models:
The C39-8E was a production model built only for NS in March, 1987. They were unique in that they had single position control stands set to run long hood forward! They can be distinguished from the C40-8's by having classification lights and no anticlimber. The "humpback" C39-8's" were only purchased by Conrail and NS. NS got theirs in 1984 and Conrail got theirs in 1986. Despite their homely appearance, I would like to see them manufactured by a major model company some day, possibly Atlas or Proto 2000.