Gents and ladies:
How accurate to the prototype are the shells of the Atlas GP38 and the Trainman GP38-2? I have read that the TM is inaccurate to some degree but have never really heard anything about the Master/Silver/Gold GP38. I realize the TM has few detail parts added and has thicker handrails, so I don’t need that info. I’m refering to the dimensions of the shell, tooled body parts, and such.
Also, Atlas had early and late versions of the GP38 model. Would anyone know what prototype each was modeled after?
I have two of the Atlas Trainman GP39-2s, but they are kind of identical to the GP38-2s except the exhaust housing is different from what I could tell. I have noticed that mine don’t have anti-climbers or correctly mounted horns, but I am working on fixing that. Also, they don’t have the grabs installed.
That is all I have noticed. I am also going to add Cannon & Co. Radiator and DB fans. I added sound to one unit last night and it turned out good.
Will address a part of your question. First, I have no Trainman GP38-2’s so can’t talk about them. I do have a potfull of the Silver GP38’s that I added several years ago. These are Santa Fe. Don’t remember any errors, I did have to add Santa Fe specific details like air conditioners, radio antenna’s and planes, changed horns, etc. They are a good dependable model, I have a lot of mileage on mine and they still perform very well. Personally would rather buy a solid, accurate shell and add my own details for the road I model, but the paint and finish on the GP38’s are top drawer.
I have over 300 diesels on the layout or in the engine yard (shelves), and of those units, my Kato SD40-2’s and Atlas GP38’s and U23-B’s are the most consistent in performance/operation. All have DCC decoders. I have several other silver and gold line Atlas diesels, all but one are still in service and do a fine job.
I do have a couple of the Trainman line, they operate well also, but the details, as you noted, are sparse.
Bob