So I was working on a Bachmann Spectrum GP30 that I was going to do in a New Haven scheme, even though they never had one. However, the shell cracked, and I could either order a new GP30 shell from Bachmann or I could go the prototypical route and buy a GP7 shell from Atlas. My question is, would I be able to fit the Atlas shell on the chassis of the GP30?
In theory, the GP30 & GP7 have the same overall wheel base. However, the fuel/air tanks are different. The big issue with the model is ‘if’ you can jam the shell on - the mounting tabs and chassis usually are molded different. Also, IIRC - the Atlas body is plastic, but maybe the lower part like the walkways may be metal. Can you glue up the shell and use body putty/sand to recover that shell?
Jim
It’s not really all that worth it to glue it up and reuse it. There are smudges and scratches that are impossible to get out, and it’s not even prototypical to New Haven. Maybe I could get a Bachmann GP7 and stick that on there?
The Atlas GP7’s sill part of the frame. So no it won’t work.
AFAIK, The Lionel, Bev-bel*, front range, and Bachmann GP30 all share the same shell.
*There are several of the bev-bels on th__e bay__ at the moment
A Line still has some Lionel/Bachmann unpainted GP30 shells for $14, as well as a whole list of detail parts to go with them. http://ppw-aline.com/bdligp30.htm It’s the same shell that’s used on the Spectrum GP30, but it’s a slightly older version with the grab irons molded on. The mounting is the same, and since it’s unpainted, you could pretty easily remove the molded on grab irons if you want separate ones in their place.
Wow… Incredible find! I’ll definitely be using that link hopefully soon… Thanks!