Cannon and Co. Fans

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I have an Athearn BB GP 38-2 that I would like to add these radiator and dynamic brake fans to. I wondering what is the best way to remove the old molded on fans?

Also, what is this part located toward the center of the cab roof? I have never seen anything like it before.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=

I also can’t seem to find the right plow that matches the photo.

2

To remove the existing fans, drill out the centre using a reasonably-large drill bit, then use your X-Acto knife to carve away most of the rest - a #11 blade works well. Finish-up with needle files and fine sandpaper.

I can’t help you with the gizmo on the cab roof, but a similar plow is available from Details West. Click on “Picture Catalog Download” - the plows start at PL-110.

This may or may not be the one you need, but I no longer have the loco or know which plow was used:

Wayne

3

Looks like a covered version of a sinclair antenna. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/235-274 I would just scratch build one. Use a thin piece of styrene strip for the mounting flange, and add a piece of rectangular styrene rod filed to shape on top.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/235-233 This plow looks to be close. You will have to file the square notches in the corners, but it’s easy to do on the white metal.

I think the dents in the fuel tank will be the hardest to model [;)]

4

For cutting out the molded fans, I’d advise to wait until you have the Cannon parts in hand, then make sure you measure twice and cut once, just to make sure you don’t cut away too much material and leave a hole that’s too big.

I’m working on a blue box FP45 upgrade from a set of instructions in an old model railroading magazine, and the instructions they give for installing the Cannon fans go something like this:

Remove most of the molded on fans with a drill bit or Dremel tool, then use an X-acto knife and files to clear out all the material up to the inside edge of the molded-on rim/ring. Then trim down the rim/ring flush with the surface of the roof. What you should have left is a “shadow” of the original molded-on rim, which the Cannon part should drop right into. Again, better to measure the actual parts repeatedly throughout the process to make sure you are only removing exactly how much you need, no more, no less.

Hope this helps.