Are the dynamic brake hatches on the GP35 and the GP40 the same shape? I want to model a CN GP40 and have thought that I could back date the Athearn GP40-2 by swapping the hatch with one from a RTR GP35. Is this possible or is the 35 hatch to short, I don’t have one to do a comparison.[:)]
The dynamic brake hatch is not the real difference between a GP40 and a GP40-2. On the -2, the battery box door on the fireman’s side of the unit extends under the cab about 1/3 of its length. There is a water sight glass on the engineer’s side of the long hood right near the front edge of the radiators. There is a small overhang of sheet metal at the rear of the cab also on the -2. It is possible that your GP40-2 model has an extended range dynamic brake hatch-that would be a bit different from a strraight GP40, but your backdate should include these other details-or lack of them.
This man knows what he’s talking about, listen to him! ^.^
The -2 has the later exhaust.
There are many other differences that are road specific also. And don’t forget that the later phase dash2s have many other changes that haven’t been reproduced in anything but brass. Pilots, short hood, electrical cabs, anticlimbers, radiator grills, battery boxes (Chessie mail slot), brake lever, cab vents etc.