I have a couple questions regarding the HO scale Atlas Phase II GP40-2. 1. How close is this to a Phase IIb? 2. I noticed one of the undec models features a nose gyro light… is this just a single pyle gyro light, or is it a double lens, or is it the SP deal with a pyle and then 2 smaller red lenses under it? thanks
BNSF…
The undec GP40-2 from Atlas is modeled after a ph II version. later versions(near the end of production)started to utilize improved trucks and dampers, a upgraded(EMD 50/60series)blower duct, EPA approved exhaust silencers and improved fuel economy, among others.
The nose headlight appliance on the Atlas model represents a Pyle-National dual oscillating headlamp.
The SP nose appliance was a standard horizontially opposed dual-beam H/I headlight with a Gyralight equipped with a RED acrylic lense mounted directly above the headlamp assembly - and was considered for years as the ‘SP Light package’. The SP also incorporated a Pyle Dual Oscillating Headlight at the high-mounted lamp position as a warning signal. Latter GP40-2(some of the very last built) were ordered with the Light package standard both Front and Rear.
Frisco utilized a lone Gyralight with a clear acrylic lense as a warning signal to oncoming trains and grade crossings, on many of their Geeps.
The railroads that come to mind that would be ‘correct’ for this low nose warning light would be Rio Grand, KCS,WP and FEC…I think Athearn is going to offer the new Genesis GP15-1 with the Frisco style nose light -it is the only commercially available model that I know of that offers that feature correct for the Frisco. You can buy detail parts made for this version and with a little work, can modify the nose to add the Gyralight. I would refer to a Frisco motive power review to verify what 'phase their GP 40-2’s were.
Good luck and hope this helps you out.
I was going to paint it Frisco O&W if I got one. The Athearn SD40-2, and SD45 had this on correct Frisco locomotives. So it’s a dual lens gyro light? Oh well, if I get one I’ll have to remember this. I looked at a table on railroad’s that bought the GP40-2 and it said the the Frisco units were Phase IIb
well… I just got all three #'s of the Rio Grande GP40-2’s today in the mail. These are very hard to find new so I was lucky.
They are an early PH II version and have the same detail quality as the SP/SSW versions I jsut bought.
ATLAS is doing some really nice stuff - what drives my nuts is the do a really terrific job of ‘capturing’ the flavor and details of a specific prototype and then on others, offer them as a more generic sampling.
I’m specifically referring to the gaff of leaving off the ditch lights, proper for the late paint scheme on the NS versions … i’d have bought ALL of those if they hadn’t omitted them…COm’on Atlas… what’s up with that?
That aside, I’m pleased and find that the Atlas models run smoother and quiter than ever! Great Job, Atlas!..keep’em coming.
HeritageFleet1