Hello fellow modelers, I need some input on how to take an HO scale high nosed GP9 and chop the nose to create added visibility for my 1/87th size crew members out on the road. I plan on modifying a Proto 2000 undecorated unit. I am in progress of building a modern-era, shortline railroad and I’ve seen many pictures of GP9 units on modern shortlines and decided this would be the power I want to have on my layout. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and happy modeling!
I’ve done a few using the old Trains Unlimited (former Front Range) shells, and I imagine the P2K would be very similar. Cutting down the hood, and contructing a new front for the cab out of styrene . The P2K will also require cutting down the chassis to clear the lowered nose. That hardest part? Making the 1st cut.
(Maryland Midland GP9 200 in action.)
I’d be careful about waiting for a GP9u. Not all roads chopped thier GP9’s with a slant to the short hood. You still may be better off chopping your own nose than leaving it up to P2K!
Why not just get a body shell for the P2K chop nose GP18 and cut it immediately behind the cab? Do the same thing to the GP9 and then glue the GP18 cab and short hood to the GP9 body.
Not a bad idea Andre. but I would buy the complete GP18 low nose, then a GP9 shell and swap the long hoods. Save a step milling the nose weight out of the frame!
Yes thanks nfmisso, I just order the window inserts for the GP9 also. Unfortunately, I no longer have a GP18 as I sold it on eBay a while back so this isn’t an option for me. I am looking forward to the release of the GP9’s with sound due at the end of this year by Proto2000. I just hope I can afford them! kbfcsme I think that’s on heck of a job you did on that chop-nosed Maryland Midland GP9. I only hope my model looks half as nice when I’m finished! Thanks everyone for the input and happy model railroading!
By the way for anyone else interested in purchasing the split windshield insert for chop nose EMD 1st generation GP units, the website for Des Plaines Hobbies is www.desplaineshobbies.com.
My idea im taking from when i made a slug out of a life like cheap gp38-2
take a hacksaw and cut the nose off then cut the top rounded part off not just a little just enough for the curve of the nose then cut the rest of nose in half and then glue the top section you cut off earlier on to the bottom half. Then make the #boards and headlights for above the windshield.
then paint how ever you want
Do you happen to know what details I need to place on the short hood of the chop nosed GP9? From some pictures I’ve seen on www.railpictures.net I noticed a grab iron and what I think may be a sand filler hatch or perhaps exhaust for the toilet inside the hood. Thanks, Preston
Kaslo has a GP9rm body coming out shortly, this is for CN and CP low-nose rebuilds. But more imptantly, they are also doing a Paducah GP10, in several variations, which is probably the most common GP9 rebuild on shortlines today.
As to details on the short nose, that’s unit-specific. You would need to look at the unit itself, or another rebuilt at the same shop for an idea.
Thanks ConrailGP38-2 for the additional info. I’ll continue searching for pics of these units to determine the style I need. I’m sure I can find each of these components from the Walthers catalog. I never heard of the Kaslo company so thanks for the info. as well mykroft. I’m sure this is because Kaslo is a Canadian company and I live in the southeastern U.S. I did a search on google and found Kaslo’s website. It’s www.kasloshops.com for those interested. I haven’t searched in depth yet but I’ve already noticed some nice items that I didn’t know existed such as the Paduch rebuilds available as shells. I love the looks of these diesels and they’d look great on a modern shortline like the one I’m constructing. Thanks again, Preston
This is where it can get sticky, and no, before you jump to conclusions, I am not a rivet counter. However, Walthers GP9m has a noticable slant to the nose.(Like a GP20) This is where you have to get prototype specific with your model. A lot of roads did their own chop nosing, which resulted in a lot of “level” noses. Some opted for new, slanted noses. Quickly glance at a loco, where do your eyes go 1st. The front of the cab? You can substitute fans, radiator grills and the like, and most folks wont see the difference. But just like meeting someone on the street, its the face you see 1st and it’s the 1st thing you focus on. Simply put, do the research.
Just my [2c] on the subject.
Very true remarks kbfcsme, with all the variety of chop-nose GP9’s in existance it’s best to try to narrow down a specific type to model. I prefer the looks of the flat chop-nosed GP9’s myself. I’ve decided to work from the upcoming release of Phase I, GP9’s LL Proto 2000 is releasing at the end of the year as these units will include sound which is now mandatory for me! I better start saving though!
whats with everyone saying buy this kit or wait for this model… obvioulsy no fun it that would rather do the work myself to say that i did it and get exsperience in it.
