Forgive me for being stupid, but I was looking at a web site with real life pictures of CN Rail Trains and I liked the look of the GP40-21w #9427, If I were to order this model train (providing they make it) would I just ask for a CN Rail GP40-21w #9427 or is there another way to identify that train, I am guessing that the Number 9427 must be the model number and not just an identifying number that CN puts on their trains for fleet issues.
Why not send the same question to the dealer, they usually include an e-mail link on websites. They will tell you what you need to know to order.
Good luck!
In most cases, you can find the loco you want and in the road name you want , but to purchase one exactly what you want isn’t a likely chance unless you get a custom locomotive builder involved (big bucks$$$). Most locomotive manufacturers will include some detailing depending on the make and model you want, Some details are good and some, not so elaborate, but they get close. We as modelers usually have to add all kinds of extras to make a locomotive as authentic to the prototype as possible. The worst case senerio (or best case depending on how you look at it) is to find the exact locomotive you want and purchase it as undecorated.
We will usually paint them (which also includes a lot of masking to separate the different paint scheme colors), add the decals, and then add accessory detail parts to bring them to as close to authentic as possible. That is the reason a lot of us are into this hobby. One of my most favorite things is to do is to take an undecorated locomotive and bring it to as close to prototype as i can. A lot of others here also share the same labor of love it takes to bring a locomotive to prototype status.
I hope you can find the locomotive in the roadname and model you want, but chances are, you’re going to have to do some extra detailing work to get exactly what you want…chuck
Hello to Springhill from the Annapolis Valley
If you want one of the safety cab diesels, it will need to be a custom project either by yourself or custom built by someone else. The models can be had prepainted from the manufacturer but the biggest problem is the cab.
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH79685
Kaslo currently makes a resin one that you paint and install, Railflyer’s plastic one will be on the market soon and Detail Associates have one as well. All three will need painting. After that there are numerous small details that differ from the real one to a model one and how much you want changed is up to you.
These two links may be of interest to you
- http://www.geocities.com/mfmrr/
- and their convention in Amherst NS http://home.xcountry.tv/~eastern_benders/index.htm
You would order it by whatever the manufacturer’s model number is (Model 123456) or by road name and engine type based on what the manufacturer called the model (CN GP40-2) or if the manufacturer makes more than one road number then order by road name, model and engine number (CN GP40-2 #1234). Your best bet is to go to the manufacturer’s web site, see what THEY call the models and then call it that same thing. You may call it a GP40-21W, but Athearn or Atlas may call it just a GP40-2.
Dave H.
Which reminds me. IIRC the L is light weight frame ( manufacturer’s designation) and the W is for the safety cab. I believe that the W is a railfan nomenclature and not a GMDD/EMD one
Thanks Ric, the sites were great, I have been planning for the Amherst show and can’t wait.
thanks for everyone else as well, great help[:)]