posted
I'm modelling EL in it's final days(1975-76), and I want to run some passenger trains. Can someone tell me when the F40PH's went into service, specifically what month? I'd like to use them, but I'm trying to stick to a specific time. What did Amtrak use up to that point?
Posts: 2 | From: Mantua, Ohio, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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To my knowledge Amtrak's F40s entered service in the last half of 1976. These locos would have been brand new and thus very little wheathering should be applied to F40s if using them.
Amtrak Diesle Power up to this Point was predominatly E8s and E9s from various railroads. They were plentiful and reliable eneugh that the E units lasted in Regular service until the early 1980s. If E units are a little bit to long you can use F-Units as well, But being mainly former SP and BN units, the Fs tended to stay out west and didn't venture east that often. (Though I have seen photos of former BN F9s at Boston South Station) Also used during this time period are the SDP40F locomotives. These look alot like an FP45 but is longer and have different door and grill arrangments. To my knowledge, at present the only way to obtain an SDP40F is in brass. Though I feel that one could successfully be kitbashed by streatching an FP45.
James.
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
To support James reply according to the MR May 98 review of the EMD, F40PH, 400 of them were built from 76 thru 89 for Amtrak, Caltrains, RTA, and a few others.
Posts: 213 | From: Grand Rapids Mi USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
I kept looking last night, and ran into a post in one of the other topics, where a "born" date of March 29th 1976 was given for one of the F40's. EL basically was absorbed into Conrail April 1st(fittingly). That's cutting it pretty close. Maybe I'll model March 31st. I appreciate the info on the E units. I like the red face on those early ones better the more I see 'em. The new layout(all benchwork and roadbed as of tonight, but should be laying track no later than the end of the week) has a 30" minimum radius main, so E's should look okay. I ran some six-axle units on my last layout, with a 27" mmr, and they looked a little shabby as far as overhang on the curves, but they were acceptable. Thanks a lot for the help.
Tom
Posts: 2 | From: Mantua, Ohio, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
Right now your only options in obtaining an SDP40F are iether the model made by Overland brass or kitbashing one from an FP45. I personally have an FP45 sitting on the shelf waiting for me to go the kitbash rout my self. I have not thought the process through entirely and unfortunatly have to say that going that rout, your on your own until you get I get there.
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Athearn makes a SDP40F in plastic. Its Walthers part number 140-3624. I have a dummy and it doesn't turn 22" curves very well so be careful. Hope this helps!
Posts: 34 | From: Biloxi, MS USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
Athearn's Model is an FP45 incorrectly painted for Amtrak and given an SDP40F number. An SDP40F is nearly 6 feet longer than an FP45. Also the door arrangment in the back part of the two locomotives is different as well. An FP45 would be a good starting point for a kit bash. But one should be aware that the two are not alike.
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
SDP-40F's also did not have a catwalk in the front like the FP-45.
Posts: 49 | From: Drexel Hill, PA 19026 USA | Registered: Nov 2003
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