Remote Contoled locomotives

[ShaunCN]

Does anyone know how to model a remote controled locomotive like the ones that CSX uses in their yards. From what I have been able to find is that these locomotives have had their prime movers taken out and remote control technology put inside. Also does anyone know why they paint the cab roofs white. And why they put a samll flashing light o them? Just wondering if anyone knew about these locos as I am trying to model one in ho scale. I have also noticed that hey removed the ditch lights. Why?

here are some pics I have found:
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/RCPHE4/9119CSX-o.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/RCPHE4/9120cs.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/RCPHE4/9122cs.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/RCPHE4/9123CSX-yb.jpg

thank you for your help
ShaunCN

[Anonymous]

Do you mean like B units or Slave units? (are they the same thing?)

[Anonymous]

I want to know also, I want to have a RC SW7. I have seen a Life-Like train set powerd by Remote Control. I'm sure as more and more engines are equipped with Radio Control, somebody will sell a RC engine.

Also CSX has almost all it's engines equipped with a white roof for sunlight reflections.
The flashing light is on RC locos to warn employees that the engine is moving. As for the ditch-lights I don't know.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ShaunCN

Does anyone know how to model a remote controled locomotive like the ones that CSX uses in their yards. From what I have been able to find is that these locomotives have had their prime movers taken out and remote control technology put inside. Also does anyone know why they paint the cab roofs white. And why they put a samll flashing light o them? Just wondering if anyone knew about these locos as I am trying to model one in ho scale. I have also noticed that hey removed the ditch lights. Why?

Shaun;

All four pictures are of EMD GP40. They still have thier prime movers (diesel engines).

Doug answered some of your questions.

There is no need for ditch lights on an engine that never leads except in the yard, and does not have an engineer on board.

To model any of these four, start with an Atlas GP40, with dynamic brakes. You will probably have to fabricate most of the detail parts, including blanking plates for the dynamic brake grills on the bottom side of the blister.

CSX has made some road slugs in the past out of GP30 and GP35 locomotives. These had thier prime mover removed, but kept thier fuel tanks, dynamic brakes and cabs. They received concrete ballast to make up for the removal of the engine. Crews like to have them in the lead because they are very quiet inside (no engine).

Have fun.