Dose anyone know if a A-Line HO F40PH will it fit on a Athearn GP40-2?
I honestly didn't know A-line made an F40PH shell. I thought it was only Bachman Plus, Walthers Trainline and later derivatives, KATO and Rapido made the F40PH in HO.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Like you, riogrande, I was not aware, and had to look at A-Line's web site, and they do have an F40PH shell, under the HO RAILROAD PRODUCTS, "Athearn and other bodies". They don't list it in an any other products, such as frames, either under "Rail Power Locomotive frames", or "Athearn and Selected other frames".
It doesn't say what Athearn frames it fits. I would guess it should be close to the GP40, but with so many options for a F40PH, from various suppliers, as the ones you mention, including Spectrum, it seems like a lot modeling.
Mike.
My You Tube
The A Line F40PH shell is an undecorated Life-Like shell (notice the small holes on the sides where the shell snaps on to the chassis). They have a custom milled and detailed frame for the F40, which looks like it was made from an Athearn GP40 frame. https://ppw-aline.com/collections/athearn-selected-other-frames/products/f-53400-l-f40ph-loco-machined-modified-and-leaded-frame
I'm all about kit building and custom work, but on this one, I think it may be better to just get a Walthers F40PH if you don't want to spend too much.
_________________________________________________________________
MR had a article back in the day about using a Athearn GP 38 for the drive. I used a decorated shell on the old Atlas GP 40 drive and it was easy. The hardest part is getting the fuel tank right but PPW has that covered also.
Jim
First off, I would buy a Rapido F40PH, it is state of the art compared to the kludge Botchman and Like Like shells.
If you want to continue, find the two part articles in Mainline Modeler magazine where they super detailed the F40PH, they did use the old Atlas FP-7 chassis to power the F40PH, it fit nicely and had the right fuel tank shaping.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
I did google A-line F40PH and it showed Walthers F40PH, but maybe I didn't dig deep enough.
If the A-line is the old Life Like shell, which I have completely forgotten about since it was pretty ancient history, I'm going to have to go with Rick on this one. Lifelike and Bachmann are pretty crude versions, and then to put all the effort out.
I'll list what I think are the best options today and are basically RTR:
Best: Rapido by far - state of the art. (earliest version of F40PH)
Next Best: Kato - some report nose is a bit too short but a good runner and decent looking (late phase F40PH, made with and without ditchlights)
Next Best after Kato: Walthers F40PH. Has been offered in Trainline for a very modest cost - and upgraded and offered in a more expensive version in the last couple years. If you are on a budget, you can find the older Trainline for around $40, maybe less.
Bachman Spectrum - I never cared for it - based on the MR review it sits too low, the trucks are too far apart and the nose anti climber is mishaped - and has a flat spot on it which is not on the real F40PH's.
Lifelike - not much better than train set quality.
I just have the Bachmann Spectrum shell only Amtrak Phase III.I want to buy a F40PH Shell.I do have 2 Athearn GP40-'2s one F7A/FP7A not sure.What it is I plan to get another F40PH shell paint it into.A Caltrain paint is my project to do.Maybe down the road buy a Athearn F59PHI Caltrain engine. Thanks for the replies an help cheers.