HO SD45 Dynamic Brake Grill

[gehmann]

I was recently given two Bachmann Spectrum SD45s and have been working on repainting them into Santa Fe colors. My problem however, is that one is missing a dynamic brake grill. I have been scouring the internet and have not been able to find a suitable replacement. The best I can think of is getting a radiator grill and cutting it to size but I'm not quite sure if that would work. I was hoping someone with more experience could give me some advice. Below is a picture of the one grill I have and its position on the engine.  

[saronaterry]

I had the same issue on 2 used ones I purchased, missing all 4 grills. I e-mailed Bachman in early April and have not heard a peep. I'll pay  whatever, I just want to complete the engines!! They are great units!

 I should probably resend it. SIGH.

Terry

 

[mbinsewi]

I just did some searching around too.  If you use grids in your search instead of grills, you might have better luck.

I found this, Elizabeth Allan's SD45X scratch build, but I think the grids she made her's from, from Cannon, have been discontinued.  

https://pbase.com/tracktime/image/24784047

I can't post the picture due to copyright issues, but you can look for yourself.  

There are many more detail part suppliers out there than there used to be.  I just checked Plano, and Keith has a great selection of different grills, but nothing specific to dynamic brake grids.

http://www.planomodelproducts.com/dieseld_scq.html

Wish I could help more.  The Bachmann forums might be a good place to go, as Bachmann personal usually are there.

Mike.

EDIT:  I found a nice close picture of the prototype, for reference.

https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails/Locomotive-Details/Locomotive-Details/i-bfTfWRR/A

EDIT 2:  I did find these, at Miniatures by Eric, something to start with.

https://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/collections/ho-detail-parts/products/b21-sd40-2-dynamic-brake

[gehmann]

Thanks for all the ideas, I came across these N scale E8 radiator grills on eBay that look like they may work. Measuring from the picture they are slightly too small but the grill pattern looks very similar to the original so I'm going to give them a try and see how they work out. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Plano-285-E8A-Intake-Grille-Farr-N-Scale-Vertical-Style-for-Kato/232248438493

[SPSOT fan]

Looks like you’ve got some good starting points in Mike post.

I don’t have anything to add, but I will post the images the OP linked to so it is easier to see them and for others to respond.

Here’s the first one:

And the second one:

Good luck to the OP!

[gehmann]

I recieved the N scale E8 grills a few days ago and installed them. They are almost perfect. The hole pattern is very similar to the original but it is just slightly narrower. It still fits on the model well and looks pretty good. The paint came out pretty good for my first attempt I think.