kitbash from gp 35 to gp 28

[sfrailfan]

Hello All, I am going to attempt to model a Burlington Northern gp 28P or M. As far as I know noone makes one. My plan is to start with a gp 35 which I think will give me close to the correct length. Although 28s came from earlier geeps, the fuel tank air tanks and body in this area look closer to the 35 than anything else. (anyone know where I can get drawings?) I will then use parts from a gp 38 to get most of the body into the correct shape. Then finish it off with detail west ect. parts. But this is only a start to this plan and I think it might be a little crude? not sure if it will be that simple. Does anyone know of a better way to approach this or am I on the right course? Dan

[alfadawg01]

Hello All, I am going to attempt to model a Burlington Northern gp 28P or M. As far as I know noone makes one. My plan is to start with a gp 35 which I think will give me close to the correct length. Although 28s came from earlier geeps, the fuel tank air tanks and body in this area look closer to the 35 than anything else. (anyone know where I can get drawings?) I will then use parts from a gp 38 to get most of the body into the correct shape. Then finish it off with detail west ect. parts. But this is only a start to this plan and I think it might be a little crude? not sure if it will be that simple. Does anyone know of a better way to approach this or am I on the right course? Dan

Your approach seems sound.  If you work carefully from photographs of the real thing you should be able to get close.  If you can find one of the Rail Power Products GP35 shells you'll have an excellent starting point.

[WSOR 3801]

The GP28 was built around the same time as the GP35.  They are very similar, except the GP28 was not turbocharged.  The BNSF engines appear to be deturboed GP35s.  Remove the center radiator fan, and add the angled air filter box and two exhaust stacks.  Detail as desired.  The current Athearn GP35 is the former RPP GP35, with upgrades.

[DanRaitz]

Dan,

 

BN had all their GP28M's rebuilt from GP9's and GP18's. I used the same route that you are thinking of going when I built mine. I used a RPP GP35 body on an ProtoPower chassis, Granted this gave me a longer wheelbase then the prototype (about 1 foot) but I can live with that.

We had a discussion on the Railroad Forum awhile ago, check it out.  http://www.railroadforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2331

 

Dan

[sfrailfan]

thank you all for your help guys. I had wondered if anyone had tried this. So from the discussion you gave me the link to (thanks, I'll read more of it later) the wheelbase should be the same if I start with a GP 35. But you are saying there is a difference of about a foot. Hmmm... well if there is I can live with it too! I would love to see any images you have of this project. I will also tackle the gp 30 to gp 39E soon, ( on qstation). These will both start in about 2 months, I have to finish all the current projects! Dan

[sfrailfan]

ok Dan, just read through more of that post you gave me the link to. The images of your diesel, before and after paint are still there. and I will also hunt down that issue of MR at the club tomorrow night. I have just been appointed librarian (whew thats gonna be fun). Maybe there is an article about how you did it? thanks again!

[DanRaitz]

Dan,

Here are a couple of shots of my finished GP28M plus a couple of shots showing what parts I used. Basically I started with a Rail Power Products GP35 shell and a Proto Power GP35 chassis and went from there.

 

 

Dan