Athearn Genesis GP40-2 in Frisco o/w

Did I see Athearn just announce a return of the Frisco GP40-2 in o/w colors, but this time as a Genesis model? They say March availability.

I guess we bought enough GP38-2's to keep their interest!

Ken

 

Sure. Very simply, you are correct; GP = General Purpose, SD = Special Duty. But, that doesn't really describe their function. The GP series uses a "B-B" truck arrangement, i.e., the two axle Blomberg truck, four driven wheels per truck. they are generally better for higher speed use, but that is not a limit - GP's are seen everywhere, in all sorts of uses. The SD is a bigger, longer locomotive, and rides on "C-C" truck arrangement, i.e, a three axle truck, with six driven wheels per truck. Given they have more driven wheels, they are better for heavy duty use, like coal, grain and chemical unit trains, and are better on light rail, as their weight is spread out over more wheels. (FYI - Our favorite passenger unit, the E7/E8's rode on "A-1-A" trucks, which were three axles each, but only the first and third were powered. The middle axle was an idler.)

Regarding the engines, the GP40-2 and GP38-2 both use the EMD 645 engine (645 cu inches per cylinder), both are a V-16, both two-cycle. But, the GP40-2 is turbocharged, and delivers 3000HP, while the GP38-2 is "normally aspirated" (no turbo or supercharger), and is fed its combustion air via a Roots blower, and delivers only 2000HP out of the same V-16. But, the 38's are much more economical and less maintenance prone (turbos are a PIA unless you need the power), and more versatile.

That's pretty general, but that sums it up.

Ken

 

Re the new Athearn Frisco GP40-2's and their headlights, I don't know why there was a difference, but yes it does refer to the color of the dual headlight mounted above the cab between the road number boards. See the EMD pic of SLSF 750 (silver) and the pic on relatively new-looking SLSF 751 at Lindenwood (red/orange).

Ken

 

I was just looking at the GP40-2 pics of SLSF 750 and SLSF 751 I posted this morning to show the silver and red/orange headlight housings used on these new Frisco GP40-2 units. I noticed for the first time, that, on the pic of 751, the unit coupled behind it, SLSF 752, has a silver headlight housing.

What gives on this? SLSF 750 is silver, 751 is red/orange, and 752 is back to silver.

Yes, I checked - SLSF 753 is silver. Beats me as to what the logic was!

Ken

 

Don't feel too bad- I have two blue-box GP40-2s in Frisco colors, and the correct nose length (cut off the nose & cab, add one on from a GP50 shell) plus enough of the Frisco-specific details. I'm holding on to these two, plus my rtr GP40-2.

 

I remember back in the "old days" when there was virtually no Frisco diesel power offered in RTR models. We had to start with an undec to model anything. Now, I think, every major Frisco diesel unit has been modeled, in HO at least, with at least one or more pretty well done examples. The two "A's", Athearn and Atlas, have been particularly good to us, as has Proto 2000 with the E's, Walthers, and Bowser/Stewart.

I'd still like to see additional Frisco units from Atlas (S-2 and the NEO S-2/S-4), a Genesis F7A, F7B, F9A and F9B, and, the early E7's. Anything else? I'm not talking about high cost brass, but affordable plastic models.

Ken

 

Ethan -
I really like the shot of the four GP40-2's pulling into Lindenwood Yard. Those hot-shot GP40-2 trains were really something - they could really hammer along with their 12,000 HP.

A good collection of cars in the yard that day as well.

All of us in StL miss seeing the "monuments" (Laclede Gas tanks) in the background. They are all gone, as is much of the neat stuff at Lindenwood.

Ken

 

GP35s in B&Y and O&W with torpedo tubes, appropriate airlines, and Roof Beacons would be great. O&W with Roof Beacons and Gyralights would be good as well. In my mind it would be really cool to be able to get a specific number GP35 in B&Y with torpedo tubes, and the same number in the O&W repaint scheme. I would be on board for all three variations.

 

Bob -

Agree with Keith, a new, upgraded Athearn GP35 would be very welcome. Keep in mind, though, that Athearn has done the GP35 twice before now, so they may be concerned the Frisco market is already partially satisfied with SLSF GP35's.

I'd vote for b/y on the torpedo boats, also o/w for all of them, including a version on AAR-B trucks, of course. Several years back, I ponied up the $$$ for one of the Overland Frisco torpedo boat GP35's (b/y) and, just like the real thing, it is a bad looking dude! A true "Vader". It also runs smooth as silk.

Bob - What special phase do we need for a Genesis Frisco F7? I know we are out of luck on the Genesis GP7's phase-wise, but I would think the modular construction of the Genesis F-unit shell (Highliners) should allow any specific F7 to be reproduced within reason. Plus, they have demonstrated their skills painting and lettering F-units in b/y with their excellent Genesis SLSF F3.

Ken

 

One question regarding the Genesis GP40-2s; will the sound units have a functioning Pyle Gryralight like the GP15-1s had? The lack of functioning Gyralights on the GP38-2s was a disappointment but relatively easy to overcome.

 

From my post on the Athearn Genesis GP38-2 thread.

"Note to group self - If Athearn ever announces another Frisco unit to be equiped with a gyralite, immediately send note to them to make sure a working gyralite is in the production specifications!"

Hopefully, Bob will be kind enough to remind the folks at Athearn that if they are going to the trouble of adding the correct light fixtures, then they should also work.

Hope this helps.

Thanks!

Mark