This Athearn GP40--2 was a Christmas gift from my Father in 2001. Sadly he passed away in 2002. In the box with the engine he left a note that read "Willie, Detail this and sell it and buy what you want, Merry Christmas." It started as an Athearn blue box Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) locomotive. It has taken me 10 years to finish this one to this level. I stripped it and then washed it, then began adding details and searching here on Frisco.org for detail pictures. I wanted this one to be right so after adding all the details and non-factory parts, 301 total, I painted, then added decals, then before I added any weathering, I practiced on about 100 boxcars till I got my technique to my liking. Although I need to fix the number board on the front engineer's side, I wanted to share this locomotive with all of you.
That is a great story and great modeling. Thanks for sharing that. I am sure you would not sell that for the world.
Great looking engine and a great story to go with it. That is awesome your dad gave it to you to build.
