Kato HO SD40-2 high short hood conversion

[Jon Grant 4472]

With Sweethome Alabama's first exhibition looming in 6 weeks time, I have been feverishly upgrading some of the locomotives that I want to use on the layout. It's now the turn of the Kato Norfolk Southern SD40-2, which is going from a NW low short hood version, to a SOU high short hood.

Here's the model I'm starting with




...and here's a photo of the locomotive it will be turned into, including the access door modification. #3204 is/was a regular visitor to Alabama.

[url="http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=64456"]http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=64456[/url]


The first task was to remove the short hood and cut/file off the numberboards. I use photos printed from the web as reference.








Jon

[Jon Grant 4472]

I've knocked up the basic Canon hood, using side sheet containing the smaller recess for the brake lever. There's a bit of slop between the hood side and the cab steps/walkway but this can be easily fixed with some thin card inserts.

I've also drilled the holes for the grabs and headlight bulbs








Jon

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Very Nice! High hoods are fun!

[e-paw]

Great stuff, can't wait for the paint to go on.

[FCIN]

Ahhhhhhhh the high hood SD40! My favorite six-axle locomotive. Nothing like seeing them running long hood forward in Southern paint! Still see plenty of them in NS paint around here and consider them a prize photo catch.

[Herc Driver]

"NS/Southern" and "high hood"...The best of combinations. Can't wait to see how this turns out...sure looks good now.