MOD: BNSF GP-38

[Tearloch]

I am finally posting pictures of my conversion of the classic 9V BNSF GP-38 to PF, using 2 motors, LiPo battery, etc, all within the normal 6-wide body. I still need to create some decals, to cover the PF components, as well as adding in some yellow pin stripes to match the existing structure, but that is still a work in progress.

I customized the front end, adding in steps, and changing the structure of the front end to make it sturdier (not really visible here, but you can see the change in how the front headlight looks). I also modified the cab roof design, lowering it a small amount.

I customized the rear end, adding in steps, and changing the back of the body (still need the yellow pin stripe decals). I also modified the roof, changing the technic plates for train wheels (which also look alot like the fan blades), as well as added the PF battery to the very back end.

I created a handy ON/OFF switch (like is on the #7939 cargo train), to allow to turn it on/off without removing any parts.

Here is a close up of the ON/OFF switch. I made it all in clear parts, hoping to be able to see the green light (doesn't work unless lights are off in the room).

You can also easily remove the rear end for charging the PF LiPo pack with minimal part removal.

Since it has 2 motors, I was able to fit the LEGO polarity switch directly infront of the LiPo pack.

The PF IR receiver takes up most of the cab, but it works well for reception, and the cab is still removable.

The LDD file is available on my MOC page for those interested.

http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/292615

[Mark FraaKlin]

I real like them!It was a good idea publish LDD pictures with your MOC.Thanks! Can you make a video where you use this Train in rail?Please!

[AussieJimbo]

Great job, Tearloch.

It'll run really well with the two motors.

:classic:

Edited October 24, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[kyphur]

Nice...

The only thing I would change is the PF connections being in the cab. I like to still have a seat for the Engineer to drive the Locomotive (but that's just me).

I'll be interested in how you color match the stickers.

I like your hidden power switch, have been thinking about doing something similar for my EMD-B Unit so that I can the removable roof all together. It seems if you extend the power switch assembly by 1 stud then you'd just need to remove it for charging access but in this model that would require the rear plate to hang on 2 studs instead of 4, would that be enough?

[Tearloch]

Nice...

The only thing I would change is the PF connections being in the cab. I like to still have a seat for the Engineer to drive the Locomotive (but that's just me).

I would have liked to keep the driver cockpit, but I could not really see anyway to put the IR receiver in a section that was 4 wide (most of the train) due to the wiring connections. I guess you could do it by tearing the IR receiver apart, and splicing wires, but that was a trade-off I was not willing to make (at this point).

On the decals, I think my plan is to scan actual tiles in the colors I want, sample the colors, then print it out...then scan the printout to figure out what kind of offset there is between the scanner to printer process. It is still a trial and error process I have not had time to work on, but will keep you updated.

[kyphur]

I would have liked to keep the driver cockpit, but I could not really see anyway to put the IR receiver in a section that was 4 wide (most of the train) due to the wiring connections. I guess you could do it by tearing the IR receiver apart, and splicing wires, but that was a trade-off I was not willing to make (at this point).

I won't tear apart a receiver either but aren't you 6-wife for 4 studs behind the receiver? Oh no, it's only 5 wide upon closer inspection. That's a compromise I'd be willing to make, just bump that are out to 6 wide and turn the receiver around... Heck you might even get away with mounting the whole received in that bump-out if it was 6-wide!

The cab issue not withstanding I do want to say that this model has beautiful lines. I really like to see older 9v models upgraded to PF without changing their footprint too much (like going to 7 or 8 wide). My Santa Fe EMD-B unit is kind of a cheat for the Super Chief as it gets the PF out of the Locomotive but it was only recently that I undid my original PF Conversion of the Loco in favor of the double motor PF EMD-B Unit.

On the decals, I think my plan is to scan actual tiles in the colors I want, sample the colors, then print it out...then scan the printout to figure out what kind of offset there is between the scanner to printer process. It is still a trial and error process I have not had time to work on, but will keep you updated.

Have you thought if getting some vinyl sticker sheets in orange & green to see if they match the color close enough?

[Tearloch]

Have you thought if getting some vinyl sticker sheets in orange & green to see if they match the color close enough?

I remember seeing someone on here that said they had a business that made custom lego stickers, but when I tried to email him an inquiry, I did not get a response. It would be awesome to be able to get the color matched perfected, but that is why I haven't attempted it yet (atleast not more than some playing around).