Can a Factory Painted GP40 Model be Improved? - Model Showcase HO Scale Atlas SSW GP40M-2 7277

[@Trains-With-Shane]

That's a good looking unit! those subtle little touches really add up to more than the sum of their parts when looking at the entire model.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like how it turned out. Sometimes subtle weathering is very effective. Thanks for watching!

[@benhunter4041]

Love the historical notes, particularly on rolling stock. I’m just getting back into the hobby and appreciate the guidance. Keep up the good work

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I've accumulated a pretty good reference library on SP stuff over the years, and I like to throw in a little context when I can. Thanks for watching!

[@bartholomewsorrentino9013]

I am so in awe of your talents and abilities!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much!

[@JimmySpears-xv7bg]

Great looking locomotive

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it.

[@craytum6945]

Very nice job Dan. Lots of goodies ideas for an upcoming winter project I hope. Big SP, RG and NW fan. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like the model and the video, and can take some inspiration for your projects. Thanks for watching!

[@HaroldAlexis-bb8sd]

Excellent projects like the Southern Pacific & SSW COTTON BELT Railroad & your models shown here. I enjoyed watching Daniel as always. 👍✅

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the model. Thanks for watching!

[@danielfantino1714]

Nice work and excellent sound Thanks for the show

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the model. Thanks for watching!

[@hond4srule]

It looks so good, forever impressed with your ability to capture realism in all aspects 👌

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked how this one turned out. Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@JohnMakuck-is7be]

Hey Dan I worked with d.g. on the greatest r.r.on earth the western pacific,I enjoy enjoy your videos hope you have many more.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like my videos. I like the WP a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

Hey Dan, really like the SSW engine. The modifications done are sharp. That unit looks a lot more prototypical. The overall weathering job is nice and most of all "just enough". I was not worried running it after a long time. It's an Atlas engine. Fading grey color is not that easy. SP units are most of the time under the sun of the South. The red color gets it too. A lot of modelers (and people not involved in the hobby) have NO idea how much work was done here. Fans, class lights, removing the rear number boards, installing fuctional ditch lights, putting a more accurate plow and uncoupling levers, repainting... it takes time. HOURS and skills ! Nicely done man. Keep on your good work.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you like my efforts and appreciate the work that went into the model. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hey Dan. I know how long it takes because I did a lot of modifications and painting jobs in the past 25 years. Still I'm doing 3D models and it sometimes takes me long to install simple details like air hoses and uncoupling levers. Doing an engine (detail parts and painting) is a very precise job. It's not like doing weathering or scenic. The less modifications can be seen, the better of a modeler you are. You a very good one Dan. Keep on your good work. Would like to see you reviewing a Rapido Trains 3000 sodium chlorate covered hopper. They are really nice. I can get you one for the review.

[@shipbuilding1000]

Nice, I really like it. When I was growing up, there was an SP branch about 2 blocks from us that hosted a 2-3 times per week local. The power was usually either one of these GP40 rebuilds or an MP15AC. SSW 7277 appears briefly in the Pentrex video “SP’s Central California Mainline” which is a great watch if you haven’t seen it. Always enjoy your vids

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like the model. I will have to look for that video. I have a couple Pentrex DVDs but not that one. I remember seeing these around in the 1990s too. Thanks for watching!

[@rjohnson1690]

That’s absolutely gorgeous. I love how you have the front and rear headlights set up to be both on at the same time. That is very prototypical for yard operations.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like how this one turned out. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@braydenhill4967]

Great video! Would love to see a video about your module (track plan, power, etc)! Love your content

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I could do a video on the module, maybe. I did do an operating session video with it a while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvOeZSeZs5nh5I&ab_channel=DanielCortopassi Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@heidihobear]

Iam so happy to see this video it gives me ideas for the old blue box stuff I have. And how to up grade it. Only thing I need to figure out is a list of normal parts I need to get and what to upgrade. So I know update the fans to cannon ones. Then change things as needed.

[@dastumer]

Have you seen Dan’s Blue Box SD40-2 build series on the old TSG channel? It’s very comprehensive, step by step, and shows just about all the parts used.

[@DanielCortopassi]

What you need often depends on the particular model. I kept the stock cab and front end on this one since the Atlas parts are already pretty good, and overall the model was pretty accurate. Photos are a good way to figure out what's needed. On this one, for example, I looked at photos, looked at the stock plow, and realized it wasn't right. So I looked through the Details West catalog and picked one that looked more like the photos. Most of the changes on this one, other than the fans, were subtle. I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@Hunter_Dawso]

Fantastic model Dan. I actually want to model one of these GP40M-2’s (SSW 7291) as I actually got a numberboard that came from that unit.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I don't know if Atlas ever did that number, but the Atlas GP40 would be a good basis for it. If you wanted to paint it yourself, Atlas shells are relatively easy to strip paint from, or you could get an undecorated unit. Thanks for watching!

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Very nice video. I always learn a lot from you.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks so much!

[@mattw9667]

Thanks for the non-directional headlight tip. I'll use that. Love my Atlas engines and I do the same with the numberboards and headlights. Relatively simple to separate them. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanielCortopassi]

One of the things I love about LokSound decoders is that you can set up the lighting functions any way you want. There are so many possibilities with that. I'm glad you found that useful. Thanks for watching!

[@JB-ud6vm]

Lovely model & great video as always!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@jessenoklahoma]

Hi Dan, great video, I like cotton belt locos, have a couple myself

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. When I was a kid I remember seeing Cotton Belt engines and wondering what that meant, since they were painted just like the Southern Pacific engines I was used to seeing. When I learned more, I thought it was cool that SP had a subsidiary that still had something of a visual identity. Thanks for watching!

[@jessenoklahoma]

@@DanielCortopassi right after I got interested in being a model railroader, I heard the old Johnny Cash song, And when I started searching for cotton belt I found a lot of really cool locos, very expensive though, but I settled for a couple of affordable ones, and am very pleased with them, Thanks for your reply 👍

[@michaelmcdougall4527]

Hello Dan, I love the side-by-side comparison for weathering a great video hats off to you. Also, I would recommend scale sound speakers if you haven’t already used them out of Marion Ohio they improve the the sound.🚂🚂

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I'll have to keep those speakers in mind for a future project. Thanks for watching!

[@hyperian_one]

Another great video! Thanks Dan

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@markhayes6407]

Atlas engines run great. Detail they lack. You did a great job on adding details. I like the F13 and F14 for the lights. Like it is in yard mode for switching. The weathering is also spot on, however since SP never washed their locos it could of been really dirtied up more. More grime. Liked the video.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I weathered the engine to look like photos I found from the early to mid 1990s, but it lasted longer than that. I have photos of it from the early UP era, looking a lot more grimy and beat out. I think it was this one that even had a door changed out or something so that it read "Cotton Bell" on one side. Thanks for watching!

[@rodcurry6387]

Great video.... If possible, could you do a step by step video on how to superdetail a diesel locomotive? Again, great video..

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I've had an ongoing series on building all 5 locomotives that I photographed on an SP freight in 1993, called the SP Consist Build. I am working on the next installment, and hope to get it out soon. You can watch the previous episodes here on the channel. I cover a lot of the same techniques I used on this and other models. Thanks for watching!

[@ratled1]

Nicely done. What did you use on the body to tone it down?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like how it turned out. It's been a while since I did this one. I think I mostly used Bragdon weathering powders and some subtle airbrushing. Thanks for watching!

[@riogrande5761]

I see you referenced author Joseph Strapac. I have 3 Rio Grande Diesels books, two of them since the mid-1980's that Joseph Strapac authored. I haven't gotten any for SP so far. Atlas really needs to up their game with the snowplows. The plows on the RIo Grande GP40-2's I have are disappointing as well - I need to swap them out. You did a very nice job upgrading this model to the prototype. Some well thought out modifications there. What DCC system are you using? Wow, the horn sounded really good. Did you swap out the speaker for one from Scale Sound Systems?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have those Rio Grande Diesel books too. I managed to score some used copies that were still in good shape a few years ago. I have an undecorated Atlas DRGW style GP40-2 that I want to build at some point. I'm sure I'll end up putting a different plow on that one, too. I use LokSound decoders in all my models. I built this one a few years ago so it has a LokSound Select. If I were doing it today I'd use a LokSound 5. I don't remember exactly which speaker I used in this one. My usual go-to speaker for this kind of engine is the LokSound 16x25 mm speaker in a custom built enclosure that takes up most of the space over the rear truck in the radiator area. I haven't used any from Scale Sounds as yet, but I may try one in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@riogrande5761]

@@DanielCortopassi Thanks for the info. LokSound 5 seems to be a favorite with sound fans. BTW, what plow did you use to replace the stock plow? Man, if I only had the hobby time you have to work on those projects!

[@stevenanderson1500]

Model looks great! Question, isn’t that the GE air conditioner?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I used the one that best matched the photos I have of this unit. I think they often used the same ones on GE units. Thanks for watching!

[@MrDgwphotos]

What is that object between the cab and the blower known as?

[@DanielCortopassi]

The Details West catalog calls it an electrical cabinet filter. I couldn't think of the name while I was shooting the video. Thanks for watching!

[@hobbeekid]

Dan , have you ordered any of the stratolite type rotory beacon inserts from either Aaron Heine or more recently Rapido trains? They are game changers in the visual effects dept.I know Aaron Heine quit making them and rapido copied his design. I checked their site and they seem to be back in stock they were out for awhile…

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have one of the Aaron Heine beacons that I bought years ago, but I haven't yet installed it in anything. I want to use it in one of the builds currently on my workbench. I didn't know that he'd stopped making them, but it's good to know Rapido has them. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@hobbeekid]

@@DanielCortopassi Aaron quit making them cause life got in the way for him with other endeavors he’s pursuing. Rapido must’ve acquired one of his units and decided to copy it . I don’t think he had any kind of patent protection sooo, he’s not too happy about it understandably so.

[@mueheheheh1864]

hi! I was wondering if you could make your own flexible track instead of buying ?

[@mueheheheh1864]

I’m trying to make a model train for my science exhibition and wanna see if I can make my own track with my own materials instead of buying a premade flexible track ( to make it more home-made)

[@DanielCortopassi]

You can definitely build your own track. I have a series about building a small N scale layout on this channel. It's called the Siren Creek, and it has handlaid track. The track I built is dual-gauge, so it's more complicated than ordinary track, but the same principles apply. I talk about the tools and materials needed and demonstrate how I did it. Handlaid track isn't usually flexible. You basically just build it straight or curved as you need it. Thanks for watching!

[@mueheheheh1864]

@@DanielCortopassi Thank you!!

[@pleiku887]

I don't think you need to upgrade the decoder at all!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm not in a hurry to do that. The LokSound 4 / Select is still a really good decoder, and I have a lot of them installed in various models. Upgrading all of them would be expensive, so unless there's a really good reason to do that, I'll probably leave them alone. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnMakuck-is7be]

I will bet a lot of money that Daniel c. Knows dave stanley a k a the r.r. freek.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Well, I don't think I've met him. Maybe I'll get to sometime. Thanks for watching!