ok Kato, let's bring em... (pilot mounted ditch lights on the SD40-2)

[nscalesteve]

the new SD40-2 is so well designed that it should be only a question of time till we see a Kato SD40-2 with lower, pilot mounted ditch lights...

Making of CP Rail SD40-2 #5398
 
the idea was to build this engine as close as possible to the original with relocated working ditch lights. instead to use little SMD LEDs and have all the wires around I decided to try to use the original light tube with some modifications. and when I can do it it should be easy for Kato as well they have done the major work already I just did some modifications. first step was to modify the light tube, for that I did use the original SD40-2 light tube and parts of a Kato C44-9W light tube. cut them in pieces and welded them back together with Tenax-7R (the light is not transported as bright as before but still bright enough for the model). also the front handrails and walkways have to be modified, the CP unit does not have an anticlimber. for the modified front I did use handrails of an old run Kato SD40-2.
 

(original and modified handrails and light tube)
 
I did use Sunrise Enterprise ditch lights housings for the pilot mounted lights (a little bit oversized but...), a JnJ CP style pilot, Miniatures by Eric CP lift rings, BLMA cut levers and MU hoses...
 

(klick on the picture for a better view)
 
as you can see, from underneath it looks like the original...
 

(klick on the picture for a better view)

ok Kato, bring em...

...stay cool and fiddle around with light tubes 

[Pomperaugrr]

Steve, you make this type of work look easy.  It is obvious that it is not easy, but you are an artist, my friend!   

Eric

[ñiao]

I am speechless! 

[tom mann]

nice job, Steve...

[kiwi_al]

Thats superb better than out of the factory!! ;D

[dnhouston]

Great work Steve

[engineshop]

Great work.
Did you polish the cuts on your light tube with the special plastic polisher? The also have a special glue for acrylic display cases which should dry almost to clear.

[ednadolski]

Impressive work Steve!   Takes courage even to try out mods like that.

BTW if you still have the high-mount ditch lights & tubes that you cut off, I could use 'em on a Kato C44-9W that has the low-mount lights 

Ed

[nscalesteve]

Did you polish the cuts on your light tube with the special plastic polisher? The also have a special glue for acrylic display cases which should dry almost to clear.

good idea Roland - no I haven't done that, I'll give it a try with the next one...
...do you know the brand of this special glue for acrylic ?

[nscalesteve]

BTW if you still have the high-mount ditch lights & tubes that you cut off, I could use 'em on a Kato C44-9W that has the low-mount lights 

sorry mate, I'll use them for an engine with rear ditch lights...

[engineshop]

good idea Roland - no I haven't done that, I'll give it a try with the next one...
...do you know the brand of this special glue for acrylic ?

No but there is a Tap Plastic store in my neighborhood. The make display cases. I ask them. On the other hand, would there be space to glue styrene pieces outside both pieces and connect them without gluing the cuts. The light would travel without a problem if both ends are polished.