Milwaukee Road GP20 #979 in N-Scale Build Thread

[milw12]

The gears started turning after Wyatt @soo  made a comment in my Milwaukee layout thread, suggesting that a MP15AC or GP-20 would look right at home. A Skytop MP15AC is one the to-do list, but with an itch to build, I realized that I may have had the bulk of the parts required for a bash of one of these beauties:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2137949

One of the most endearing things about Milwaukee is the in-house work and a knack for the unique. Rib-side boxcars and cabooses, beaver tail Hiawatha observation cars, domed headlight on early steam, and strange diesel rebuild programs that usually resulting in a preponderance of air filter ducts.
 
The GP20's were done in batches, so there is quite a bit of variation even between sequential numbers. I chose the unit 979 for the wealth of available photographs, and the variations seemed to be the most visually pleasing to myself. Naturally, as far as I can tell, it is not a Phase 2 GP-9 like the Atlas shells I have handy It has 36” instead of the Phase 3 48” fans, so my guess is Phase 1? If anyone has better info, please chime in, all I've found is some confusing text documents and questionable diagrams. Also, any information or even leads to sources relating to this project would be greatly appreciated. Better modeling through peer pressure and all that. I'll keep digging on my own and hope for the best, but relying on photographs for now.

The reference photographs:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=MILW%20979
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locopicture.aspx?id=32178

These two photographs have been the best guides so far:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2137691
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2334197

Based on these, the planned changes to the shell so far:




This will be my first prototypical bash- I picked up extra shells for practice and just in case. Here's a rough practice shell from the other night:



Nose definitely needs to be lowered more. That's a Life-Like GP20 cab, need to add the dual windshields and figure out the Milwaukee-style number boards.

Thanks for looking!

Lucas

[jpwisc]

These are a fun build, I've done a couple and they will be a great compliment to your layout. I would recommend using Archer Decals for the louvers. They lay down better than the GMM ones I used (things you learn too late).
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[skytop35]

This is on my "to-do" list as well. I have some of the parts now just need the "time" to get to it. However, I like the first units built with the numberboards in the nose rather than above the windshield. Yes, Archer louvers are the way to go. I'll be following your progress.

[cjm413]

The gears started turning after Wyatt @soo  made a comment in my Milwaukee layout thread, suggesting that a MP15AC or GP-20 would look right at home. A Skytop MP15AC is one the to-do list, but with an itch to build, I realized that I may have had the bulk of the parts required for a bash of one of these beauties:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2137949

One of the most endearing things about Milwaukee is the in-house work and a knack for the unique. Rib-side boxcars and cabooses, beaver tail Hiawatha observation cars, domed headlight on early steam, and strange diesel rebuild programs that usually resulting in a preponderance of air filter ducts.
 
The GP20's were done in batches, so there is quite a bit of variation even between sequential numbers. I chose the unit 979 for the wealth of available photographs, and the variations seemed to be the most visually pleasing to myself. Naturally, as far as I can tell, it is not a Phase 2 GP-9 like the Atlas shells I have handy It has 36” instead of the Phase 3 48” fans, so my guess is Phase 1? If anyone has better info, please chime in, all I've found is some confusing text documents and questionable diagrams. Also, any information or even leads to sources relating to this project would be greatly appreciated. Better modeling through peer pressure and all that. I'll keep digging on my own and hope for the best, but relying on photographs for now.

The reference photographs:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=MILW%20979
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locopicture.aspx?id=32178

These two photographs have been the best guides so far:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2137691
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2334197

Based on these, the planned changes to the shell so far:




This will be my first prototypical bash- I picked up extra shells for practice and just in case. Here's a rough practice shell from the other night:



Nose definitely needs to be lowered more. That's a Life-Like GP20 cab, need to add the dual windshields and figure out the Milwaukee-style number boards.

Thanks for looking!

Lucas

Given you'll need to redo the numberboards, you may want to try the Des Plaines Hobbies windshield insert with the stock Atlas GP9 cab:

http://www.desplaineshobbies.com/store/product/13369/N-SPLIT-WINDSHIELD-%282%29/

[milw12]

Karl, that's a beauty! If mine is half as nice I'll be happy.

Bill, thanks for the kind words. I'll be looking forward to see what your talents can create. It appears the first batch from the late sixties has the Western Maryland chop nose look, with blank "foreheads" and number boards on the nose. Gotta love the variety even in the same class 

Noted on the louvers, just ordered some, appreciate the heads up from you guys. These things are good to know going in blind.

cjm, thanks for the link. I thought I found something similar earlier but in HO. Too bad there aren't any photos. Took a shot and placed an order.

Speaking of cabs, here's the first pass, with the blemishes that only macro can bring. It needs a second pass desperately, but first steps nonetheless:





LL GP20 cab, Atlas GP40-2 windshield and number board. The Milwuakee's number boards are centered vertically on the lights, but all (?) EMD's seem favor the bottom. I added a strip of 0.20 styrene to the bottom, filed the top, and added judicious use of filler putty to sculpt and cover some flaws. The light/number board relation is not perfect but better than before. The slant on the back side probably needs a little work to match this, but it's hard to tell with the angle.

Thanks for looking!
Lucas

[wcfn100]

The slant on the back side probably needs a little work to match this, but it's hard to tell with the angle.

You're not going to be able to match the photo as your number boards sit too high. On the prototype, you can see the boards sit below the top of the cab.


Jason

[Missaberoad]

Here's a shot that shows the top of the cab... will try to look for a better shot...

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1307445

[Missaberoad]

and a couple that show the front side...

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1034450
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1034452

[Missaberoad]

Here's an even better shot...

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3829/13863533794_f95d94d51d_o.jpg

[milw12]

Thanks for setting me straight Jason, that was quite the oversight on my part 

Ryan, thanks for finding the excellent photos, added to the reference pile, and answered a few questions about the topside.

Most likely I'll wait for the Des Plaines insert and GP9 cabs to arrive for the final product, but I did want to get some more practice in and fix my error:





Take 3 will use a fresh number board, this one is getting beat up from all the chopping and looks too low now that I see it in the photograph. And I'm not all that happy with the 'slant' on the cab roof. Plus the opposite side from the photograph broke off, and when I went to reattach it, it shot out of my tweezers into space. That insert is sounded better and better, but practice is practice!

Lucas

[cjm413]

Karl, that's a beauty! If mine is half as nice I'll be happy.

Bill, thanks for the kind words. I'll be looking forward to see what your talents can create. It appears the first batch from the late sixties has the Western Maryland chop nose look, with blank "foreheads" and number boards on the nose. Gotta love the variety even in the same class 

Noted on the louvers, just ordered some, appreciate the heads up from you guys. These things are good to know going in blind.

cjm, thanks for the link. I thought I found something similar earlier but in HO. Too bad there aren't any photos. Took a shot and placed an order.

Speaking of cabs, here's the first pass, with the blemishes that only macro can bring. It needs a second pass desperately, but first steps nonetheless:





LL GP20 cab, Atlas GP40-2 windshield and number board. The Milwuakee's number boards are centered vertically on the lights, but all (?) EMD's seem favor the bottom. I added a strip of 0.20 styrene to the bottom, filed the top, and added judicious use of filler putty to sculpt and cover some flaws. The light/number board relation is not perfect but better than before. The slant on the back side probably needs a little work to match this, but it's hard to tell with the angle.

Thanks for looking!
Lucas

Des Plaines offers the same part in HO.

[amato1969]

+1 on the Archer louver decals - I used these with great success on some Geeps :

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=36505.msg448230#msg448230

  Frank

[jpwisc]

I totally forgot, I did a write up on building a MILW GP20 for the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of N Scale Railroading. The back issue should still be available as a resource for you.

[SSW7771]

I have 3 of these to build for GRR rock train service, so I am following along with interest. I also have a copy of Karl's article which I recommend if you do not already have it.

[milw12]

A little update to prove I'm still at this. Life has been a little busier than usual lately, plus a nice, deep cut on a finger (not modeling related!) has put a damper on progress. Finally was able to read Karl's article last week, a huge help and recommended.  Who would have thought that a bit of literature could be so helpful 

Frank, thanks, always liked those Geeps you did, and LV to boot!  I have the GMM louvers but caved and just picked up some Archers.

Karl, like I mentioned it's a great article, thanks for taking the time to do it!

Thanks Marshall, I'll be interested to see your take on these whenever you get around to it 

Started fresh on the cab as per Karl's strategy, a lot better number board results. Nothing photo worthy and still a little rough, and I am debating a second try. Remember, this is basically all new to me, and I never got along well with assembling model planes and cars as a kid 

Parts are still trickling in still, but I have enough to get a start going. A beacon light has been the only sticking point, I can't seem to find the Deluxe or Atlas part. Miniatures by Eric has some cast ones, but Canadian shipping for tiny parts is something I need to look into. Details N Scale has a working one for $10, but the electronics will never be used plus costly for multiples. Decisions! 

-Lucas