GP40MC

The MBTA's GP40MCs are a radical new look for the commuter rail trains, not only because of their zig-zag paint scheme, but also because they are hood units and not cowl-bodied like the F40s. They seem to me to be modern versions of Amtrak's GP40TC, also having the extended body for a second HEP engine. They have flared radiator grills like those characteristic to the SD45, and an unusual wide cab design that has a slightly lower roof. The paint scheme on these diesels is distinctive, to say the least, starting in front with the silver and purple colors reversed (silver stripe on purple), then switching to the normal purple-on-silver with a lightning stripe-like zigzag. The roof is black like on the F40s. The underbody for these locomotives is much like that of a standard F40PH: the fuel tank is in front, and behind it are battery boxes on the left side and air tanks on the right. One interesting detail is the side step on the right side - I have no idea why they would put a ladder there! Trucks, like on the F40PH-2C, are Blomberg M Phase 2. A few GP40MCs have been seen with lettering that is slightly different than normal. I believe these diesels were delivered later than the rest. Where the black unit number is normally, above the 'T' logo, these units have 'MBTA' in purple letters with yellow edges. The roadnumber is further back, in the same purple/yellow lettering.

Modeling the GP40MC has not been quite as easy as I thought originally. My project started with an Athearn SD45 shell I had on hand, and I was planning on a simple conversion that would mostly be rearranging the radiator section and building a new cab. But, since the GP40MC is based on the GP40 carbody, the door patterns and other details are different. I bought an Athearn GP40-2 and am cutting the hood from it and modifying its dynamic brake blister, then I will attach this hood onto the SD45's walkways. I will then extend the sides with doors cut from the remainder of the GP40-2 hood and from the SD45, and rebuild the GP40-2's radiator section, modified to flare outward, on top of that. The cab will be built up from sheet styrene, and the body detailed appropriately. The GP40-2 drive will need to be stretched and the fuel tank cut back. Blomberg M Phase 2 sideframes are made by Detail Associates, and they should be available from Athearn, since they are used on the F59PHIs. Do any other MBTA modelers out there know of a paint or a mix for the purple stripe, preferably to match Walthers equipment? That has had me stumped for a long time. If you can help, email me.

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