More information on the prototype IAIS 403
IAIS GP10 403 is a Phase 3 GP10, so I started with a P2K Phase 3 GP9. It's pretty straightforward as far as Paducah conversions go, with just the typical changes necessary for all Paducah Geeps:
- I had a P2K GP20 cab on hand that I'd started to modify before Cascade & Pacific came out with their chop-nose kit, so I used it this time instead of the C&P parts. The one-piece GP20 windshield was replaced with a windshield from an Athearn U30C. I used the C&P short hood with Pyle headlight.
- Side-skirt alterations usually done for Paducah Geeps aren't necessary for 403. It's skirts match the P2K model.
- Added Custom Finishing #260 Horst air filter with lower portion of hoods removed.
- Added DW #176, a hood-side mounted bell, then added an air activation line.
- Made roof access doors for the long hood out of styrene cut to 68"x17". Added tie-down bolts along outer edge from NBW castings I had on hand.
- Other details were added as listed in the Detail Parts document located under Iowa Interstate/Locomotives.
Contributed by Joe Atkinson
Overall view of IAIS GP10 403 showing the C&P nose (not yet attached to the walkway), new pilot plates, and the styrene plate over the former Mars light location between the number boards. Since 403 is the last IAIS unit still in the old scheme with solid yellow ends, meaning I don’t have the typical hazard stripes to be concerned with, I applied all hood end detail prior to painting. By: Joe Atkinson
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View of 403's roof showing Details West #143 fan (rear only, as per the prototype), bell with activation line, engine room access doors, and new exhaust stacks. By: Joe Atkinson
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Engineer's side view of IAIS 403 showing non-standard font used on this unit as well as IAIS GP10 402. Lettering is from Oddballs Decals IAIS diesel set. By: Joe Atkinson
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IAIS GP10 403, a kitbashed P2K ph. 3 GP9 with Cascade & Pacific short hood and battery box/walkway sections, and P2K GP20 cab with Athearn U30C windshield grafted in. By: Joe Atkinson
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Rear engineer's side view. Note traces of blue showing through on rear truck, which I believe the IAIS retrofitted from 495, an ex-CSX GP16. By: Joe Atkinson
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Front engineer's side. Side handrails forward of the cab had to be bent from wire due to the battery boxes changes. I tried to drill out the P2K stanchions to accept the new handrails, but the stanchions are too fine, so instead I filed the top as thin as possible and ACC'd the handrails to the inside surface. By: Joe Atkinson
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Rear conductor's side view. Note IC orange showing through along frame and under radiator compartment. 403's two different styles of radiator fans can be seen in this photo, as well as the different cut bar types on the rear pilot (looped top on engineer's side, straight on conductor's). By: Joe Atkinson
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