Modeling IAIS 601-602 in HO

By Joe Atkinson
More information on the prototype IAIS 601
More information on the prototype IAIS 602

Prior to the arrival of the 700-series GP38-2s (which are near carbon copies of the P2K models), IAIS GP38 601 was, in my opinion, the easiest of all IAIS units to model, with 602 being a close second. This write-up focuses on 602, since I modeled it first, but I'll attempt to point out the areas where it differs from 601, which aren't many. The best starting point for both models is the Atlas Early GP38, with the undecorated version being Atlas item #9100.

Modifications for 601 and 602 included the following:

  • Horizontally shortened a Cannon #1901 paper air filter, splicing it into the forward end of the Atlas blank roof piece.

  • On 602 only, added two Detail Associates #2402 exhaust stacks, with the bases sanded thinner.

  • On 602 only, added four Cannon #2153 jacking pads, one at each stairwell. While not correct for GP38s, they're a decent stand-in until Cannon (hopefully) offers the correct part.

  • Filed off the plates at the bottom of both pilots and fashioned new ones from styrene.

  • Both 601 and 602 were built early in GP38 production, so as-built they had button-top fans such as those Atlas includes with their GP38. However, IAIS 601 was later retrofitted with more modern radiator fans such as those represented by Cannon & Company #1704. Update 1/2/2005: I've since decided to replace the fans on 602 with Cannon #1702 fans instead of using those provided by Atlas.

  • On 601 only, the straight grab iron on the conductor's side of the short hood end has been replaced with a drop-type grab, but it was mounted upside down. Here's a photo. It's been that way since at least 6/1993.

  • Other details added as listed in the Detail Parts document.


    • Overall view of GP38 601. Unit has scratchbuilt spark arrestors, shortened Cannon air filter box, and Cannon fans. Note the upside-down drop-style grab iron on the conductor's side of the nose, as per the prototype.
    Front view.
    Rear conductor's side view. White step edges on 601 of the early '90s are non-standard on IAIS. Other units have yellow, and the prototype 601 has since had its step edges repainted to yellow.

    Roof photo showing scratchbuilt spark arrestor frames. The spark arrestor screens themselves have been removed by the early 1990s period this model represents.
    Front engineer's side view.
    Rear engineer's side view.

    Engineer's side of IAIS 602, an Atlas Early GP38 with shortened Cannon paper air filter, Cannon fans, additional exhaust stacks, and other details added. 602's non-standard IAIS font is from Oddballs Decals IAIS Diesel set. The hanger on the front truck of the prototype appeared to be in primer.
    Roof shot of 602 showing new exhaust stacks, air filter box, fans, and cab roof detail.
    Conductor's side view of 602 showing lightly blistered exhaust stacks.