Overall view of engineer's side. After the under-construction photos were uploaded (see page 1), I decided to replace the Kato cab, sub-base, ECAFB, steps, and brake chain tensioner with Cannon parts. This started with the sub-base, since the equipment door hinges on the Kato model, while correct for the earlier phase they represent, are wrong for a later-production SD38-2. Fortunately, the Cannon sub-base kit includes the proper doors.

Once the Cannon short hood and sub-base were mated, I realized it'd be more work to make the Kato cab fit than to just replace it with a Cannon cab. The factory ECAFB was attached to the rear of the Kato cab, so that was also replaced.
By: Joe Atkinson

Right side of long hood, showing waste fluid retention tank and associated piping on the rear of the fuel tank. Although IAIS is making progress toward improving track conditions, some "mud pumper" ties still exist, as evidenced by the mud splashed up on the underside of 2809's sideframes.
By: Joe Atkinson

Cannon dynamic brake fans and air filter box. The only weathering added to the roof was the calcification, grime, and rust on the exhaust stacks, rust on the fan grill bolts and grills themselves, and a light dusting of grimy black.
By: Joe Atkinson

Front right side. The prototype LLPX SD38-2s are in excellent condition, but there are still a few spots of rust here and there. Based on the prototype, I used Floquil Roof Brown to simulate rust inside the horn chimes and running down from the right-hand class light knockout.

The prototype's anti-skid walkway material is starting to wear thin in spots. To simulate, I brushed Floquil Grimy Black on over a small area and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. I then went back and, with a Q-Tip dipped in thinner, started rubbing off the grimy black to expose the blue base coat underneath.
By: Joe Atkinson

Rear of 2809. Kato class lights were drilled out and replaced with Cannon class light knockouts left over from a Cannon short hood kit.
By: Joe Atkinson

Cannon etched steps.
By: Joe Atkinson

Front of unit. The weather-stripping around the cab doors was represented with black decal strips.
By: Joe Atkinson

Left side of cab, showing the Cannon brake chain tensioner and cab mirror, the latter made from a cut-down mirror P2K GP38-2 mirror. Also visible to the left of the dampening strut on the center axle is a brake cylinder mounting plate, a reminder of the days when these units were ordered new by Reserve Mining with three brake cylinders per truck.
By: Joe Atkinson

Another shot of the Cannon fans and etched steps.
By: Joe Atkinson

Cannon electrical cabinet air filter box (ECAFB).
By: Joe Atkinson

LLPX SD38-2 2809 parts list
---------------------------
Front Gyralight - Sunrise #H-108 (Note: All other LLPX units on IAIS had front Gyralight removed. Front Gyralight housing removed from all when painted.)
Rear light bracket - Detail Associates #1021 (modified)
Rear Gyralight - Detail Associates #1001
Rear headlight - Parts bin
88" short hood - Cannon #1104
Radiator fans - Cannon #1704
Dynamic brake fans - Cannon #1853
Paper air filter box - Cannon #1901 w/added lift rings formed from wire
Corrugated radiator screens - Cannon #1401
Sub-base - Cannon #1202 (not shown in construction photos)
Cab - Cannon #1501 (not shown in construction photos)
ECAFB - Cannon #1904 (not shown in construction photos)
Lift rings - Detail Associates #2206
Grab irons - Detail Associates #2202
Coupler cut levers - Detail Associates #2211
MU hoses - Kato factory parts
MU hose retainers - Formed from wire
Air hoses - Details West #267
MU cables - Details West #220
Spare coupler knuckles - Details West #196
Walkway extensions - Fabricated from Cannon #2015 safety tread stock
Ditch lights - Details West #228
Firecracker antenna - Details West #157
Horn - Parts bin, from either Atlas GP38 or Proto2000 GP38-2
EOT antenna - Parts bin
EOT antenna ground plane - Scratchbuilt
Triangular antenna - Scratchbuilt
Spark arrestors - Overland #9565 (modified)
Cab mirrors - Cut down Proto2000 GP38-2 mirrors
Cab air vent - Detail Associates #1902
Brake chain tensioner - Cannon #2152
Center brake cylinder mounting plates - Sheet styrene
Fuel tank details - Cannon #2156 and parts bin
Air tank piping - Formed from wire
Waste fluid retention tank - Hi Tech Details #6009
Steps - Cannon #2003
Windshield wipers - Detail Associates #2314

Note: At the time I shot the construction photos on page 1, I hadn't yet made the decision to go with the Cannon cab, sub-base, and ECAFB, so the Kato factory components are shown on page 1, while the Cannon parts are in the completed photos on this page.
By: Joe Atkinson