D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

Finaly I had the courage to deassemble the beautiful AZL GP30...
The conversion to 3002 is started.
- The 'wrong' numbers have already been removed from the cab sides.
- AZL couplers are cut from the trucks. (sorry AZL, I prefer MTL couplers for switching..)
.. there is no way back anymore..

Click this link to see how the truck sides can be removed and installed. (PDF,150 kB )

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

- The short hood is prepared for the nose light.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

- The nose light is made out of an Evergreen styrene strip.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

- BMLA detail parts installed:
-- window wipers
-- sunshades
-- mirrors
-- grab irons
-- lifting eyes

- Orange patch on the cab for new number.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

The MTL 903 coupler is installed to a brass coupler interface.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

These interfaces will eventually be glued to the pilots.
This way it remains easy to replace them upon failure.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

Both pilots are closed with Evergreen styrene sheet.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

The two plow halves are shaped out of a piece of styrene tube.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

After curing over night, the plow is ready to install.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

The front piloti almost done.
The two 'boxes' beside the coupler simulate the mu cable extension.
Since there is no cable hatch in this type of plow, cables need to be extended a little.
The real 3002 did not have these boxes when this kind of plow was installed. It just had a protective cover.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

The rear pilot.
Unfortunately AZLs GP30 trucks leave less space for MTL couplers than the MTL GPs.
Available space at the rear pilot is slightly les than the front pilot. Because of a different position of both trucks.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

There is still access to the coupler screw.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

There is still access to the coupler screw.

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

D&RGW 3002 (GP30)

This picture shows why the coupler boxes for body mounted MTL couplers, have to be bigger on an AZL GP30 than MTL GP35. AZL trucks are longer.