Cool ...

The sound decoder from Digitrax is too much work and too much chopping of the chassis is needed. The MRC sound decoder drops right in and sounds just as good. Plus it does not stall when the horn is blown. You need to make room for a loose speaker and a required capacitor, that Digitrax says is optional but the loco would not move without it. With all the holes in the body near the speaker the MRC will sound great! Please list the needed part numbers if successful.

@ChicagoNW, @mariuszjj, I've uploaded a new render of the shell with openings for inserting photo-etched fans and radiator screens. Once it's printed, I post a photo of the shell with the parts installed.

@mariuszjj , it's a drop-in decoder (basically replaces the Kato lightboard). Here's a link to the decoder on the MRC website: http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=8284

@DaminKeenan for my use on f59s that would be nice how big is that decoder? The f40 requires the speaker To be in a frame ? I have shaved off the whole back end on my Second frame without issues but still hard wired I think is better.

@mariuszjj, I got an MRC sound decoder to test out specifically because I don't want to machine the frame (the Digitrax sound decoder requires that an openning be cut into the frame to fit the speaker, but the MRC speaker is mounted on the decoder). If it sounds okay, I'll use it. Otherwise, I'll drop the sound and just go with the lighting effects.

BTW cerfull how much u machine the f40 chassis ( had to machine mine to fit in my Kaslo f59ph shell and it CRACKED ..... ) the part that the trucks clip into (its really skinny to much heat and it just falls apart ( got it put together - dont see a replacement frames from kato ....... ) ..........

cant wait to see it .... wanna see how that mesh will come out for the sides.... still working on my Metrolinks for now ... but anyhow the etched parts gonna look great - if u plan on sound decoder it will sound great as for the fans its hit and miss .... installed fans in my GP49-PH3 (tight fit) but f59phi came out better ( next need to do my f40) ....

Sorry, I meant BLMA.

@ChicagoNW, still working on it. I'm close but the fans and the radiator grills tend to fit in when you paint them. I was talking with @mariuszjj via private message, and am following his suggestion of using photo-etched parts for these areas. I've gotten fans from BMLA and screen material from Ngineering. I'm waiting on deliver of another test shell. I'll post pictures when it's ready.

So, how is project going? I'd love one for my fleet.

any chance when this is done of you upscaling it to HO?

@ChicagoNW, In regards to modifying the original chassis, the new shell is designed to fit onto the chassis just as the original Kato shell did. No modification will be needed. I did have to file down the inside corners of the front pilot in order to get it to fit inside the new shell. However, the final design will include a replacement front pilot that better matches Metra practice. The final design will use the stock rear pilot. It fits without any modification, however I'd suggest removing the rear handrails and plating over the end steps (again to better to match Metra practice).

@ChicagoNW, I agree with your comment regarding not being able to see the details until the shell is painted (or at least primed). However I chose FUD because I wanted to get the finest detail possible.

I hate FUD as you cannot see and detail until it is panted. But as the designer you get the last word on the quality. What I see looks good. Are changes to the chassis add-ons or physical modifications?

@mariuszjj Yes, it's sitting on the Kato frame. The photo shows the stock Kato front pilot which is incorrect for Metra and will be replaced with a new pilot as shown in the computer renderings (the replacement pilot will be included with the shell; along with some plates to cover the side steps on the rear pilot). In regards to the F40 Kato is releasing February, I've already got all three road numbers on reserve at my local hobbyshop.

Nice... is that sitting on the F40 chassis? ( Kato is coming out with Metra f40 in Feb) i guess gonna have 3 sets then ..... ( most likely i gonna be up for 2 of yours )

@km59 @mariuszjj @ChicagoNW Just a quick update to let you know that the second test shell arrived today and has been fitted onto the Kato donor chassis. I'm really pleased with the way the shell itself turned out. However the front pilot is going to need to adjustments to get it to fit. Pictures to follow soon...

nice more metras ( even kato is coming out with f40 metra)

Regarding direct comparisons to the prototype, I don't have a fully detailed shell in my hands yet. I just received a notification from Shapeways that my second test model is about to go to their printers. The first shell was just the basic shape without any of the surface details. The second one matches the lasted renders I've posted. Once I received it, I'll take it out for comparisions. I expected that some minor changes will need to be made before proceeding to the final version.

Regarding the F40C, making conversion pieces sounds like an interesting idea. Adding the corrugated side panels, carving off the steam generator details, and plating over the end steps would result in a very passible F40, especially in N scale. I think that'll be my next project. But first I need to get this one done!

While the F40C may seen not that different than a FP45 those stainless steel panels are very daunting when you have to add all those pieces to make the panels. Even just making conversion pieces would be useful. The F40 looks so good, have you made a direct comparison?

Sorry that it's taking so long. But I want to make sure that everything works before offering it up for sale. Since the last update, I've had a test model made in order to evaluate the shape of the nose (I can't get rid of the feeling that it's wrong somehow but I can't figure out exactly why). Meanwhile, I hoping to get this model finished in a couple of weeks. I then plan on making another test shell to show to other local modellers to get their feedback. Then, if all goes well, I'll offer it for sale. In regards to an F40C, I too an interested in creating one. However, I don't have any scale drawings to start from and I'm not sure it's different enough from an FP45 to make a digital model worthwhile. Instead, it may be easier to kitbash it from the Santa Fe version of the Athearn model.

It's tough waiting for you to add all the details. I volunteer to test it out. Looks great so far. This and an F40C and the historical RTA/Metra fleet will be complete.

I'm designing the shell to be specific to the Kato mechanism. However, I do have a powered Like-Like F40PH on hand, so I can make a version designed to fit that chassis. As for making a nose-only version, I did consider that. However I figured it would be easier to create a drop-in replacement for the body instead of trying to cut and fit two pieces together. Thanks, Damin.

Being that only the portion of the body in front of the cab doors is different than a standard F40. Would you consider just selling the cab for kitbashing? Do you think your body will fit the older Life-Like or Model Power/Mehano Chassis?

Yes, at least as accurate as I can make it. I am designing it to be a drop-in replacement for the stock Kato N scale F40PH shell. Handrails and lights (I'm planning on using surface-mount LEDS) will need to be separately applied. Thanks, Damin.

Yes, at least as accurate as I can make it. I am designing it to be a drop-in replacement for the stock Kato N scale F40PH shell. Handrails and lights (I'm planning on using surface-mount LEDS) will need to be separately applied. Thanks, Damin.