by Manny Jacob, Mike McGrattan and Dan Garcia
These units came in three different orders and there are minor differences between each order. Modellers will find that the Rapido Trains Inc. locomotive includes many of the parts needed to accurately duplicate these variations.
Louver details from the first delivery group GPA-30a 6400-6419. The original non-rebuilt Rapido HO scale model matches this version.
Louver details from the last delivery group GPA-30c 6430-6458. Note split louver groups below step and on hood hatch.
Post-delivery changes:
Air conditioning was first added to the cab roof of 6415 on a trial basis in 1997-98 and was eventually installed on the rest of the fleet by 2002. This resulted in the relocation of radio antenna; consult photos.
Air conditioning unit and Relocated radio antenna on roof of 6435. These parts are included with the Rapido HO scale model.
Plexiglas bug shields were added to nose beginning in 1997.
Nose-top bug shield on 6456. This part is included with the Rapido HO scale model.
New style screens over air intakes started to appear in 1997 and gradually fitted to entire fleet.
Revised left and right side air intake screens. These parts are included with the Rapido HO scale model.
A second radio antenna was added to cab roof after the February 1997 elimination of conductors. This antenna allowed the front end to communicate with OBS crews inside the train on a different frequency.
Second radio antenna on left side of cab roof. This part is included with the Rapido HO scale model.
Yellow rerail frogs eventually removed from all units between 1998 and 1999.
Left and right rerailer frog locations.
Pilots changed to plows on some Canada-scheme units such as 6416, 6420, 6444 and 6456 in the early 2000s.
Original (left) and plow-style (right) pilots.
Original bell (located behind pilot on conductor's side of coupler) changed to e-bell in the early-mid-2000s.
E-bell behind front pilot.
