LOCOMOTIVE EXPLORER1048 EXTERIOR / 13

FOX VALLEY & LAKE SUPERIOR · 2022

HLCX 1048

A closer look, from every angle.

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EXTERIOR PHOTO RECONSTRUCTION1:20 model · ≈ 90 cm coupler faces

INSPECT

AR STARTING SIZE

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See the changes against the photographs

Compare the updated cab, trucks and grilles with the previous model and HLCX 1048 reference photos.

Photo comparison →
Built from the photographsReferences & accuracy notes +

The visible details

This is an exterior-focused reconstruction of the burgundy HLCX 1048 working on FOXY in 2022. RRPictureArchives identifies it as a rebuilt GP38-2 with GP40 ancestry; its retained exterior features are followed from photos of 1048, rather than assumed from a stock GP38-2. More than a dozen photos were compared, including both sides, both ends, and an elevated roof view.

Two main rear radiator side grille panels, three rear radiator fans and one dynamic-brake fan; separate grille bars and mesh; metre-scaled enamel grain, cast-steel pitting, rubbed steel and rubber; chamfered hex bolt heads and separate washers, hinge knuckles, latch plates, rail-foot fasteners, suspension pivot nuts and retaining pins; subtle paint wear and dirt; outlined front numberboards; twin rear lettering stacks and horizontal headlights; red rail posts, pale tubes, steps and end chains; perforated stair treads with folded edges; rounded sliding-window surrounds and separate sash frames; dished wheel faces and flanges, tapered cast sideframe webs and openings, axle-centred bearing covers, suspension hangers, curved leaves and spring coils, curved tread brake shoes, stepped brake cylinders, brake rigging, hoses, rounded cast couplers and the front plow. The 2022 exterior has broad folded sunshades, a tall intake grille and full-height divider, a projecting dynamic-brake housing above the HLCX lettering, and three rear radiator fans. The black covered equipment casing is mounted low behind the cab on the photographed side. The nose has an offset access door and separate numberboards flanking the stacked headlights. A curved front plow, recessed lamp reflectors, hollow wheel rims, curved suspension leaves, deep rounded truck castings, raised access panels, windshield seals, wipers and 4K body paint textures are included.

Technical accuracy & limits

Visible arrangement is photo-supported. Casting contours, panel dimensions, grille pitch and small fittings are estimates; this is not a measured engineering model. GP40-family dimensions anchor the proportions: 59′2″ over coupler pulling faces, 34′ truck centres, 9′ truck wheelbase and 40″ wheels. The nominal cab sheet width is 10′ 0⅛″ (3.051 m), and the stair handrail supports follow a nominal 10′ 3⅛″ (3.127 m) width. Projecting sunshades and other rebuild fittings are photo estimates. The rebuilt unit’s exact dimensions have not been measured. The paint follows the cleaner 2022 appearance, with subtle grime and small chips rather than the large areas of peeling seen in 2023.

The exact exhaust outlet, internal fan blades and mesh pattern, small underside fittings and cab interior are not resolved by these photos. The cab now has a representative EMD interior with seats, an AAR-style control stand, gauges, brake valves and rear electrical panels. Its layout is informed by EMD’s 1974 GP38-2 manual; exact placement, dimensions, paint, seats, radio and rebuild changes on 1048 remain unverified. Very small labels are representative rather than legible transcriptions.

Photo references

EMD GP40-2 dimensional reference ↗

Photographs remain with their owners. All model geometry, markings and paint textures were reconstructed; reference photos are not embedded as textures.