Here are a few pics of a couple of HO locomotives that I have detailed. I am pretty new to the hobby, so any feedback, or constructive criticism is welcome!
This is one of the new Athearn RTR C44-9W units and I have added the following detail parts: windsheild wipers, MU hoses (front & rear), a custom made MU cable (also front & rear), a more prototypical snow plow, coupler cut bars, and custom “rusty color” painted Kadee #5s. I also changed the factory ditchlights (which were mounted under the walkway) to ones that more closely match a real NS unit. I also added rear ditchlights (a NS standard) and a train line hose to the rear of the unit.
This is a Kato SD90/43MAC that I have added the following parts to : cab sunshades, MU hoses, & custom “rusty color” painted Kadee #5s. The MU cable as well as the small “cups” that the ends are held in are all pieces that I custom made. I also painted the step edges.
P.S. I am aware that the nose mounted headlight on the NS unit is totally wrong, but that is the way it came. Moving it to the cab where it should be is another project for another day. [sigh]
Thanks for looking, Kevin
I know very little about diesels, Kevin, as I am a steamer fan, but I think you have done a marvelous job! They look terrific.
Have you considered some weathering? It was my first project with my pristine locos, and I approached it with much trepidation. One turned out just fine, the other so-so. I can easily fix the so-so one. Anyhow, I am pleased with myself for having taken that big step. You must have a fair bit of skill to have undertaken that project.
Great work for a “newby” - or anyone for that matter! [tup]
About the NS unit’s nose headlight: I’d hold off on that one. I’ve learned to adopt the “95-percent” rule, that is, if 95% of people who see a model of mine wouldn’t notice an “imperfection”, I won’t risk cutting it up.
i’m with crandell , i’m a steam fan too , but i must say that both units look great , and that a bit of weathering would really fini***hem off nicely . good quality photos too , though i wonder if you could get a bit more depth of field ?
if this is your first attempt , i’m sure we’re all looking forward to future projects [:)]
Gee, I don’t think you did a very good job, well, you wanted our thoughts. hahahahaha GOT YOU !! Listen when I saw the photos I thought you snapped photos of some real locomotives, just great detailing, if you’re new to the hobby you are off to a great start. have fun!!!
Looks great!! I looked at some pics of out of the box models and it is amazing how much what you put on them adds to the overall look. Looking forward to you seeing your next projects.
Your detailing looks terrific!!! Nice work, my friend. [:)]
Just a suggestion though. Your pic sizes are really huge (2 are nearly 1MG a piece.) In the future its a good idea to shrink them down to around 100K so that it doesn’t take forever to load them onto the screen. Not a problem if you have anything faster than a dial up modem.
Thanks to all who replied! You have made all the time and energy I put into detailing those models well worth it! I still have 4 more modern diesels in my fleet that you have inspired me to detail up as well, and post pics of my progress. Thanks again, Kevin
P.S. Sorry that the image files were so big. Next time I will turn the quality settings down a little on my camera in order to reduce the file size.
