I recently bought a RPP SD45-2 shell and frame on Ebay and I plan to paint and detail it as a Conrail unit. Has anyone done this project before? I model the late ninties and was wondering if anyone can give me some tips so I can make my model as accurate as possible![:D]
Get pics and follow them.
David B
I have a few pics already and I know which unit I’m modeling, but maybe someone has done one already and can pass along some tips like the best way to modify the fuel tank etc. This is also a good excuse for someone to post pictures of their model if they have any![:)]
It all depends how far you want to go.
For example, you can use Athearn handrails, but Smokey Valley handrails are far superior when it comes to looks.
You can drill out the nubbies for grab irons, lift rings and the like if you wish.
How about removing grills and adding etched metal ones?
Would you like rotating fan blades?
The list goes on and on. You can spend as much on detail parts as you have on the shell, chassis and drivetrain.
For what it is worth, you are probably better off spending the coin and picking up and Athearn Genesis MR SD45-2. The detail is amazing, prototype specific and ready to run.
David B
Yeah but what fun is that?[(-D]
Right On! It’s about the journey.\
If you’re really going to get into detail work, one of the best reference resources is still the Walthers catalog. Yeah, the website is helpfull and good for updates, but nothing beats the actual catalog parts and ideas.
You will probably find the March and I think April 2000 issiues of Railroad Model Craftsman very useful. There is an Article that covers how to build Conrail (Ex Erie Lakawanna) SD45-2s
James
Where can I find these issues? My main concerns are how to make the extra large fuel tank and whether 6663 ( the unit I plan to model ) had the small snowplow on the rear. I thought that I might be able to epoxy a few layers of styrene to the top of the tank on either side then file it to shape, but if anyone knows a better way I’m open to suggestions![:)]
Back Issiues are available from Carstens Publications. for $4.99
Their Phone # is 1-888-526-5365
James
Thanks, I’ll have to call them and see if they have any in stock.[:)]