Detailing a Whiteface Burlington Northern SD40-2

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am currently in the process of detailing an Athearn BN Dummy Whiteface SD40-2 and need some help if possible…

I’d like to make the numberboards on the front of the cab to illuminate, this in itself isn’t the problem, but what I am struggling with is how to put the numbers onto the clear numberboard inserts which push into the front of the cab.

Logic (and I’m sure plenty of people will tell me…) that all I need to do is paint them black then put on white numbers… EASY…??? WRONG… It won’t illuminate[:o)] Does anyone know of a way how to solve my problem???

The only other way I thought of and no doubt will have the prototype conformity police banging on my door, was to have WHITE numberboards with BLACK numbers therefore solving the illumination problem. If I was to do this does anyone know if any REAL BN Whiteface SD40-2’s carried this type of numberboard and if so, which ones???

If anyone can help… THANKS

Eric (in the UK)

2

I think a couple days back there was a discussion on illumination-friendly decals…

You can also do it using dry transfers:

  • First, paint the number board face with a translucent white paint (that light can shine through from behind).

  • Then, use dry transfers to apply numbers to the painted number board, but do not burnish. You are using the dry transfers as masking.

  • Next, airbru***he number board face black with a nice, thin coat. Let it dry.

  • Finally, use tape to lift off the dry transfers, to reveal white-painted numbers not covered by the black paint.

Hope this helps!

3

you might also want to try www.rr-fallenflags.org under the BN page

tom