Today, I finally finished my Mantua metal Sharknose diesel![:D]
Except for a tiny bit of damage and distortion on a couple decals, I think it turned out great![:D] It was a real pain getting the curved nose stripes lined up the same on each side, and the “Pennsylvania” lettering was about 1/2" too long. I used a standard Microscale set for various diesels and electrics, so it was the best I could do. But I’m still very happy with the results.[:D] PRR fans may notice I did my stripes a little different than what seems to be the usual for most models, but it is completely accurate for this road number: http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/prr/prr9708.jpg
7j43k, it could barely pull itself at first. I added probably 6oz. of lead to the back and put a neodymium stack in the motor, so it’s pretty strong now.
Heh heh – even the Pennsy got tired of applying that pinstripe paint scheme. Nice job with a classic old model, and a good reminder that a careful and skilled job of cleaning up an old casting and painting and lettering goes a long way to making even ancient tooling look awfully good.
I was always intrigued by the PRR’s passenger sharknoses, the DR-6-4-2000 (BP-20 in Pennsy talk). In terms of striking appearance I would rank them over the Alco PAs, which some have called the "honorary steam locomotive). They look a block long in photographs!
Currently at Bowser. I decided to keep the detail as is on this one. If I had one of the more accurate plastic Sharks from Bachmann or Roco, I might spend the extra $20 to give it the proper PRR details.
