This review is on Life-Like’s Proto 2000 SD60 diesel, made before the line was sold to Walthers.[:D]
The SD60 is packed with the shell separate from the chassis (done to protect the detail from the weight of the chassis during shipping), so the final assembly must be done by the modeler. A number of prototype specific detail parts come with the model, and a couple of drilling guides are included to make drilling the small holes for the parts easier. You’ll probably want to do all the work you want before assembling the shell to the chassis, since the fine plastic details are very delecate. The shell is held to the chassis by two screws behind the fuel tank and the coupler boxes, so it all holds together very well. Once the SD60 is assembled, it’s a very good looking, well detailed, and smooth running model.[:D] All the major parts are are cast very smoothly and cleanly, and the only real noticable imperfection is the seam on the top of the cab. Most of the detail is already on the shell, like the grab irons, lift rings, handrails, pilot details, etc., so the only parts left to install are the snowplow(s), sunshades, various antennas, wind deflectors, winterization hatch, ditch lights, and a large or small rooftop beacon, depending on the prototype (a list of what parts to use is included in the instructions). Extended coupler cut levers are included, should you use the snowplows. The sunshades are noticably over-sized, and the tiny tabs holding them on break easily, so you may want to replace yours with better brass sunshades. A number of parts have see-through detail, like the steps, side dynamic brake vents, and rear Q-fan grills, which have fans visible inside. The top dynamic brake grill is part of the shell, and only looks alright compared to the rest of the detail. A separate grill would have been much better, in my opinion. The cab doesn’t have an interio
