This unit seems to work our yard a lot, and since I am soon going to be building a new layout with a large yard, I need your opinion: Would this be easy to model, or should I just try another unit. I ask you this because there are several weird characters about this unit. Also any tips would be helpful.
Here’s the unit: A CSX SD40-2 #8226.
My modeling skill isn’t that great, as I have stuck mainly to custom decaling and custom painting, and not much weathering.
Thanks in advance.
Go for it.
One thing I forgot to mention: There is a smal patch on either side of the nose, possibly where classification lights once were. It’s an off-yellow color, possibly more “CSX Dark Future Yellow/Gold” than the YN1 yellow.
I think you could do it, as space mouse said…go for it!
Take some advise;
Your modeling skills will never improve, unless you TRY it!
Do it slowly, do it methodicly, but Just DO IT!
PS. Take as many pics as you can of the prototype.
Okay guys,
If it will ever clear up a little bit then I will head down to the yard and hunt this sucka down[:D]. Maybe if I get a better picture I can get you to explain a few things, but with the picture I have now, you can’t tell too much because the sun is too reflective off of the locomotive.
Maybe you can try to get decals for the small spots on the nose, rather than mask and paint them.
I agree with everyone else. YOU CAN DO IT!!! Go fer it. Like we say down here.
Isn’t that the truth? Well said vsmith.[:D]
Along with the pictures, see if you can get something in the pictures of a known dimension ( Saw something years ago about using a lined off “yard stick” at 1 foot intervals) to help you “scale” your pictures for as acurate dimensions as you may want or need! Just a suggestion … and do I hear an echo? (GO FOR IT!!!)
Will
buy something that’s close , paint it the best you can , read up on weathering and add details a bit at a time until you reach your skill limits .
i’m sure anyone who lives in your area and has seen this loco will recognize it if all you do is paint it two tone blue with a yellow nose and get the road number right , anything more than that should be for your enjoyment only unless you’re entering a contest
good spot for weathering info…
http://www.modeltrainsweathered.com/
I think you should try it. It’s the only way to learn. Good luck!
The level of detail you want on your model is of your choosing. If you want to match rust stain for rust stain, it’s just a matter of taking it slow and tackling each problem one at a time. Each problem is solvable, it is only when you look at the whole that you get overwhelmed.
Well, tomorrow it is finally supposed to be at least semi-sunny, so I’ll venture down to the yard and take another picture or two of the unit. I just hope somebody walking on the walking trail near the yard doesn’t freak out and call the cops[swg].
uspscsx
It’s easy to be overwhelmed at the overall job just do a bit at a time with watever you are comfortable doing. Keep plugging away at the small bits before you know it , it’s done!!