ATSF GP60 4017
I upgraded the Fox Valley Models product with added details, decals, weathering, and DCC-controlled LED lighting
Below: GP60 4017 in consist with other Santa Fe high-horsepower
4-axle locomotives. Photos taken on my Glen Frazer Free-mo module.
Below: I added a Detail Associates square cab vent to the cab left side, and a Details West speed recorder to the front
axle. I painted the blower duct grab bar blue, and dry-brushed silver onto the air filter set behind the fuel tank. To both
sides I applied Microscale decal flags on battery boxes - these showed ATSF's support for the troops in the first Gulf War.
Below: I added a Detail Associates round vent to the right side of the nose, and Details West spare coupler knuckles on both right-side trucks.
Both sides received an additional fuel filler and round gauge (ATSF GP60's were delivered with dual fuel fillers during the SPSF merger
preparations for compatibility with SP facilities). I applied road dust weathering using powdered chalks fixed with Testors Dullcote spray.
Below: I removed the stock rotary beacon, filled the cab-top hole, and disguised it with brushed-on
Floquil C&NW Yellow and "rust spot" weathering. The top surface exhaust weathering is a
combination of airbrushed mixture of thinned black and brown, and powdered chalks.
Below: When I installed the DCC decoder, I also replaced the stock headlight LEDs with a brighter type. The Brightek QBLP674-IWM-WW
white LEDs are a larger size, requiring gentle removal of a bit of soldermask from the LED board before soldering to the copper traces.
I replaced the stock handrail chains with Campbell scale chain and added a drain pipe to the cab front using brass wire. I painted the stock
MU cables red and added yellow segments on the coupler lift bars. I applied home-made decal safety slogans to all four corner step wells.
Below: ATSF GP60 4017 earning its keep on the Santa Fe just before the BNSF merger. 4017 was part
of Santa Fe's first GP60 order, and has the earlier style "rounded" dynamic brake blister. The second
order came with the later, "boxier" dynamic brake blister. For comparison, see my GP60M 113 model.
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