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Legacy Locomotives
Here are some really old diesel models I built in my teenage years as my modeling skills were still developing.
Apologies for the poor images - my photography skills and equipment were also rather rudimentary back then.
Here are some really old diesel models I built in my teenage years as my modeling skills were still developing.
Apologies for the poor images - my photography skills and equipment were also rather rudimentary back then.
Above: My college roommate Jim had the great idea to take model photos outdoors. We found this little hill of dirt in a vacant
lot outside Reno, NV, and carved a shelf into it. We temporarily laid down some track and ballast, then started shooting.
From left to right: SD40-2 5031, SD45 5594, U36C 8779, and F45u 5956.
lot outside Reno, NV, and carved a shelf into it. We temporarily laid down some track and ballast, then started shooting.
From left to right: SD40-2 5031, SD45 5594, U36C 8779, and F45u 5956.
Above: As far as I can recall, ATSF SD40-2 5031 was kitbashed from an Athearn "wide-body" SDP40 shell on an
SD45 drive. The end platforms were extended, and the steam generator end replaced with a pointed end - maybe
from a GP35? I'm not sure where the HT-C trucks came from - I may have modified the stock Flexicoils. The shell never
quite fit right on the drive, as is evidenced by how high the step wells ride above the rails. I no longer own this model.
SD45 drive. The end platforms were extended, and the steam generator end replaced with a pointed end - maybe
from a GP35? I'm not sure where the HT-C trucks came from - I may have modified the stock Flexicoils. The shell never
quite fit right on the drive, as is evidenced by how high the step wells ride above the rails. I no longer own this model.
Above: ATSF U36C 8779 was an Athearn "wide-body" U33C with some added details and custom paint. I no longer own this model.
Above: Cotton Belt GP40-2 7649 was kitbashed from an Atlas GP40 while I was in college. The cab roof got an overlay to model the
distinctive "dash 2" overhang at the rear edges. The blower duct got small lengths of wire to simulate the "dash 2" ribs. The Blomberg B style
trucks were carved out and got shock snubbers to create Blomberg M style. Cannon Co. radiators were overlaid on the waffle style grills.
The dynamic brake blister was reshaped to model a "dash 2" extended range style. And a pile of SP-specific details were added. This model
was badly damaged when I accidentally dropped it one day moving it into my display cabinet. I decided it wasn't worth saving and did the
unthinkable - threw it in the trash. Literally. My rationale was two-fold: 1) my focus has narrowed to Santa Fe's Superfleet era, so it no longer fit
my interests, and 2) Athearn now makes a really nice ready-to-roll GP40-2, so I couldn't imagine anyone would want this (damaged) model.
distinctive "dash 2" overhang at the rear edges. The blower duct got small lengths of wire to simulate the "dash 2" ribs. The Blomberg B style
trucks were carved out and got shock snubbers to create Blomberg M style. Cannon Co. radiators were overlaid on the waffle style grills.
The dynamic brake blister was reshaped to model a "dash 2" extended range style. And a pile of SP-specific details were added. This model
was badly damaged when I accidentally dropped it one day moving it into my display cabinet. I decided it wasn't worth saving and did the
unthinkable - threw it in the trash. Literally. My rationale was two-fold: 1) my focus has narrowed to Santa Fe's Superfleet era, so it no longer fit
my interests, and 2) Athearn now makes a really nice ready-to-roll GP40-2, so I couldn't imagine anyone would want this (damaged) model.
Above: And finally, SP GP9 3702, another Athearn "wide-body", is the very first diesel I can remember attempting to super-detail.
I was probably in junior high. I vaguely recall attempting to use a Dremel tool to drill out holes for the grab irons. Needless to say,
I ended up with enormous sloppy craters. So what did I do? Tried filling them with wood putty. Yeah, wood putty. Didn't work so well!
But hey, we all start somewhere, right? Eventually I learned about pin vises, micro drill bits, Squadron green putty (which had its own
issues of shrinking over time), and all the other tricks of the trade.
I was probably in junior high. I vaguely recall attempting to use a Dremel tool to drill out holes for the grab irons. Needless to say,
I ended up with enormous sloppy craters. So what did I do? Tried filling them with wood putty. Yeah, wood putty. Didn't work so well!
But hey, we all start somewhere, right? Eventually I learned about pin vises, micro drill bits, Squadron green putty (which had its own
issues of shrinking over time), and all the other tricks of the trade.
Above: ATSF SD45-2 5667 was a brass import that I painted, lettered, and weathered. As with many brass
models, the drive left a lot to be desired so I eventually sold this model when Athearn produced theiir SD45-2.
models, the drive left a lot to be desired so I eventually sold this model when Athearn produced theiir SD45-2.