No ideas, eh? No problem, I've thought of a solution. I'll model all three.
I currently have two undecorated standard SW1500's (says 95840 on the box). The people at Athearn say they have the hood, cab and light boards for the SP style. Dan's casting has the decals in HO, N and Z (I need the HO for no5, the N scale for no.7 and the Z scale for a future slug project).
It's seems there is no obstical to modelling the South Buffalo locos. I might proceed with my original idea and model the SB rwy. But it can be hard to choose which rototypes or whether freelance might be better.
OK, once I have the Athearn SP parts to do up one of the standard models as South Buffalo no.5, what other parts will I need?
List of General Details for All Models
2x Canon & Co SW1500 steps/walkways: part 2037
1x Canon & Co tread strips: part 2016
1x Detail Associates AAR lift bars: part 229-2212
1x Detail Associates Eyebolts: part 229-2206
Not sure about these:
1x Detail Associates radiator grills SW units: part 229-2709
1x Detail Associates Class lights (7"?): part 229-1709
The grill looks wrong for this prototype. It is of a diagonal pattern rather than the square type. I think it is suitable for earlier EMD switchers. The solution might be to use parts from this and the Atlas radiator cover from their MP15DC. And a quick check shows Atlas does indeed sell the front grilles as spares. Item code 990218
The lights need replacing on the model but I haven't yet measured the holes. I guess them to be about 1mm which would equal the scale 4'5" version (part 229-1708). But if closer to 2mm, then the scale 7" would be right. I'll edit this later after I dig a ruler and caliphers out of their boxes.
Specific Details
SB no. 5.
This is an ex-SP loco, so I'd imagine it has the same antennas and such like. I've attached a pic of no.6 (no.5 is the one behind it). I need to hunt for more photos.
SB no.7
This is the ex-RF&P loco, which I'll model in the years immediately following its aquisition. So it will still be in patched RF&P colours.
I think it has a firecracker antenna and it has spark arrestors. Detail associates does no make the right type. Does anyone know which comany makes them? These are the closest I can find:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/247-131