Begineer needs help (Detailing GP9)

[jkchubbes]

A few years back I got the idea to try and detail the Wathers Trainline GP9M into one of the GP9s the local SJVR uses, like the one in this picture.
http://www.trainweb.org/KernJunction/sjvr/99012502.jpg

Is there any company that would make a correct cab for this, my model has a single piece window and the prototype is a double window. How could I do the sill above the fuel tank. Would I just cut it into shape. The louvers are also wrong on the model compared to the prototype, how could I add another set of louvers and take one out, is it possible? My last question is as you can tell in the photo I went to town on it trying to remove the winterization hatch which isint on the prototype, is there a way I can patch that?

Also what is a good book to start to learn this stuff?


-Jacob Klatt
J.K. Chubbes Railroad Photography

 

[jbaakko]

Is there any company that would make a correct cab for this, my model has a single piece window and the prototype is a double window.

Not really. You might be able to use a Proto 2000 GP20 cab, but I think it had a single too. You can trim out the middle and use the center from a Cannon & Co cab kit though.

How could I do the sill above the fuel tank. Would I just cut it into shape.

That is correct. Thats how I did it on my Cargil GP9.

The louvers are also wrong on the model compared to the prototype, how could I add another set of louvers and take one out, is it possible?

Yes, trim off the old ones. I think Plano model products has the louvers.

My last question is as you can tell in the photo I went to town on it trying to remove the winterization hatch which isint on the prototype, is there a way I can patch that?

Styrene over the spot (if you left a hole), fill with putty, and file smooth. Then add 36" fans from Details West, Detail Associates, or Cannon (there may be others too...). Actually, now that I look at it, it looks like it has a 48" fan where the winterization hatch was, and also on the dynamic brake.

Also what is a good book to start to learn this stuff?

Kalmbach has a book called diesel detailing projects. Try these 5 different books:
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...iling_Projects_Prototype_Modeling_in_Ho_Scale
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/..._for_the_Diesel_Modeler_Diesel_Modelers_Guide
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...to_Detail_Diesel_Locomotives_Model_Railroader
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...lroadings_Guide_to_Modeling_Detailing_Diesels
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/..._for_the_Diesel_Modeler_Diesel_Modelers_Guide

Also, the key, is to ask here, if you're unsure. There's a ton of first class detailers here.

 

[jkchubbes]

Thanks for the help. I have another question now, if you look on the photo of my cruel winterization hatch removal, my knife slipped and cut a small line back to the rear, can I repair that?

 

[jbaakko]

I could not see the pics, you had to be a member there. Could you upload them here? If you click the "Go Advanced" button below the reply, there's an attachments section.

 

[jkchubbes]

Here they are

 

[jbaakko]

Though it is fairly beat up (cut & the number boards) you should be able to salvage it with some putty. However, I did not know this before, and if you're not picky, it does not matter at all but thats is what we refer to as a "wide body", the body being slightly wider then the prototype, so that the older motors would fit.