Jerome. Have you ever thought of putting out a detailed list of the parts you use to build your switchers? I have a handful of BN units that I want to detail in the future and have no idea where to start with this.
Finally these are ready for some paint. If it helps Chris there is a small list of the parts I used on these at the bottom, which for the most part are commonly found on all SW1500's like Lift bars, MU hoses, Air hoses, Antennas and Lift rings. As for prototype specific details and placement of these parts, you are best to look at the photo of your unit in real life and then source those specific details for that model and then place them accordingly.
Extra holes not used on my prototype (Plus my mistakes) were filled with white Squadron Putty. I would have preferred to use green Squadron Putty if I was doing it again because it offers colour contrast to the white undecorated shell which helps see where you have sanded. The model in these photos are of the Athearn Undecorated SW1500 part number ATH-95840 (Non-SP Version). The nice thing about these undecorated RTR versions is they come with a large bag of extra parts including different side frames and prototype specific details to choose from. All you have to do is decided what you want to use and what you don't. I myself replaced most of the details with third party details because in my opinion they just look better.
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Details West
AH-328 Leslie Low Profile SU-3L-R (Horn)
MU-266 MU Hose
AH-267 Air Hose
FF-167 Fuel Filler
BE-292 Bell Roof Top (SP)
Details Associates
SY 2211 Coupler Lift Bar ‘ARR’
2809 Truck Air Line ‘EMD’ *DOES NOT FIT DO NOT USE*
2206 3 1/2'” Eye Bolts (also used for Lift Bars)
1802 Radio Antenna – Whip (bases only)
2501 Brass Wire - .006” (for antenna or use Jerome’s bristle technique)
Cannon and Company
ST-2016 Walkway Safety Tread (Thanks Jerome)
ST-2002 Safety Tread and steps SW1000 and SW1500
(ST-2037 NOT recommended because the fit and finish is poor regardless of whether or not you have deck mounted or side mounted railings)