John's Loco Workbench - More Projects Begin...

[bnsf971]

They were probably working with different kind of IPA

Or not, which would also explain the condition of the model. Stevie Wonder could see that original paint removal job was terrible.

 

[jmupton2000]

I think I have managed to rescue it:

Might need a little fine filler but at least it is salvageable. For a little while I thought it was going to be a file it completely flat and replace all the hood side doors job.

 

[jmupton2000]

Unfortunately, the filler revealed just how deeply gouged the long hood doors are, down to the depth of the body itself in places.

Unfortunately Kato SD40 shells in the UK are not exactly common. What is however is Athearn Blue Box shells so, having checked that all the doors match up, sections of a scrap shell have been salvaged and added to the various cut and shut tasks this project is mounting up.

At least the office stapler hand grabs are now gone!!!

 

[jmupton2000]

Pushing forwards, the bodyshell has been subjected to some heavy surgery.

All unwanted grills have been removed and areas sanded flat. The three radiator fan apertures will be filled in as will the short hood handbrake recess.

Two of the 48" fans have been salvaged for reuse as - annoyingly - Cannon's matching parts are out of stock!

 

[jmupton2000]

Most of the filling done and the new long hood side spliced in on this side at least:

The Espee light show is also on:

Still uncertain about the engineers window. As built these had the L shaped version but some seem to have been converted to a more conventional layout later in life. Cannot make up my mind if surgery on the cab front is worth it or not.

 

[Kusojiji]

What tool are you using to cut these pieces? I'm looking at getting a Proxxon MM30, but it doesn't seem to go slow enough.

 

[jmupton2000]

What tool are you using to cut these pieces? I'm looking at getting a Proxxon MM30, but it doesn't seem to go slow enough.

I've never been very good with electric tools so I go slowly and carefully with medical scalpels (pack of ten sterilised expired ones, cheap, sharp and effective) and a fine razor saw.

 

[Kusojiji]

OMG! I would have lost a lot of skin and blood doing that! No matter how careful I am around blades, I usually lose the battle.

 

[jmupton2000]

OMG! I would have lost a lot of skin and blood doing that! No matter how careful I am around blades, I usually lose the battle.

I do have a few battle scars...

 

[jmupton2000]

After days of hacking, cutting, filling and filing, now it is time to put some bits back on!

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

After days of hacking, cutting, filling and filing, now it is time to put some bits back on!
View attachment 263484
View attachment 263485

Wow! Looks like you've made a lot of progress on it.

 

[jmupton2000]

Wow! Looks like you've made a lot of progress on it.

Thanks! I do what I can when I can but work keeps getting in the way...

Mind you, I do enjoy my job...

 

[jmupton2000]

We have radiator grilles (thinned down Cannon parts) and hand grab rails on (proper ones, not office staples!)

Next, a coat of primer and probably a lot more filler...

 

[jmupton2000]

Well, considering what I had to start with, it's looking better:

 

[bnsf971]

It certainly looks better than it did when you began.
Have you been able to source a handbrake stand for the rear?

 

[jmupton2000]

It certainly looks better than it did when you began.
Have you been able to source a handbrake stand for the rear?

Indeed I have, Details West part number HB-177

 

[jmupton2000]

By the way, does anyone know how to get the truck side frames off?

 

[bnsf971]

By the way, does anyone know how to get the truck side frames off?

I think you remove the bottom cover of the truck, and you will then be able to unclip the side frames.

 

[jmupton2000]

Getting there...

 

[jmupton2000]

Red ends, transfers and rear platform hand brake...