ModelRailroadForums.com is a free
Model Railroad Discussion Forum and
photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
I'm working on 3 SW1500's, 2 for Alcomotive and 1 for me.
First up is SP #2475, this is the prototype:
And here is the engine mostly detailed and in SP dark lark gray.
This is UP (ex-SP) #1121, this is the prototype:
And here is the engine mostly detailed and in SP dark lark gray.
And finally, here is UP #1183, the prototype:
And here is the model with most of the parts on.
The 2 SP switchers were painted in SP light lark gray first, so with a little light sanding, I will be able to have the very weathered affect on them. More to come............
Grandson of an ALCO Builder
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Jerome, have you ever noticed those Athearn SW-1500's seem to sit too high on the trucks compared to the prototype? Any idea why?
Jim, the body is just sitting on the frame, not locked down. Here's one that is locked down.
Ah, OK, that looks better.
nice work. don't forget to blank the 4 windows on 1183.
the cab roof looks a little different on the prototype.
the cab roof looks a little different on the prototype.
They just need the sunshades fitting.
Ron
More progress on these 3 SW's this week.
Both of the SP units have their SP scarlet on them and some weathered light gray. The UP unit is decaled up and ready for final assembly.
You have done great jobs on these locomotives john. Could you give me some tips?
Brian, as far as detailing them and painting them go. I like to put most of the detail parts on before painting. A good sharp X-acto knife, tweezers and pin vise drill are the best tools you can have. When it comes to painting them, a good air brush and 3M blue painters masking tape are the best tools. I like to download a lot of prototype pictures and study those for detail placement, weathering affects etc. Then a lot of practice, practice, practice!!
Belonging to a board like this one also helps a lot. I'm still learning from our members on here.
Well, unfortunately I am unable to get funds for an airbrush. Will drybrushing work?
Jerome, nice job on those switchers, although those SP units just don't look right since they yanked the light clusters.
Brian, I'd strongly discourage you trying to brush paint a locomotive, especially with acrylics. I've seen it done well with solvent-based paints, using a very fine brush, and done by people who have been painting for a long time. A newcomer, using thick acrylic paint, will end up with a painted blob of plastic. Better to hold off painting anything the size of an engine until you have the right equipment. You can certainly brush paint smaller items, like figures and even vehicles, so you get some practice.
Nice advice. I have tried drybrushing rolling stock. Didn't work to well. Ah well. I'll wait until I have a few more pieces of rolling stock before I try weathering again.
Jerome those are absolutely beautiful.
I am jealous.
Dan, thank you. I'm hoping to have them all decaled this week, but the SP speed lettering decals are on back order at my LHS. Hopefully they'll come in this week.
I got most of the decals on these units tonight. Still waiting on the SP speed lettering though.
Well they are almost done now. They need sunshades, windshield wipers, windows and weathering.
Finally got the SP speed lettering decals in and applied.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)
