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I am interested in modeling the SW8 in the attached picture... I got to take a ride in the cab and take a stab at the controls back in the 1980s. I thought it would be fun to have one.
Where would I get started? I see on ebay there are a few SW8s offered by Proto2000. Can't find any undecorated ones.
How would I get DCC and sound into this thing? Recommended decoders? Any have experience putting the decoder in?
Not even sure where to start with painting, detailing, and decaling.
I'm wondering, anyone out there offer this type of customization as a service? Anyone I could contact about doing this project for me?
You could probably tackle that one easy, I am sure some of the guys on here will offer you up tips on making your own decals with your computer and printer, and the paint is all one colour as well, so a few minutes of masking off windows and such and you are on your way!
I haven't seen an undec. SW8 in a long time. I see a few painted SW8's on ebay all of the time. They are Life-Like Proto 2000 and would be a good starting point for your project. The decals would have to be custom made for sure or using this sheet for the checkers
I have seen a few with DCC already installed on some websites... but these websites look old and I will have to call around a little to see who is still in business... and if they actually have the inventory listed.
If I do get one of these, what is the procedure for stripping paint off an old shell? How do I do this without damaging the windows?
I'm a newbie here. Haven't done anything like this at all.
Thats for that other picture, looks like they cleaned it up a little in that picture.
According to the photographer, that picture was taken in Blissfield MI in May 2007. There are different ways to strip the paint off of a painted unit. A lot of people use 91% isopropyl alcohol, others use pine-sol, brake fluid, etc. The unit has to be completely dis-assembled first (glass included). There are many people that install both sound and DCC, even a few members of this forum. I know that on switchers it can be very a tight fit for both.
Yeah, Checker has been having problems in the last few years with the slower automotive sales. They stamp parts for GM (and in the past other manufacturers as well - I think). They did pretty good business in the 80's when they bought that switcher. Things have slowed down since then. They filed for bankruptcy protection this January. Not suprised they had to sell it off.
If you guys aren't sure who Checker Motors is... they make the famous checker cabs you see in movies. They were sold all over the world from the 1930s through 1984. Every checker in the world was made at that factory in Kalamazoo.
