BNSF 8208 SD75M -- Feedback, please

[walong]

Hi All,

I recently completed this model of an ATSF SD75M re-stenciled for BNSF. This is an Athearn Genesis with the Details West kit, A-Line steps, and a hatful of other parts. Handrails are scratchbuilt from PB wire and SV stanchions. I also installed a QSI Rev-A sound decoder.

I started this about two years ago and I have been working at it off & on (mostly off). This is the 4th diesel that I've detailed in HO (I have a few others in N) and the first one that I have weathered worth mentioning.

These photos were taken before I added the final flat clear coat, tho that last step nearly turned into a major disaster -- I used Polly Scale Clear Flat from the airbrush and was unpleasantly surprised when it dried with a substantial 'haze' effect over the whole model. Not sure why it reacted that way, but a layer of Dullcote from the rattle can fortunately helped clear up most of it (tho it is still more than I would care for).

I'd like to ask for your comments & feedback.

Thanks,
Ed

(Note, I just posted the links, since I'm not sure how to tell the board to re-size the images)
i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/ednadolski/100B3392-crop-small.jpg
i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/ednadolski/100B3402-crop-small.jpg
i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/ednadolski/100B3412-crop-small.jpg
i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/ednadolski/100B3422-crop-small.jpg

[Deleted]

Awesome detailing and weathering you did.

The weathering is just right and the grime in the underframe and pilot area looks superb. The handrails look great and the Sergent couplers really make this loco stand out, aside from the awesome detailing you've done.

[roaringengines]

that looks awsome!!

really great work!

little question, where did you buy the Sergent couplers?
I don't find the neither on caboose hobbies nor on walthers...

best regards

Florian

[icghogger]

Ed, I would put you up against anyone and dare them to go one better! That is Superb Work, keep it up!

[superfleet93]

Looks fantastic Ed! How about sharing your weathering techniques with us.

Perry

[antlorch]

Florian,here is a link to Sergent directly,just order from them..
www.sergentengineering.com/

[antlorch]

Alright Ed all I want to say is in one word.....AWESOME.......

[walong]

Thanks everyone, glad you liked the pics. Florian, I did get the Sargents OTS at Caboose Hobbies -- probably worth a call (303-777-6766) since the online catalog may be outdated. IIRC Andy at the P:87 Stores also has them.

For weathering, I started with a fade coat from the airbrush, using thinned MM Sand/Light Gray with Clear Flat. For grime I used artists acrylics (Black/White/Raw Umber mix) thinned with an eco-friendly glass cleaner (I don’t go for windshield wash). I applied in layers, thin for washes and heavier for streaking effects, plus some stippling/drybrush for spots like the plow. I also airbrushed flat black for the roof/exhaust and earth/dirt for the underframe/truck/step areas. Wheel faces were MM burnt umber & rust-colored powders, plus the earth/dirt mix.

Overall I think the weathering looks a bit washed out in the photos; in-person under room light t looks a bit more intense to my eye. I had thought that I overdid it a bit, but some prototype pics of these units show them fairly grimy.

[roaringengines]

thanks for the answer

[NCCR 2580]

Awesome weathering!!! That thing looks good and I think is the 1st 75 I have seen where someone weathered it up good to represent todays look. Most of the time I think that one find them selfs thinking they are desecrating that War Bonnet paint if they add that appearance, LOL That weathering on the pilots and under carriage is great work Sir!

Nice job, Well done!

[Smoke]

I somehow missed this! That is fantastic!!!!! I model modern myself and that is spot on for the look of a warbonnet today!!!! One thing you might want to add is a fuel spill. On a unit that has been around for a while, it is likely to have some fuel spillage. IMO it adds a nice effect.

Just a thought,
Andrew

[RunningExtra]

Great job Ed!!