Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 16:38:27 GMT -5
I have to do this. It has been bugging me ever since I can remember thinking about it. I have been so focused on fine scale modeling, I find it VERY hard to break away from it. So I just have to do this. I have to set rules for it though. The recent Pacific Western post from Drew brought the seed forward again. I have tried this before and failed miserably.
I have an Athearn improved BB undecorated SD40-2 as my starting model. I just need to figure out what I want to build it to represent. This is a build where I want to be able to finish the build portion of it in one weekend. paint and weather in another weekend.
I have to set rules to this though. If not the build can snowball out of control. So rules as follow:
1. No cutting off major parts to replace with Cannon & Co. parts. Nothing against Cannon & Co., but when I start down that path. One thing leads to another and the monster rears its ugly head. 2. I can only cut ONE major detail off. I have to pick the most offending detail and replace it. Only one though. 3. Small details can be trimmed off. Example. Head light can be removed and replaced with visored light housing. That is a small none time consuming detail removal. Another example. If the unit needs a plow I can trim off the plate at the bottom of the pilot. Again, a none time consuming task.
So what I have to do first is figure out what is the basic minimum I need to do to make this model stand out.
The major task will be cleaning up the mold parting lines.
More to come as I get into this project.
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Post by icghogger on Feb 6, 2015 17:01:28 GMT -5
I gotta watch this!! I can't start and finish ANYTHING in one weekend (except maybe bowel movements)!!
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Post by iomalley on Feb 6, 2015 17:08:10 GMT -5
Brian, I do this on a regular basis, usually about the same time I clean off my desk! It's a reset or a cleanse, as I call it.
I usually go a little bit 'lazier' and buy a factory painted unit and do things like add better horn/plow/MU hoses/renumber it/re-handrail it etc, etc.
I usually sell off the finished project as it's just a kick starter, and doesn't need to follow my sometimes restrictive prototype/timeline. Its just a project that moves 'fast' across the desk, to give a measure of some progress.
If you bog down with heavy projects, you stall...happens all the time with me.
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efram
Chairman
Posts: 206
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Post by efram on Feb 6, 2015 17:52:51 GMT -5
My suggestion- replace all steps with etched, see-through items. Other than that, those BB SD40-2s aren't bad looking, and I can't think of any other offending parts of the shell, (if you aren't "allowed" to use C&C products....
My only other suggestion: Perhaps the fans?
Sean, I like your idea of using this as a cleanse. I have an RTR SD40 that may get the restricted rebuild...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 18:23:22 GMT -5
The only offending part I will remove is the air reservoirs.
I did not say I would not use Cannon & Co parts, jut not any that require serious cutting. Fans require this.
Sean, I understand the cleansing. It is a big part of my model building experience. I have to cleanse. After I finish a project I do a thorough cleaning of my work room. Put everything away and organize.
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Kurt
Road Foreman
Posts: 56
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Post by Kurt on Feb 7, 2015 0:30:23 GMT -5
While I admire your list of do's and don't's on this build I think you are going to find out that staying within your guide lines is going to be harder than you think. When I did my budget parts build Mopac SD40-2 training myself to not add additional parts was extremely difficult. It's like it goes against all your instincts. Anyway I'm sure you're going to put us all to shame with with this build as you usually do!
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Post by stevef45 on Feb 7, 2015 22:41:12 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2015 11:00:18 GMT -5
Nice picture Steve, but to new. I want something from the late '70's. I was looking at an ICG or RI unit, but that means I have to cut the nose off and replace it with an 81" nose and also replace the radiator screens. So those are out. I have to find a prototype that fits the model. Has to have an 88" nose and corrugated radiator intake grills. I found either a UP unit or a N&W low nose unit. I am leaning toward the N&W unit. Building the triple clasps will not be difficult since I have done so many of them and I think it will help sell the model even more.
Kurt, I tend to agree with you. I am trying VERY hard to keep this one on focus. I will be cutting off and replacing two things. One minor and one major. The minor item will be the steps. The major will be the air reservoirs. Once the truck frames are built, the rest will go very quickly.
This build will start right after I finish my MoPac GP35. Or possibly after I get done with the U30C. Probably after the U30C. I keep putting off finishing that one up and if I can get the U30C done, my plate will be clean for a fresh start on a relaxing model before I jump into my two MoPac GP15's.
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Kurt
Road Foreman
Posts: 56
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Post by Kurt on Feb 8, 2015 12:24:32 GMT -5
I'm curious how you're going to handle the leaning cab problem. I'm assuming you will be dropping in Cannon cab?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2015 15:52:02 GMT -5
Nope, no Cannon cab. Athearn cab with AMB windows. Remember, this is a minimum build. Only replacing stuff that absolutely has to be replaced. Only the necessary details added to make it prototype specific.
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milw199
Superintendent
Beaded crossbucks FTW
Posts: 180
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Post by milw199 on Feb 9, 2015 0:22:31 GMT -5
Here's one for you. Was built for MoPac. Corrugated grills, wheel handbrake on a 88" nose, relocated main reservoirs for dual fillers.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2015 8:54:08 GMT -5
Mike,
Nice unit. Before I even read your post I tagged it as an ex MoPac unit.
Two reason I would not choose this one to model.
1. It is not set in the late 1970's and it has ditch lights. No more ditch lights for me. 2. It is basically a MoPac locomotive. I want to model something different.
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 9, 2015 10:18:49 GMT -5
Mike, Nice unit. Before I even read your post I tagged it as an ex MoPac unit. Two reason I would not choose this one to model. 1. It is not set in the late 1970's and it has ditch lights. No more ditch lights for me. 2. It is basically a MoPac locomotive. I want to model something different. What about modeling the WSOR as a Mopac unit from the 70s?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2015 10:56:33 GMT -5
Chris, that falls under #2. It is a MoPac locomotive and my MoPac modeling is full on, full detail projects. And again, I want to model something completely different or something that I have had an eye on for a very long time, but never had a real reason to take the time to build it. I do not want that slippery slope anywhere near this model. So anything Mopac is already at the bottom of the slippery slope. That is already decided.
I do not want to take a lot of time on this model either. Giving myself a 2 week max to finish it so I can get back on to MoPac modeling. It is only meant to be a diversionary refresh and then put up on Ebay to generate funds for some more MoPac stuff. I think an N&W unit would be fun and something that would sell.
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Post by stevef45 on Feb 10, 2015 4:25:32 GMT -5
How about an old southern SD40-2 high hood?
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 10, 2015 11:54:12 GMT -5
I was thinking of a Mopac "B fleet" model for if you plan on building a layout. This sort of build would be great for filling out a fleet until you can catch up with your full builds.
I certainly understand the idea of building something to fund the next project, something I should think about doing myself.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2015 12:38:01 GMT -5
A layout is not in my future. A 10' to 12' shelf diorama is possible, but not a full layout. Something to display on and maybe scoot back and forth on, but not anything that I can run trains on.
Next year when my friend Chris Zygmunt comes down, he is going to build my hobby room in my garage for me. Wall it up and such. After that I can start building the shelf diorama. Then I can finally unbox my models and have them out on display.
A Southern 40-2 would be nice, but I am partial to the NW unit. The triple clasps really set that locomotive off. But I am running into a road block on the N&W unit. I really like the units with the large plows. But that means I would need to replace the radiator fans with Q-fans. Units in the 6200 series had the large plows and also Q-fans and a Q-exhaust. The air reservoir was moved forward to allow for a fuel filler and sight glass at the rear of the tank and they have permanent drop steps without the small deck extension. Building a 6200 series N&W SD40-2 would require to much work to get it done properly so I think my N&W unit will become a full on build and keep the model for pool power with my MoPac stuff. Kurt, you are right. This project is slipping away. The ice has gathered on the top edge of that slope.
So I need to find something else that is not related to Mopac or pooled with MoPac. I'll put it on the back burner for a while. I have enough to do getting the GP35 and U30C done.
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Post by iomalley on Feb 10, 2015 12:53:24 GMT -5
Ah, the NW6189-6207s, nice! Athearn makes a BB shell with Q fans moulded on, and with an 88" nose. Lemme see if I can scare up the part no...if not, I know I have an undec kit at home for reference. The only big job, would be to swap the bulgie dyn brake that comes with it, with a normal db hatch and add the post 80 exh silencer...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2015 13:18:11 GMT -5
Sean, I have the silencers. I just need the shell. If you are willing, I will trade you the shell I have for yours if you have it. That would bring this project back around because it would mean I do not have to do any surgery. Bring it back to what it was meant to be.
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 10, 2015 14:17:17 GMT -5
If this project is ultimately for fund raising purposes, is there a need for holding to a 70s era model? By shifting out to different era would allow for easier separation in scope from your other model plans. Personally I would find it easier to part with something that radically does not fit my long term plans. I often find that I end up finding ways to try and justify more and more stuff that I've purchased. Just my few cents.
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