sw1500 Radiator screen sizes and O scale sources

[big train james]

Hi All,
I'm getting started on a kitbash of an O scale Atlas mp15dc into an sw1500.  One of the things I'd like to improve upon while reworking the model is to replace the radiator screen on the top of the hood with something that looks more realistic.  Atlas utilizes an etched metal screen with a rectangular pattern.  However, the screen has a substantial border all the way around the outside of the screen, which doesn't appear to be prototypical.



What I'm aiming for is something like what Liz Allen did with her blue box Athearn sw1500 in HO scale.  I believe she used Plano rectangular mesh sheet for the new grill.  That Plano product is to fine of a mesh for O scale though.  

I'm hoping somebody can provide accurate data on the prototype wire and opening dimensions, and also recommend a source for hobby scale rectangular mesh.  It can be etched or otherwise, as long as it's not woven.

Worst case scenario I will try to have my own custom etched.  But I'd prefer to avoid that step if possible.

Thanks,
Jim

[big train james]

I'll give this a gentle nudge as it moved down off the first page quite quickly.
Thanks,
Jim

[jakeloyst]

only thing I can think of is on ebay, there are various stainless meshs, in various sizes, but not sure if any are rectangular in shape

[big train james]

I've found some but usually they are too big.  Apparently my definition of miniature is not the same as most others.  I looked at the screen used for the same conversion in HO on a thread here but the holes are square, which isn't accurate either.

I'll keep looking around.  It's gotta be out there somewhere.  It just would be nice if Plano would do O scale products.  There are an awful lot of things I could use.

Thanks,
Jim

[jakeloyst]

this may be a longshot, but have you considered brass screen, and pull out every second thrad on one side to make rectangles?

[big train james]

Hmmm, never thought of that.  I'll have to look into it.  But if the mesh is woven then it won't quite have the right look anyway.  But it's still a good idea.  Exploration continues.

Jim

[simulatortrain]

While it's not woven, it's not that different on the real thing: www.pbase.com/espeef5/image/39918536

[big train james]

Adam,
Thanks for that link. There are some awesome photos that will definitely help with this build.

Jim

[jakeloyst]

I just looked at the photo, could you make a wood form , and then use individual scale wire to make your own mesk, and then use a spray adhesice, or super glue sparingly to hold it together, that might even allow you to bend each end over a tack or pin to replicate the bolt holes

[big train james]

That's my intention if I don't find a pre-existing material suitable for O scale. I actually chatted up a customer of mine that has a machine shop and he was definitely interested in doing some small machine jobs for me and kind of exploring the hobby. It helps that he has childhood friends that are into trains as adults so he knew where I was coming from. So I think I might do a 3d cad drawing of a jig with the grooves in it and use it to bend individual wires. I bet he could cnc machine it out of delrin or other engineering plastic or out of aluminum. I would need to figure out how to attach everything but I'm sure there's a way. I'm hoping he can also do some machine work on a frame and custom drive idea I have. I'd love to have the tools and know-how to do this stuff myself but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

The problem with O scale is one can see these types of details quite easily so they need to be pretty convincing. Both a blessing and a curse. That's why I was hoping to get some dimensions so I could nake it as accurate as possible. 


Jim