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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:18:57 GMT -5
This started out as a simple add detail and correct parts project. The more I did, the more I saw that needed to be done. The problem with the BLI unit is it's not correct for any road. The early engines, 7500-7510 were different from 7511 and up. I choose to do 7513, the number on the engine I had. The first thing I did was the stacks and horn, a simple chore. antennas were also easy to change. The inlet grills for the dynamic brakes were a bit more difficult, but not that bad. The walkway on the engineers side needed to be streached and the air tanks moved. I ordered a spare body from BLI, lucky for me they had one that had hit the floor, so I got it for $7.00. I decided to replace the cast on air tanks because I had to cut them off anyway. I replaced the air inlet grills with the correct ones for my number. These came from the spare shell. Still on the engineers side, I blanked off the battery box where the side sill begins. I had to fill and redrill the holes for the stanchions on both sides. The rear jack pad had to be redone. One of the more obvious differences is the space above the engine section doors. On the early engines, the top is even with the doors, on 7511 and up, there is a space above the doors. I cut the top off the engine and dynamic brake sections. I had to lower the top of the dynamic section and add new doors. To do the top, I cut the top, with part of the doors, to make a new higher roof. I'll add more as the photos are posted.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:27:21 GMT -5
Streached walkway, done before major modifications.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:32:45 GMT -5
The grills have been replaced. Notice the x panel and inlet for the clean air section, these will swap places on both sides. Here again, I haven't started the major modifications yet.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:38:49 GMT -5
Here I'm starting the major modifications. The roof and top to the dynamic brake section have been removed. I was going to reuse the doors, but I couldn't sand the doors flat.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:49:49 GMT -5
The new top for the engine and dynamic brake section has been installed, and the X panel and grill have been removed.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 12:56:59 GMT -5
Here the X panel and grill are in place along with the top edge painted and horizontal doors at the front of the radiator section.
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Post by emd16645 on Nov 14, 2015 14:26:21 GMT -5
Awesome work Bobby. A true work of art!
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 14:50:26 GMT -5
Thanks Chris.
Regards,Bobby
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 15:27:53 GMT -5
The new extended top is in place along with the lowered dynamic brake section top. I had to redo the stacks and dynamic brake grills. I cut the lift rings off of the original top dynamic brake hatches and put them on the new doors.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 15:35:31 GMT -5
Here you can see the engine section doors have been shortened as well as the three doors on the clean air section. I also added a horizontal door, note the scratched wing nuts. I've yet to add the bottom filler on the big doors. The X panel and inlet are in their correct place.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 15:46:42 GMT -5
As you can see, the filler is in place, the walkway has been thinned, and paint has been applied. Another difference is the later versions have 6 rungs on the side rather than 7 on the earlier run. Like I said, there was no end to the differences I found. The thinned walkway required that the jack pads be redone. Another access door was added to the radiator section.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 15:54:04 GMT -5
You can see why the walkway was thinner on this side, to allow for the pre-lube box. the rungs are in place and UP decals. I still have a lot of stuff to add to the tank. The fuel gauge was changed to the flush type from the inset style.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 16:01:48 GMT -5
The scratched air tanks were added, and the water drain notch moved. BLI uses metal in the tank and frame that's bullet proof. I went through several cutting discs removing the air tanks. You can see the plated over hatch just ahead of the tank.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 16:22:25 GMT -5
In this photo, you can see the cab grill has been corrected using the original grill and the one from the spare shell. The sill under the cab has been corrected and the step brace. The starter box has been moved back and the electrical box raised up. One spotting feature on the 7511 and up, is the double rail behind the cab. I used tops cut from extra stanchions to hold the bottom rail. I've done a bit of weathering, but not the final job.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 19:38:38 GMT -5
The front has the correct plow added, OMI MU hose and a scratched MU cable holder. I used modified SV stanchions. The chain is stainless.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 19:43:10 GMT -5
The rear has OMI MU hoses, scratched knuckle holders and a MU cable holder.
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Post by tankcarsrule on Nov 14, 2015 20:06:42 GMT -5
Side view of completed engine.
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pacbelt
Chairman
Building Layout #11!! ;)
Posts: 682 
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Post by pacbelt on Nov 15, 2015 6:55:35 GMT -5
Bobby, all I can say is WOW!!!!!  According to your timeline... this only took you 18 HOURS to build?  It IS beautiful. ~ Carmine |
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Post by emd16645 on Nov 15, 2015 7:51:47 GMT -5
Bobby, all I can say is WOW!!!!! According to your timeline... this only took you 18 HOURS to build? It IS beautiful. ~ Carmine Come on, we all know it took him half that time and he was stalling for effect  |
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Nov 15, 2015 14:44:09 GMT -5
That's a huge beast! Some real nice kitbashing too. Looks fantastic!
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