C44-9W BNSF 693 Warbonnet

[Ridgeline]

Gentlemen,

It's been a while since my last modeling project and the diesels have been looking bored... So, I put in an order for some detail parts and went to work on a Dash-9 Warbonnet.

The objective is to build BNSF 693, as seen in the below picture... All credit due to the owner, of course.



This unit will be my second HO scale build, and first with underframe details... I started on a few pipes and fittings already, next are the trucks, and I'm waiting on the correct air tanks... It's not 100% accurate, but I'm okay with 10% artistic license... ;D

Anyway, pictures:





Comments? Concerns? Suggestions? Any input is always appreciated!

[Smoke]

Love the under-frame piping Andy! You sure did pick a distinctive prototype. I like the primer along the sill, handrails etc. What are the plans for the AC unit?

[Ridgeline]

Thanks Andrew! I'm a HUGE fan of the underframe details... I love the way they're coming out!

I have the Details West Dayton-Phoenix A/C (AC-260) that I'm going to replace the stock unit with.

I'm still trying to find grills that I can use on the radiator roof... I really want to open it up because I have a speaker to put inside. If anyone could point me in the right direction for those parts I'd really appreciate it.

[Smoke]

Mar 7, 2010 17:01:56 GMT -5 Ridgeline said:

Thanks Andrew! I'm a HUGE fan of the underframe details... I love the way they're coming out!

I have the Details West Dayton-Phoenix A/C (AC-260) that I'm going to replace the stock unit with.

I'm still trying to find grills that I can use on the radiator roof... I really want to open it up because I have a speaker to put inside. If anyone could point me in the right direction for those parts I'd really appreciate it.

There was a company that made some of the material needed for grills IIRC. On The Mark Models is the company I was thinking of, here is a thread where the material was used for a SW1500.

dieseldetailer.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=tech1&thread=1122&page=1

From the thread it seems that the material is not available anymore. I'm not sure if there are any other materials out there that would be suitable for the grills.

-Andrew

[icghogger]

Ngineering.com offers some PE screen in N scale. Not sure if it will work, but might be worth looking at.

[atsf90]

Details Associates has a grill set for the dash-9, PN# 229-2724.

Walthers did not have a pic but this site does.
www.mainlinehobby.com/catpages/DET.shtml

[Ridgeline]

NICE! That DA part looks perfect.... Thanks guys!

I started working on the trucks... Well, the front truck, at least... ;D I'm waiting on the speed recorder and I'll probably need waaaay more axle bearing caps....

[drgwguy]

From your photo of the trucks, I count that you will need 2 packs of DW BC-244s. They come in packs of 4, you will need 5 bearing caps; engineer's front and conductors rear sideframes have shock absorbers, others do not. I enclosed a pic of your projects sister........also with DA Dash grills!

Keep us up to date on the project!

Rick
www.fourrocksmodelworks.com

[Raeder]

Hi Andy,

Might I make a recommendation? I thought about adding a speaker in the radiator area like you are, but I ended up installing a QSI High Bass speaker in the cab. If you tint the windows and paint the speaker driver housing black, you would be able to fit it in there without anybody knowing. I did it on a Dash 9 of mine and it sure sounds nice. PM me if you want more info.

I do like the project, and I'll be following it because I want to model one of these units somewhere down the line. The one you're doing is very distinctive, and will be a good model when you're done. Good luck with it!

Kevin

[Ridgeline]

Mar 24, 2010 0:40:33 GMT -5 jhendy29 said:

WHO MAKES THE SHELL AND FRAME?

The whole unit is an Athearn RTR model.

Rick, I concur with your count... I FINALLY got around to ordering the caps, grills, and a few other parts I need to finish this model. Your Warbonnet is fantastic, by the way, as are the other models on your site... Thanks for the inspiration!

Kevin, That's a good idea... I've been somewhat disappointed with the sound out of the Soundtraxx speaker I've gotten, so I'm looking for another alternative. I don't really want to blank the windows, though, since I'm planning to put a crew in the cab... My ruler and wishful thinking say I can force a high bass speaker into the grill... Maybe not. I'm also looking at hacking and patching the fuel tank... If worse comes to worst I'm even willing to remove the drive mechanism from the rear truck... Let's see what happens, I'll make it fit!

Thanks for the comments guys. The remaining parts are scheduled to be here Thursday, so I'm planning to throw paint this weekend. I'll post pics before I primer!

[drgwguy]

Andy-
If I'm not mistaken, doesn't the RTR have the same "bracing" beneath the radiator cap? If it does, a small speaker enclosure can be made in that section (but still above the gear tower) using an aftermarket oval speaker. I'll see if I can find pix of the one in 645 for ya.

Rick
PS- Thanks for the compliments

[drgwguy]

Here's the speaker with styrene enclosure. I didn't think to take a picture of the inside, but I think you get the idea.

Rick

[Ridgeline]

Rick, you're definitely right about the "bracing"... Random strip of plastic running under the grills. I had the same thought about making an enclosure there, and I really like that setup you've shown... What size speaker is that? I've got the 1.38" x 0.63" oval speaker from soundtraxx, and it's much too small. I could probably fit two in the grill side-by-side, but that won't improve the bass response...

[Ridgeline]

Allrighty... So the parts didn't come in until last night, but I was ready to go.... Added the grills, worked on trucks, and added some detail to the body... Left to add are etched metal steps, numberboards, cut levers, and some touch-up details... I still need to find a solution for the walkways, since I really don't want to leave them so bland...

Shot a picture with my phone while my camera charges:

[drgwguy]

Andy- I'm not sure of the make on the speaker, as the gentleman (who the engine belongs to) sent it sans packaging. I think it is actually a higher end speaker for walkie-talkies(?) At least that's what he told me.

On another note; I like the progress shot! A suggestion(?), when you add the speed recorder cable, use some left over decoder wire. It will stay flexible, and is a lot easier to "shape".

Keep us posted,
Rick
http:www.fourrocksmodelworks.com

[Raeder]

Hi Andy,

Here is the info for the speaker. I have use one of these before, and I thought they sounded good.

HB110S QSI High Bass Speaker - QSI Solutions

You can buy them here:

www.tonystrainexchange.com/products/qsi_solutions_accessories.htm

I imagine there are other vendors as well, but this is where I have gotten them in the past.

Kevin

[Freightrain]

COOL!!! Your using my picture from Gallup, NM, if you want the full size version, pm me, lookin good so far.

Also, I believe the red on the Rad housing is only on the conductors side.

[Ridgeline]

Rick, i originally read your post friday night and immediately spent the whole weekend rewiring 3 of my locomotives with leftover decoder wire... ive been using 20 gauge wire until this time, and always complained that it wasnt flexible enough... you basically just revolutionized my wiring... and it seems perfect for the speed recorder cable... thanks!

Kevin, thanks for specifying the speaker... i wasnt sure which size would fit into the radiator... i already ordered a few.

Glenn, thank you for providing that photo.... its a fantastic shot and, obviously, the inspiration for this build... a high-res pic would be fantastic, id love to have it as my wallpaper!

I spent some time wiring this diesel, so its finally ready for paint... ill start masking and spraying tonight...