Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2008 14:30:42 GMT -5
Other than finishing the GMTX GP38, I keep finding myself starting models and then getting frustrated with them and shelving the whole project. This leads me into the topic of this thread.
About a month ago I started a super build SD40. I got bogged down again in the details. I started with a KATO SD40 and did some extreme milling on the frame. I then decided to build the deck from styrene. I got as far as the step wells and then shelved the project. I then took a different approach. This time I used the Kato deck and milled the frame so I could build everything up under the deck. I got as far as finishing one side of the frame with all the traction motor cables, filters and plumbing and then shelved the project. As you can see I am setting up a pattern and not finsihing models. It gets very frustrating. I turned two perfectly good KATO SD40's into part donars.
So this leads me to the third attempt at this model. I am determined to build this three unit set
www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=234998&nseq=4
The first unit being the SD40. So last week I sat in my hobby room contemplating what my problem is
. I came to the conclusion I was to busy focusing on the individual model rather than the whole scene or train. I dug out some of my old modeling books and one in particular I think it is called DIESEL DETAILING. It has a red cover with a UP Dash something on the cover. It has a number of article in it by Jim Six and it was just what I needed to bring me back to the basics of modeling. There are two models in there by Jim. One is an SD45 and the other is an SD40. Those two articles were all the inspiration I needed to bring me back to a level that I can live with and enjoy again. From what I can see on the models, Jim basically just added minimal details and then gave them a decent weathering job. I think they look fantastic and put on a layout with other good looking models, they look GREAT!
That is what I mean about focusing to much on the individual model. I want to change my focus to the whole scene. That means all the models plus the scene they are put in. Detail my locomotives enough to give them the prototype look, but not go so far that you have to get up so close to see everything.
Last wednesday I started the SD40 over again. This time I only milled the frame enough to get in a few details such as Cannon & Co. air resevoirs and necessary plumbing and a Railflyer bell. I did cut everything off the fuel tank and rebuilt it to look better. I am not totally stopping the detail work, but taming it down a bit and so far I am moving along at a fairly good pace. As of Sunday night I have the frame and deck all done. That includes the pilot faces. I am waiting on some parts from Athearn so I can build new truck side frames to get the one up/one down brake cylinder setup.
This week I will be working on the hood. I am using an Atlas hood because I like the door details better, plus I will be putting in individual dynamic brake grills. I got the Atlas SD DB grill samples done from Plano and will be testing them out this week. I'll be using the KATO handrail stanchions. I'll drill them out and use brass wire.
When I get the model done pre-paint, I'll post photos.
The GP30 will be next and then the SD45. I am thinking of adding a fourth unit to this set and that being a GP9 B-unit. I'll make that decision after the SD45 is done.
Brian
About a month ago I started a super build SD40. I got bogged down again in the details. I started with a KATO SD40 and did some extreme milling on the frame. I then decided to build the deck from styrene. I got as far as the step wells and then shelved the project. I then took a different approach. This time I used the Kato deck and milled the frame so I could build everything up under the deck. I got as far as finishing one side of the frame with all the traction motor cables, filters and plumbing and then shelved the project. As you can see I am setting up a pattern and not finsihing models. It gets very frustrating. I turned two perfectly good KATO SD40's into part donars.
So this leads me to the third attempt at this model. I am determined to build this three unit set
www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=234998&nseq=4
The first unit being the SD40. So last week I sat in my hobby room contemplating what my problem is
. I came to the conclusion I was to busy focusing on the individual model rather than the whole scene or train. I dug out some of my old modeling books and one in particular I think it is called DIESEL DETAILING. It has a red cover with a UP Dash something on the cover. It has a number of article in it by Jim Six and it was just what I needed to bring me back to the basics of modeling. There are two models in there by Jim. One is an SD45 and the other is an SD40. Those two articles were all the inspiration I needed to bring me back to a level that I can live with and enjoy again. From what I can see on the models, Jim basically just added minimal details and then gave them a decent weathering job. I think they look fantastic and put on a layout with other good looking models, they look GREAT! That is what I mean about focusing to much on the individual model. I want to change my focus to the whole scene. That means all the models plus the scene they are put in. Detail my locomotives enough to give them the prototype look, but not go so far that you have to get up so close to see everything.
Last wednesday I started the SD40 over again. This time I only milled the frame enough to get in a few details such as Cannon & Co. air resevoirs and necessary plumbing and a Railflyer bell. I did cut everything off the fuel tank and rebuilt it to look better. I am not totally stopping the detail work, but taming it down a bit and so far I am moving along at a fairly good pace. As of Sunday night I have the frame and deck all done. That includes the pilot faces. I am waiting on some parts from Athearn so I can build new truck side frames to get the one up/one down brake cylinder setup.
This week I will be working on the hood. I am using an Atlas hood because I like the door details better, plus I will be putting in individual dynamic brake grills. I got the Atlas SD DB grill samples done from Plano and will be testing them out this week. I'll be using the KATO handrail stanchions. I'll drill them out and use brass wire.
When I get the model done pre-paint, I'll post photos.
The GP30 will be next and then the SD45. I am thinking of adding a fourth unit to this set and that being a GP9 B-unit. I'll make that decision after the SD45 is done.
Brian
. As long as it is good enough for me 
. 
I started looking at the incredible level of detail you and Liz Allen were putting on your models and thought that was really neat. So I started trying to do it on mine. Before that, I was finishing off one to two models a month, even while going to college and working full time. Then, like what you're experiencing right now, production ceased. I get halfway into a project and get stuck trying to figure out how to model a detail and frustrated and move onto another. Then I started going back and redoing previously "finished" models. So not only was I not getting anything done, I no longer had anything done at all. I came to realize that I don't need to build a fleet of jaw-dropping model. I just need a fleet of prototypical models, or "good enough" models. Besides, my models are designed to be run. To me prototype modeling includes prototype operations.
