Post by Christian on Sept 19, 2016 12:30:38 GMT -5
Hello all,
I have been working on HLCX 3857 for a number of years, on and off, mostly because I needed parts to continue the work, or was afraid to install those fragile 0605 SMD LEDs (headlights), or their smaller counterpart, 0402 (ditchlights)! But I finally grabbed the bull by the horns and manage to finish it. And below is the result!
The prototype is not a GP40-2 but a mix of both, Internally, it's a GP38-2 in the body of a GP40-2. This makes her a unique subject and since I had theAthearn model in my stash, decided it was time to tackle it up.
With this project, my goal was to replicate the model to get the "feel" of the proto, considering the major differences between the proto and the model. I consider this project
"proto freelanced". In my opinion, Athearn failed with this one! A bunch of detailing parts were added to get it there, and mainly, what was done is as follow:
Added the roof air conditioning unit, repositioning the horn to the middle of the body, swapped the dynamic brake unit with one from an Atlas GP38-2, added the line for the horn, the fuel gauge, the ditchlights and pilot details including hoses, side sunscreens, wipers (although they are not shown on the pics), reworked the front hood, decaled the front hood with the correct chevron pattern, added the drop steps, the plow, trucks air hose, firecracker antennae and I may have forgotten a few things...
It was weathered like I like them, and in this case, a little more than the proto, although newer pics shows a heavy fade on her.
Here are a few pics of the completed project:
It's not perfect, but I think she catches the feel of the proto with all the different modifications done to her.
Comments are welcomed.
Chris
