DTI SD38DC project

[reddawg]

Ok..not a real heavy project, but I have a new Athearn RTR SD38 factory lettered for DT&I # 254.
Got a couple of things needing to be done to it.
Main one is adding a paper airfilter box (model doesn't come with one despite the 253 & 254 being delivered from EMD with them)..
The second is the glaring lack of a nose bell/gong..any ideas on how to go about curing this issue?
The 3rd is spark arrestors..thats not a big issue
Can I use a non-dynamic brake hatch from a BB GP38-2 to replace the one on the SD38?..or will I have to do some cutting to put a paper airfilter box on it (which i can do).
Thanks in advance!
Dave C



and my SD38

[rdg5310]

Hi Dave you can use a Athearn non dynamic hatch. You do have to cut it to make it work. You can see what I did on my Conrail SD38. There is a picture on page 2. I replaced the whole hatch and added new exhaust stacks on from DA. Have fun!

[dtinut]

Dave,

Couple of things - the nose bell - Plano makes a etched metal insert to do these for C&NW and DT&I. You can get them from DesPlaines Hobbies. - I will make the nose bell "look right".

DT&I 253 & 254 were SD38AC units. They really should have ribs on the blower duct.
This could be modeled using some .010" wire glued onto the surface at the right height.
Since you'll be needing to comeup with some touch up paint - this should be a simple fix.

If you're gonna go crazy with details... the pilots a zig-zag style pilots. The model has tab style - adding a few bits of styrene can correct this easily.

The air horn is a Nathan M3 - DW makes them.

Good Luck
Brian

[Rudy Garbely]

Also, it looks like you'll have to fix then numberboards. The prototype has black on white, while the model has white on black.

EDIT: Also, the slogans on the logo on the side of the cab are missing on the prototype, but are there on the model.

[RunningExtra]

I have always liked the DT&I......Looking foreword to the progress on this model, keep the pics coming!

[dtinut]

>Also, it looks like you'll have to fix then numberboards. The prototype has black on white, while >the model has white on black.

The numberboards started out white on black, but in the mid 70's got switched to the later black on white - so which you use depends on the date for the model...

EDIT: Also, the slogans on the logo on the side of the cab are missing on the prototype, but are there on the model.

Same goes here - originally - came with the slogan, and later after repaint, were not replaced.
Again - modeling date affects what you have on it...

We Have The Connections slogan was pretty much gone after 1976, as Conrail ate up half of the various roads the DT&I connected with.

Regards,
Brian

[mrlfan]

that looks great, I kinda like that paint scheme.

[icghogger]

With all the tips and advice offered, it will be neat to see this one come together!