Post by liquidfantasy on May 19, 2009 10:53:44 GMT -5
I'm currently working on a Atlas GP40-2 of the new series.
Even if the very first appearance is quite accurate, the model differs in various form widely from the prototype.
As usual the way to go is a compromise between functionality and appearance. Not only prototype details, but also prototype weathering and of course a good DCC sound decoder are mandatory for me.
By saying that I mean that I can't stick to all details - e.g. traction motor cables are not 100% accurate, but "something" will be there and it "appears" more or less real when looking at it from a certain distance.
Here are some pics of the primary steps:
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I modified the tank to become more prototype. Cannon parts added and details west. One can also see that I needed to mill a bit the frame, can be better seen on picture 3. The air filters are DW too, piping done with brass wire. I used a sheet of styrene as base plate for the air filters. Why didn't I just glue them on the plastic frame which sits on the metal under frame? I made my experience that for whatever reason I have to open the loco later - plan was to have all added a way I can do so without braking them off. This is my solution, the brass wire keeps the construct added to the air tank.
Traction motor cables have been applied and made of tin solder - a good material for any scale cable btw.
picture 3 - here you can better see what I milled away. I also had to remove a bit of material where the air filters are placed to. The Atlas under frame is extreme wide! (of course traction motor cables have been applied to the opposite side as well ...) Brian Banna's Site and the info on Railflyer Models have been of great help how I should add the cables.
This is how I milled off the upper part of the weight where the QSI sound version has the speakers in. I decided to use the new bass reflex speaker, which is top notch in comparison to the sound of the QSI dual speakers.
And this is how it looks inside after the Tsunami has been build in and the bass reflex speaker. I reached the state where the electronic part is completed and the under frame expect some weathering fine tuning as well. I now can get concentrated on everything above the under frame and add road specific details plus WEATHERING :twisted:
btw ... the bass reflex speaker is REALLY bringing sound in locomotives into the next level - it's powerful!
Even if the very first appearance is quite accurate, the model differs in various form widely from the prototype.
As usual the way to go is a compromise between functionality and appearance. Not only prototype details, but also prototype weathering and of course a good DCC sound decoder are mandatory for me.
By saying that I mean that I can't stick to all details - e.g. traction motor cables are not 100% accurate, but "something" will be there and it "appears" more or less real when looking at it from a certain distance.
Here are some pics of the primary steps:
================================================
I modified the tank to become more prototype. Cannon parts added and details west. One can also see that I needed to mill a bit the frame, can be better seen on picture 3. The air filters are DW too, piping done with brass wire. I used a sheet of styrene as base plate for the air filters. Why didn't I just glue them on the plastic frame which sits on the metal under frame? I made my experience that for whatever reason I have to open the loco later - plan was to have all added a way I can do so without braking them off. This is my solution, the brass wire keeps the construct added to the air tank.
Traction motor cables have been applied and made of tin solder - a good material for any scale cable btw.
picture 3 - here you can better see what I milled away. I also had to remove a bit of material where the air filters are placed to. The Atlas under frame is extreme wide! (of course traction motor cables have been applied to the opposite side as well ...) Brian Banna's Site and the info on Railflyer Models have been of great help how I should add the cables.
This is how I milled off the upper part of the weight where the QSI sound version has the speakers in. I decided to use the new bass reflex speaker, which is top notch in comparison to the sound of the QSI dual speakers.
And this is how it looks inside after the Tsunami has been build in and the bass reflex speaker. I reached the state where the electronic part is completed and the under frame expect some weathering fine tuning as well. I now can get concentrated on everything above the under frame and add road specific details plus WEATHERING :twisted:
btw ... the bass reflex speaker is REALLY bringing sound in locomotives into the next level - it's powerful!
Anyway, you are all forgiven! Nice work again! ;D
