MKCX SD45 #9522 (ex-SCL)

[DRGW 5398]

Hey Guys,

I just finished my Morrison-Knudsen (MKCX) SD45 9522. Earlier this year I bought a P2K SD45 cheap on ebay and figured I'd turn it into a SP SD40M-2, well, after looking through a few photos I found a pic of MKCX 9522, a former Seaboard Coast Line SD45...and what model did I buy off ebay....a SCL SD45. How perfect! I started by carefully removing the factory SCL lettering, I wanted it to look like it was scrapped off like the prototype, they (M-K) scrapped it off or carefully painted it out so you can still see the SCL if you are looking at it from the right angle...really cool looking.

I then patched out the SCL logo on the nose and added the four-door primer patch to the long hood and applied the M-K Corp. logo. The cab also needed the number and yellow stripes removed, I did so and then added the 9522 along with the "MKCX" sub-lettering below it.



In the photo below you can see the replaced "blue" access door on the end as well as all those replaced door latches and primer radiator fan base. The entire model was weathered and detailed to match the prototype. I plan to go back in and touch up the fuel tank and trucks.



Anyone modeling the DRGW/SP in the 1990's needs lots of lease power!

[Randy Earle]

That's great Andrew!

[icghogger]

Man, That is the Nuts, Andrew!

[RunningExtra]

You did a great job, I am really liking that SD45 Andrew......Looks like Morrison Knudson is starting to get some modeling time here on the Detailer

[Freightrain]

Sweet man, great job!

[gnsteve]

MK fever is at the Detailer. That is good looking. I like the subtle details like the latches, they really add to the overall look.

[DRGW 5398]

Thanks for the comments, I want to weather up the fuel tank and rust up the tucks a little now that the shell is done. Little details like the replaced latches are what really makes a model stand out from the rest!

After I get the fuel tank/ truck weathering done I'll post a few more photos. I plan to start a MPI SD40M-2 here soon, so be on the look out!

[steve4]

Sept 28, 2009 0:11:15 GMT -5 DRGW 5398 said:

that looks absolutely stunning, the blue door, the latches, the decent and fragile weathering, really nice, I have lots to learn...

did you exchange the handrails or are they that thin on P2K models... ?

[superfleet93]

Excellent job Andrew, very nice! I love how the P2K's look I just don't like how they run.

Perry

[DRGW 5398]

Thanks Steve! I'm pretty happy with this model, the handrails are in fact stock P2K, they are starting to look that good! Even the MU's are fine(er) scale now, so much so that I did not even need to replace them. I painted the latches to match the prototype...I love M-K stuff

Besides doing a MPI SD40M-2 I am also planning on rebuilding a standard SD45 into a SP SD40M-2...super modern Speed Lettering on a older style locomotive body...gotta love it!

And Perry, to tell you the truth, this unit is just as quiet and good running as any Kato or Atlas unit I have, it's amazing how much better Walthers has made the P2K line.

[mrlfan]

Andrew that is a very nice looking unit you did there. That blue door and painted latches are incrediable. Glenn

[Jack Napier]

I remember reading that MKM put a few SCL/SBD SD45's through the SD40M-2 rebuild program, so it's possible that #9522 could have been rebuilt into an SP unit.

[DRGW 5398]

You're right, SP did buy 133 SD40/SD45/SDP45's from various railroads and some of them where SCL/SBD, however, MKCX 9522 was only in the lease fleet and was not rebuilt as a SP SD40M-2.

Here is the background for the 9522: Built as: SCL 2035 / SBD 8935 / VMV 8935 and then to M-K.