Southern Pacific EMD SD7R #1528

[DRGW 5398]

Hey guys,

I've actually had this unit finished for about 4 months and thought I'd post a few pix of it!

Anyway, this unit started out as a DRGW SD7 #5304, the orange (like many P2K models) was way off, so I decided to strip it and repaint it as something a little more interesting.

I decided to model SP 1528 because it retained the as delivered dual fuel tanks, two other units, 1506 and 1533, also had dual tanks, all the rest had a single tank. Also a note of interest, these units where rebuilt in the 1970's under the GRIP Program at the Sacramento Shops and had their dynamics disconnected, some had the fans removed and plated over while others simply had them disconnected, however, the grids and bulge remained intact.

My model represents SP 1528 as it appeared in the late 1980's, it has a complete "light show" with separately controllable headlights. On this model the red Pyle National Gyralight does not work, however, all future models will have them operating. I lightly weathered it to match the prototype during that time.

This is one of my favorite models, then again, I love the 5 Lights!



The Light Show:

[NCCR 2580]

Very Nice work Andrew!!! I like that! ~DJS~

[sarge]

That is sweet!! I will have one of those in the future

[icghogger]

Excellent Job, Andrew! The SP "light show" is one of my favorite features as well!

After March, 1996, when they added ditch lights to the other five, if you couldn't see that baby coming down the track, then shame on you!

[stillbre]

Andrew,
Model looks great. The early EMD SD-series has always been among my favorites. They always had a strong look to them. They looked good in about every paint scheme but the SP rebuilds are probably my favorites.
Nice work.

[Randy Earle]

That's sharp Andrew!

[m636]

Very nice Cadillac Andrew.

[dmir]

I used to watch a pair of those units switch cars around in the Roseville, CA yard growing up. Great job on the model!

[gnsteve]

Nice work Andrew.

[Freightrain]

Awsome Caddy, really nicely done.

[DRGW 5398]

Thanks for the nice comments guys! I'll take more photos soon and take them from all angles, these units are really interesting as they have a lot of modifications.

I also plated over the rear number boards and it also has the full light package on the rear as well...nightmare trying to wire everything and relocate the headlights, etc. I'd like to have 3-4 of these units all MU'd together!

In the late 1980's to early 1990's SP demoted them to switcher service only, they could be found working the yards and on transfer runs, but their mainline days where over.

[peter]

Andrew, nice job on your model. I saw several SD7s in the Oxnard area from time to time during the mid 80's to early 90's and all the ones I saw had the front of the two "fuel tanks" removed. The SD9's still retained both tanks. It became a quick spotting feature. Check Railpictures.net for photos.

[DRGW 5398]

Peter, SP SD7R's 1506, 1528 and 1533 retained their dual fuel tanks after rebuilding and remained that way until retirement, all others where rebuilt with one removed.

Thanks for the comment.

[deez]

Thats one nice SD you got there! That unit would look great coupled between two SD35E's or an SD35 coupled between two SD7R's. You could see those lashups all the time back in the days at the West Colton Yard in So. Cal. Even SD38-2's and SD9's & 7's were paired up there. SD39's were also all over that yard every day. I miss those days.

[Kiro]

Hi Andrew, very nice model you did !

Can you post some more pictures?

Jose

[conrailjon]

I think what I love about this model is that all the lights work (minus the red mars). That's what I like to see, many times I've seen a great looking model only to find none of the lights work, or they're all jeweled! If it works on the prototype, it should work on the model!

[DRGW 5398]

Yessir, they all work! All future models will also be equipped with working red emergency lights because they are just too cool not to have them functional!

Thanks for the nice comments, guys!