Southern Pacific SW1200

[dmir]

I built this model about 10 yrs ago, maybe more ( I was still a kid then), but never finished it since I didn't own an airbrush at the time. Since then its been tossed around uncared for in a box and I admit I've tried not to look at it. Truth is, I don't know what to do with it. It has a Cannon & Company cab which was square back in the day. Today the roof will fit if I position the walls correctly. The frame and motor are still good but are in desperate need of love and attention. some of the details have fallen off but I kept them in a plastic bag.

I've considered repairing it as well as making it into a more modern version (some units were sold to the Wisconsin Central and had the high light brackets removed).

Since you all have much more experience than I, what would you recommend I do to save this little guy?

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[railfan]

All you need to do is touch up the paint and it will look fine.

[johnnetzlof]

I think she looks great! A little rough on the edges form kicking around a box you say? Not a problem! Plenty of these critters were pawned off to shortlines in "Less than Perfect" shape, but maybe I'm a bit biased because of the color:
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[graftonterminalrr]

Hey, it looks pretty good! It'll look even better with a good cleaning and paint/weathering job.

Those old Athearn switchers were pretty good back in the day and still are for that matter.

To put things in perspective, us CN guys used these Athearn switchers with a Juneco or Miniatures By Eric conversion kit to make SW1200RS's. Even models made in the 70's hold up well today.

With the detailing job you've done to this engine, most modelers will be hard pressed to tell that you started with the "lowly" Athearn SW7 shell.