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Post by Santa Fe Sammy on Nov 13, 2010 22:28:50 GMT -5
A friend of mine that regularly operates on my layout told me a few months ago “you don’t have enough SD45’s”. At the time I only had one and pretty much agreed with his assessment. I’d also added another train to my operating scheme that does quite a bit of switching along the line so a pair of really smooth running units would be perfect for this run. So I searched around on Ebay and managed to pick up a pair of the Kato SD45’s for really cheap, about half price from original retail. They were in the factory ATSF B+Y warbonnet scheme. I decided to strip, add the usual ATSF details and repaint. I didn’t go all out on detailing since my models run on an operation themed layout but I did do my usual moderate detailing since I like for the units to capture the look of the prototype. Although the handrails are a bit over sized, their durable design is perfect for me. The only surgery done to the shells was drilling out the old fans and moving the headlights to the low nose. Since I had all the parts on hand, the project only took a few weeks and I’m learning that quick projects are good to keep the skills sharp. Here are the results. Stripped with some details added: Finished: Finished overhead shot: 5403 finished: The pair together:
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Post by Randy Earle on Nov 13, 2010 22:56:36 GMT -5
Very nice, I have 4.
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kcs1967
Chairman
SWLA-SETX PINE SCENTED
Posts: 1,726
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Post by kcs1967 on Nov 13, 2010 23:00:28 GMT -5
Beautiful Job Sammy.
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Post by atsf90 on Nov 13, 2010 23:32:30 GMT -5
As always great job.
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SP_Modeler
Chairman
SP never died in my world.
Posts: 389
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Post by SP_Modeler on Nov 13, 2010 23:54:50 GMT -5
Nice job on the 45's Sammy.. Im doing a pair of 45R's using the P2K models as a base..hope they turn out half as good as yours did. ;D Paul
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Post by mrlfan on Nov 14, 2010 0:01:28 GMT -5
Those Kato Sd45's can't be beat Sammy. I have 18 of them I think, it might be 20 most in the high gloss MRL blue. ;D You know that already from being over at my house. Glenn
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Post by Randy Earle on Nov 14, 2010 12:50:26 GMT -5
Flares? We called them Hammerheads.
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Post by m a y o r 79 on Nov 14, 2010 12:52:33 GMT -5
Very nice. How hard is it to mask the warbonnet scheme? I've got a railpower SD45-2 shell and chassis that I dont know what to do with (doesnt fit my Milwaukee, or my protofreelanced railroad). I was thinking of painting it for the Santa Fe and using it as runthru power, but I've never done that scheme.
Any tips or pointers?
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Post by Santa Fe Sammy on Nov 14, 2010 13:53:03 GMT -5
Thanks a bunch for the kind comments, guys!!
Mike, I done so many warbonnets over the years that I've lost count..... I will tell you that the key is taking your time on the mask. I've got a template I've been using for 15 years now - I made it from a photocopy of a Microscale decal set. After the yellow has dried for a few days, I use the widest tape I have on hand and I cut it with a sharp Xacto blade on glass. Carefullly burnish the edges and shoot the blue.
Just a note: the blue and yellow scheme is actually more difficult to shoot than the red and silver scheme since the warbonnet stripes help to hide any imperfections!
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Post by sd45longhoodfoward on Nov 14, 2010 18:01:33 GMT -5
i agree Randy as kids we tought they reminded us of hammerd sharks especialy the Southern units it has a spot in my heart!!!it was sort of like a futurstic looking for its time.it is definately an EMD classic.and i lived between Virginia and California courtesy of the United States Marine Corps the sd 45 s ran throught the mojave desert the ATSF of course they looked so cool
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Post by danielsokyrail on Nov 14, 2010 18:07:34 GMT -5
Very nice.
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drgwguy
Chairman
Modeling the DRGW in the 70s-80s!!
Posts: 528
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Post by drgwguy on Nov 14, 2010 18:32:26 GMT -5
Sweet! They look great, and you can't beat a cheap Kato find.
Rick
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Post by gnsteve on Nov 14, 2010 23:28:09 GMT -5
Nice job Sammy. They're good looking additions to the fleet.
Steve
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Post by santafemikie on Nov 18, 2010 0:00:42 GMT -5
Hey Sammy,
I like the look. I'm sure the operator that runs this pair will appreciate the ease of switching with them. Not to mention how nice they look... It's good to see you're back in the modeling saddle. I'm starting to finish some of my stuff now. Lots more to do though. When is the Ok. City show?
Take care, Mike
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Post by cascadeslady on Nov 19, 2010 2:47:35 GMT -5
Very Sharp looking Sammy! Great Job!! I hope my War Bonnet turns out as nice as yours =D Good Info as well.
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Post by Santa Fe Sammy on Nov 19, 2010 23:58:53 GMT -5
Thanks again for the kind words everyone!
Mike, the OKC show is coming up on the 4th and 5th of Dec. I'm looking forward to it!
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Nov 20, 2010 1:40:02 GMT -5
Very nice Sammy! I think SD45's are like GP30's. There's a special place in just about every diesel modelers heart for them I'm working on 5 right now. 3 '71 built and 2 early '66 built. Yours are excellent examples!
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Post by superfleet93 on Nov 23, 2010 16:31:42 GMT -5
Sammy,
I think these are simply awesome! Can't wait to see them in person come March...or sooner I would like to think.
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quadk
Road Foreman
Posts: 58
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Post by quadk on Nov 23, 2010 21:15:12 GMT -5
WOW!!!!! Those are gorgeous!!! Love the 45's, have a few of them myself.
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Post by diesel on Nov 29, 2010 1:57:48 GMT -5
wow Sammy those came out really nice!
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