EJ&E SD38-2 #666

[WC 7499]

Currently on the chopping block is a Kato SD38 lettered for the J. Intro thread is here... dieseldetailer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=project&action=display&thread=7814

Here she is, ready and waiting!


So far I have disassembled the shell, cab, and frame. The "660" has also been removed with a great amount of rubbing with alcohol. The nose is in the dunk tank right now so in the morning I will be able to scrub the "J Ball" logo off and go from there. The only issue I am having right now is whether to go all out and modify the steps to match to prototype, rework them a little to resemble the proper step configuration, or just look away. I am hesitant to go all in as I do not feel my skills are quite adequate to pull off the full blow transformation.

Here is the real deal...


Any ideas?

[minordamage]

Brian Banna did a model exactly like this...and is a member of this board. The first few pages detail the step modification.

www.6axlepwr.com/EJE_SD38d2.html

Josh

[diesel]

@steve,

This looks like a nice project. I have one of these to do as well, I have the Athearn 38 though.

I make many of my decisions the same way, based on weather or not I can pull it off. But I think if it's something you'll regret not doing later I'd say practice first. I practice these types of things on tyco/lifelike shells. I find that once I walk through something the only other showstopper is time. I refuse to work fast. But I do have locos I did when I first started detailing and I skipped things I now wish I hadn't and want to go back and redo.

[riss2509]

Another possibility is too check out the railflyer step kits. You may find one thats close, or dead on for your application! Plus, its YOUR model, if your happy and content with not doing every possible detail, thats whats important! There is no right or wrong way of doing things, and, there is certainly nothing wrong with someone wanting to be highly accurate, or satisfied with minimal detail! All in all, it what makes you happy and you satisfied! Cant wait to see more, I miss seeing these units near my house these days!

[WC 7499]

Thanks for the interest and responses guys. After I thought long and hard about what I wanted with this model I came up with this...

Easy enough for my skill set and didn't cost me a dime. It doesn't look as "hodgepodge" at an arms length so that's all that matters to me.



I figured by cutting the middle step flush and dropping it down towards the bottom step I would come up with a kickplate such as on the prototype. With some more filing and some paint it ought to be alright! May need to do something with the steps. Needs HOLES!

Criticism welcome!