Santa Fe GP60M

[superfleet93]

I built this GP60M back in 2000 or 2001, and honestly, I can't remember but it was sometime around then. This was before the Proto 2000 GP60 came out or I would have started with those. This is an Athearn GP50 which I modified and detailed the crap out of. I built it after an article by Dave Hussey in Model Railroading in the 90's. This was the very first kitbash I ever built. And, that I-beam frame and fuel tank, was all filed by hand...I know, I know, I like being punished.

For whatever reason I noticed one day there was no detail on models below the walkway and began a quest on modeling the detail below the deck. Parts I used on this model were from Smokey Valley, Cannon and Company, Details West, and Details Associates. The model also has DCC and working lights.

Thanks to Dave Hussey and his wonderful article, I used Mr. Surfacer 1000 for the first time on this model and I have been addicted to it ever since. That is the neatest product since sliced bread for filling holes and imperfections in plastic bodies. I do plan on writing a short tutorial on using this amazing product.





Perry

[sarge]

You're posting some great stuff tonight Perry! I have a RPP GP60M shell and frame somewhere in the line to my work table

I will be interested in hearing more about the surfacer 1000 as well.

[superfleet93]

Thanks Jim! I will say this about the Mr. Surfacer; you will be amazed on how this stuff works. There is nothing that compares to this as far as filling imperfections. I haven't used anything else since I tried it. The biggest problem I had with any type of putty was the shrinkage factor...and with Mr. Surfacer you don't have to worry about it. Plus, it can be wet or dry sanded.

Perry

[riss2509]

Great model Perry!!! Nowadays with the GP60M being RTR, you get spoiled!!! But, I wish Athearn would come out with a better handrail design versus having them all pcs. by pcs. esp. on the front and rear!! 1 little accidetal tapping and they fall apart, constant resetting and gluing lol

[Randy Earle]

Pretty nice unit Perry!

[icghogger]

Not to steal Perry's thunder, but I have used several of the Gunze Sangyo products for two years now and find them to be exceptional for the purpose. I use the Mr. Surfacer 500 to prime and seal all of my wood projects and the 1000 and 1200 are the best for getting a high quality finish on plastic and resin. Their Mr. Dissolved Putty is great for filling large gaps and small voids as it works easily and sets quick. I used to mix MEK and styrene bits to make a filler (five-ten minute working time), but it does not have a good shelf life. With Squadron putty and Testors liquid cement mixed (two- three minutes working time) I got fair to good results as a filler. Gunze's stuff has them both beat with less trouble. Always stir their products instead of shaking to mix ingredients.

[NCCR 2580]

That fuel tank weathering looks great, Good job!

David S.

[superfleet93]

Stephen,

I purchased mine from a local hobby shop when they stocked it, but now I purchase it from Mission Models as the availablilty is always good. Here is the link: www.missionmodels.com/product.php?productid=16330&cat=276&page=2

Perry