Help for a beginner with a GP40x basket case?

[071]

Hi everyone!

First of all, greetings from Ireland! I am a first time poster, long time admirer on here. I am relatively new to American model railroading, but now the bug has bitten its proving irresistible!

Inspired by the great work on here, I want to have a go at detailing a locomotive and try to improve my skills. I already had a go with a Kato SD40-2, but I really want to take it to the next stage. I have come across an Athearn GP40X, and if you are easily frightened, look away now!





I think the paint makes it look worse than it is. It can be easily stripped, but it is missing pretty much all the detail parts you can imagine.

So here is my request for help! There are very few here that model US railroads, so getting parts locally can be tricky. I need a good bit, but I also need guidance for the best parts and where I can buy them online. I want to recreate this baby

www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=39219&nseq=7

I need the following:

New truck sideframes - Bloomberg M? where would I get these?
Grab irons - I can pick them up easily
Threaded walkways - I know Cannon do etched brass, but there is no specific kit for the GP40X, does anyone know which is easily adaptable?
Steps - Threaded steps too?
Handrails - Would ideally like to add brass handrails, anyone recommend a product?
Cab - The ratchet brake is missing, can this be easily sourced or would a cannon and co cab be the right way to go?
Horn - What horn would be right and who does them?
Plough - Which one would be correct and again where would I source one?
Paint - Best match for NS black?

Thanks all I can think of for now, but if any of you guys see any areas I left out, please let me know, I need all the help I can get!

Any advice, help and tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Fran

[iomalley]

Try Highball Graphics, he sells alot of detail parts and decals, one stop shop for you...I'm pretty sure he'll ship to Ireland.

[071]

Thanks for your help! Looks like they have a lot of the things I need. Now all I need to know what exact horn, plough and threaded walkways I need and I'll be on my way!

[nssd70m]

I used Details West PL140 plow. I don't know if its the right one though. I used Details Associates AH1602 Nathan M5 horns on each end. I also used Details West MU266 mu hoses and RA157 radio antenna(firecracker type). Smokey Valley kit 90 is the correct Blomberg M sideframes for the NS 7000. Here is my Southern GP40X I refurbished. Earl...

[071]

Hi guys, thanks for all the replies! I will draw up the shopping list and start getting the paint off the donor! Earl, that is one sweet looking engine!

[bikingmike]

Kia Ora from New Zealand, Fran.

Although I can't comment on the specific detail parts, as far as your paint query goes I'd say that you'd be pretty safe in using a gloss black from either Humbrol or Tamiya (I'm assuming that they are readily available in your part of the world). I would say, if using Tamiya, to use their acrylic rather than the enamel, as that can have a horrible tendancy to staying tacky for weeks on end. Humbrol's Coal Black (Hu85?) is a good colour to have on hand. Another useful colour is Tamiya "Nato Black" - it's really a very dark gray, and is great for giving a weathered finish. I'm assuming here that you'll be airbrushing the paint job; if not then don't use the acrylics as they defy all attempts to get a neat finish. Another source of paints (albeit more for aircraft modelling) is Hannants in Lowestoft; they have their Xtracolour range which is a very good range of enamels.

I hope the above is of some use to you.

Cheers

Mike A

[071]

Once again thanks for all the help guys. A sudden upsurge in work has put the project back somewhat, but will keep you informed of developments as they happen!

[Mark R.]

I see no comments were made about the walkway tread - You might want to try Archer decals, they have 3-dimensional decals for walkway treads, rivets, etc. Just cut to the size and shape you need for the walkway surface and apply as a regular decal. When painted, they look great ! ....

www.archertransfers.com/SurfaceDetailsMain.html


Mark.