Great Northern F45 kit buildup!

I got a bunch of work done this afternoon, stay tuned for another update!
Granted, my goal of having them done by New Years is a delusion, but it won't be too much longer than that....

Next step is installing the pilots and fuel tank. I had to notch my fuel tanks to fit the notches on my later production SD40 mechs, but I didn't get pics of that. Trim as necessary to achieve a clean fit; secure the resin tank to the model with Walther's Goo. (note to audience--paint them first! Doh!)

The pilots are straightforward--install using a good strong CA, and make sure they are centered. The loco should now look like this:

 

Next up is installing the first of the etched details. The dustbin grille is first, and then the inertial intake grilles. The intakes need to be formed before installing with CA. Bend using a straightedge and use the etched bend line as a guide. I didn't photo this part, as I had captured the etched bend lines on the dynamic brakes.

The DB's are etched flat, and must be formed to fit the locomotive. The part is flat, and the instructions mention dulling a pin, and embossing the faintly-etched rivets from the BACKSIDE of the part. Here's the new rivets done, bending is next. See the faint etched bend line?



Next, form them with your straightedges, on a flat hard surface. They should then look like this:

 

Next, dry-fit the DB's, centering them on the cutouts in the shell. Patience is key in this step. Add a drop of CA on top of the shell, and set the DB carefully in place, ensuring it is centered in all four directions. Hold the part flat on top, as it has a slight bend to it. After that has set a few moments, add another tiny drop of CA to the bottom edge of the DB grilles. Use a straightedge to gently coax the grilles to adher straight and flat. Repeat on the other side. Install the DB fan shrouds using a drop of CA. Your loco is really starting to look like an F45 now:



Next is headlights. My prototype is GN, and using proto photos, my placement is high, and above the windshield. I needed to gently trim a flat spot on the cab to install the light details. Using a 600 grit sanding stick, I created the area for the headlamps. Add a tiny drop of CA, and carefully lay the part down. The rear was easier; no trimming required.
Headlights and taillights:





This is where the engines are now; awaiting radiator grilles, stirrup steps, side steps, and a myriad of detail parts yet to go. Faint of heart dare not go further!

 

Which part? All of them?
The headlight part was a major pain to fit, and get to sit straight the FIRST time I added a drop of CA.
The grilles were also tricky to bend to just the right angle.
I used the supplied tank, and it is glued on with Walther's Goo. No chance of removing it without destroying it. And I didn't paint it first!
I got ahead of myself. Thanks for the kind comliments, all; but I am no pro, there's mistakes here and there... Being sloppy witht he CA is my worst problem. That, and gluing my thumb to the model!

 

Alister, what is this "T" vent?

 

Since these parts lift off the real ones, they will tend to get bent and not fit 'exactly' on the real ones too. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Once you paint, it will all blend together. If there is a really 'big' gap try a little putty to fill it in, and again, once painted, you'll never know it.
Hemi, looking Great so far! :thumbs_up:

 

I was making a bad pun... The DBs actually went smoother than I imagined. But the radiators are coming soon....
Are these SD40-2F's that bad?

 

They are just about ready for paint. I'm to the point where I have to be very selective in applying details, as the painting/masking process will damage or break them. ...Or my thumbs will first!

When we last met, the DBs were the big challenge. This time was some TINY side steps. They need their step shields bent up at a 90 degree angle before installation.
Here's one units' worth:



My camera's limitations show in these extreme closeup shots...

Installation is easy, just insert the step, tab first, in the predrilled #80 hole, ensure it is straight, and add a drop of CA from inside the shell. Presto!

Next, remove the exhaust grille from the etched fret, and with a drop of CA, install it over the stack.

Remove your choice of battery box doors from the fret, and install, using proto photos as reference:



The next part is the radiators. There is a screen that goes over some sort of framework, but the frame was giving me fits, so I chucked it into the scrap bin. *take THAT!* The radiators went on without a hitch. Bend them as you did the DBs, and with a drop of CA, install them on the rear of the long hood.



The side stirrup steps are supposed to be next, but my fat fingers nearly break them during the paint phase. So they'll be installed later. Here's how I prepped them, using lessons learned from the last build.

 

The stirrup steps are etched flat:



And the steps need to be bent 90 degrees:



Using experiences from the last F45 build last Spring, I placed a tight Z-bend in them, to place them flush with the shell side, and move them awau from the trucks to minimize handling damage:

 

The shells are almost ready for paint!!!