Well here it is - it's a work in progress but it's almost finished. I'm really pleased with how this is turning out as it's my first diesel detailing project. I've done a half dozen freight cars and was finally feeling confident enough to try an engine. The prototype can be found at Graham Stockfeld's site: SOO 6613 Mine started life as a decorated Athearn Soo Line SD40-2 (the original - given to me by my parents for Christmas in 1983 - the year it was released) except for the dynamic break hatch - that is from Athearn's new SD40-2 (also Soo Line factory painted) On this one I only stripped the black SOO off the long hood and so far it's my only real regret - the paint has ended up a bit too thick in a few spots (particularly on the dynamic hatch.) This is largely do to the factory paint underneath but also in part do to my not-yet-fully-mature airbrush technique. The next one will be fully stripped before I paint it - after that I'm only buying undecorated units. The rear grab irons I painted red - I found two photos - one and two - of the rear of 6613 and in both the grabs look red to me. So, I'm leaving them red even tho it looks 'wrong' as it's not the norm for The Soo. Still to go: The coupler lift bars are painted and ready to install. The fuel tank hasn't been touched yet as I still need to get the tank details (they have been on back-order for weeks) I have decals for the black strips on hood, kick plates, rear number boards. I'll paint the various mouldings around the class lights and rear number boards just as I did on the cab (couple spots to touch up there - it takes a small brush, steady hand and lots of deep breaths) Once the weathering is done I'll add the flasher lens, class lights, windows, wind screens and wiper blades The new sd40-2's come with really nice handrails. I may upgrade the handrails on this one and add see thru steps but I figured I needed to get one 'finished' first. I am still on airbrush learning curve. I got some orange peal effects. Too late for this one (the irony is that the factory painted new sd40-2 has orange peal on the cab roof.) Anyway - I'm not so proud of this bit but I'll show it to ya anyway - you can see the SOO on the long hood still needs some micosol treatment as well: This comes from not enough paint coming through the brush and little bits of it will dry before it hits the model. I was so worried about runs I had the brush open just enough to let paint out. Bad idea. The orange peal you see here is on the first coat of white - there are two coats of white and two coats of red on top of it. Once you get this, more coats won't cover it up. MODELflex paint is so good at conforming to the surface detail Anyway - I have decided I can live with it on this model. But next time, you better watch out. How long before the next SLHTS contest? Edit - fixed links [ 29 March 2001: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
Looking great! And it's the right colours too - long live the Soo! The SLH&TS convention is on the 14-16th September in Fond du Lac, WI. The way the dollar is at present, I really need to consider the merits of going. Gary.
Guys, Nevermind the "orange peel" thats only a used loco right!? So if I get the "orange peel" affect i'll leave it as it is and do a light weathering on whatever i'm working on (loco, or cars) and if done right it looks like a weathered loco or car plus the chipping paint affect if done right and looks great!!! And in some cases the railroads themself never worried about "orange peel" so... Its very common to always get orange peel on different paints on different plastics etc... I very seldom get orange peel so.. but I don't repaint one because of it I compromise the paint in affect with it... And I have yet to repaint one because of the orange peel affect that was bad. I usually get the effect of orange peel very light and would have to look real real close to notice it anyway so.... I paint in very, very light coats real thin. So if "orange peel" shows up its not a deep threat to the model. But overall that SD-40-2 is'a lookin' good!!!!
7600EM_1, I am modeling in the 90's and SOO 6613 at this point had been repainted at least once - photos of it in the 80's show a white walkway in the front. About the same time it got ditch lights they repainted it and the walkway became red (this can be seen on a few Soo units repainted at this time.) So I reckon if I could look at the real one really really close there are probably a few flaws in the paint! Thanks for the kind words I'l be sure to post more pics when it's finished. [ 29 March 2001: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
<font color="336633">Nice Looking locos, I have always liked Soo line locos, but most of the factory painted ones i have seen look to toy like, but they look much better when they have been painted</font>
Great job Rob, About the orange peel effect, you might want to watch your air pressure. Too high an air pressure can cause excessive drying and spattering. I find that with modern water-based paints you have to use at least a medium tip on the airbrush. With lacquer based paints (which are easier to thin), I ran about 12-14 psi and a fine tip. With the water based paints, I run about 18-20 psi and a medium tip. As John said, several light coats are better than one thick coat. A very credible effort for a first loco. Can't wait to see more of your work. -Dee -----------
Thanks guys... If you haven't seen it, it's finished now and in under a separate post Athearn SD40-2 as SOO 6613 c 1991 I got to run it on a club layout this weekend - my SLR is on the fritz but I did grab some point-and-shoot shots of it in a roundhouse and crossing a tressel If they turn out - trainboarders will be the first to see 'em. (BTW - It didn't stall, derail or come uncoupled! whew!) Dee - After weathering and dullcoating the orange peal is much less noticeable. My airbrush technique still needs some work but I reckon every model is a learning experience (well it is an experience anyway.) Thanks for the advice. Dave - That's pretty much my whole fleet right there In addition, I have an SD60 (P2K) in Soo red & white (long story) and a 'new' Athearn SD40-2 (the one I scavenged the dynamic hatch from) that will get a shortened short hood and a shortened fuel tank to represent an older SOO loco. As for CN power... It's unlikely - I'm modeling The CP/Soo District (Tomah Sub) in the early 1990's and I don't think there was much CN traffic there
