Thanks for the rust tips HuskerN. I'm going to give that a try when I get my weathering gear set up again. (Most of my modeling time these days is devoted to room preps for a new layout.) Re the sunshades, I cut slots out of the foam packaging and bubble wrap to accommodate the shades. It's not fool proof, but it usually works. I completely agree that wonky grab irons are worse than none at all. I used to use a drilling jig, but I found I can get just as good or better results by starting the holes with the tip of a #11 blade applied to the ends of the shaved-off castings, then drilling a #80 hole. I glue them in from bottom to top, and I use a strip of .020 styrene as a guide to get a consistent stand-off, and my eyes to ensure that each one is horizontal. There is usually enough play in a pair of #80 holes to get that right. Best thing to do is to practice on a scrap shell... Here's an example that I was pretty happy with. I also agree with Kevin that painting the headlight housing and the cab door window are very simple but effective additions. Another tip is to paint the interior surfaces of the cab a light tan. It really helps to give an impression that someone is 'home' in there. Cheers, Gary
