No fiber optic's......just drilled all the way through the shell and the only thing lighting the package is the stock Atlas bulb.
I finished painting the lighting package, got the horn and wipers on, and added the lift rings. Also painted the handrail ends.
The plow is going to get a darker gray over the light grey applied now. Also going to up-grade the number boards with bigger numbers.
The white strip of styrene being supported by a toothpick is the SD9E trademark. It was an addition on later upgraded SD9's to keep water from running down into the electrical cabinets. The tooth pick is keeping it at the right angle while the glue on that end dries.
Once that end dries, I will shape it to the same curve as the cab, and glue the other end. still need to get the cab sunshades on, and add a radio antenna to the short hood. Speedometer cable on the front truck, some weathering, and she should be done.
While the putty is drying, I moved to the short nose and added a removed steam generator patch, a round vent, and a home made whip antenna. I also added the sunshades. I'll let this all set up and get some breakfast.
I wish I had the talent and patience to do this kind of detail work. The reward has to be knowing you did it. I just got to thinking. I know of guys and gals who spend hours detailing out boats, airplanes, model cars and more. I had a teacher in highschool who did some awesome work recreating Navy Vessels of WWII. He donated his collection to the school and the last I heard the models are still on display. Then I wonder what in the world possess us to go to all the trouble to build a model railroad and I've come to the conclusion: It must be the same thing that drives other modelers. And, I have no idea what that is! But, it's fun, rewarding and an expression of ourselves. You can't beat that. As always, looking good!
