The A&C rostered three GP35's, two of which were originally B&O units and 1 was an SP unit. I chose to model the SP unit, but instead of a single unit, I am modeling two, both to practice my skills and because there is a lot of character in the SP units. The models are older Atlas/Kato units.
Details are numerous on these units. For starters, I scratchbuilt the SP light cluster on the rear of the long hood and plated over the top two light positions. On the nose of the unit, I cut into the nose and scratchbuilt the light cluster there. I also plated over the cab headlight. On the pilots, I removed the stock details for the kickplates and added a plain plate all the way across. I also added angle stock to simulate the angle that is found above the MU hoses on the prototype locomotives. I drilled holes for all of the grabirons which I form myself and install after paint and decals. Onto commercial details, on the top of the hood, I used BLMA etched fans and GMM lift rings. On the cab, I used a MBE top mount bell, an Atlas Leslie 3-chime horn, BLMA sunshades and GMM wipers. I will also add wind deflectors to the cab from BLMA after paint and decals. On the pilots, I added BLMA cut levers and MBE air hoses. BLMA MU hoses will come after paint and decals. I also added the crossover steps and MU stands above the pilots on the walkways, both MBE parts. The last, and most time consuming detail, was the stanchions and handrails all the way around the model. I make the stanchions out of 0.010x0.018 inch brass bar and the handrails from 0.008 inch phosphor bronze wire. The stanchions are glued into the sill and the handrails are soldered to the stanchions. This detail is very strong and makes a huge impression on the overall look of the locomotives.
I'm looking forward to getting paint on these and will update once I get there.
Thanks for looking!
Doug
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