Time to do #6643. This build is getting the fabulous Plano SD24 etched steps. I started on the steps as I haven't ever installed them in the past.
The stock steps from Atlas minus the middle step which is separate part.
The Plano steps installed. They do look nice.
The removed portion of the clean out areas, which will get etched doors from the Plano kit.
The new doors installed.
The rear doors removed for the new etched clean out doors from the Plano kit.
Detailing to the rear pilot.
More on the etched steps.
Detailing on the front pilot minus the snow plow.
With the snow plow
Time to install the new engine room doors.
First mark out what needs to be cut out and cut it out.
The finished out portion for the new etched long hood portion from Plano
The etched fireman's side long hood replacement part minus doors.
The etching is backed by plastic which is the thickness of the Atlas shell. This is supplied by Plano in the kit.
Plano supplies some 0.015" strips to secure the plastic with the etching to the shell.
My plastic cement of choice. I love Ambroid Pro Weld that is out of production due to high VOC's.
The new long hood portion installed.
The engineer's side with the portion of the long hood which needs to be cut out.
The portion of the long hood cut out and in need of some filing to be ready for the insert.
The engineer's side of the long hood with its insert installed and ready for the doors supplied in the kit.
The fireman's side with its doors installed. Plano's directions specify the door configurations of the SD18m's. Some units had their own configuration. Most had the same configuration.
The engineer's side with the doors installed. Also ready for paint.
