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Post by stevef45 on Nov 1, 2023 4:07:36 GMT -8
While waiting and waiting for orange stripe decals to be delivered i got to work on this Island Hobby Products resin GP40FH-2 that NJ Transit used to roster until they were sold or rebuilt. The shell is cast fairly well. Now real issues with air bubbles preventing details from showing. But there is clean up that needs to be done and depending on what level of detail you want to do, you could end up cleaning up and removing a lot like I did. I didn't want all the cast on parts like steps, air tanks, pilot details and was going to leave the fans. But eventually decided to remove all the cast fans and use the Athearn fans that you can purchase in bulk packs. You can see how the shell looked right out of the box vs after removing parts and cleaning it up.  received_1389482364994968 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  received_1016274022757196 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  received_678587753979969 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  received_697223752328524 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr I wasn't going to touch the radiator section even though it is rather bland looking. We'll get to that later... First details to add was a Cannon wide dash 2 anti-climber as the cast on version was way to short in depth from the pilot and had bluebox mounting pins for the handrails which are incorrect for this model if you are doing it right.  20231025_212926 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Here the cast on air tanks and steps were removed. I have plans on using L shape styrene on the inside of the shell to create mounting area's for the air tanks, bell, filters, etc.  20231026_105722 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_105729 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Next order of business was getting rid of the cast on marker lights  20231026_105656 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_114330 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_114338 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Cannon bug eye marker lights installed  20231026_115442 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_115452 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 1, 2023 4:42:24 GMT -8
After I did the marker lights i was looking at the shell and was like "it needs more work". I didn't want to just leave it at this point. So I decided to go all in and do as much as possible to make it one of few if any fully detailed FH models that i have seen.  20231026_112323 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_152841 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_155912 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_160701 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231026_160647 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr I remembered there were brass steps for F45/FP45's so i picked up a pack and installed them on the FH shell since the cowl body was a reused Burlington Northern F45 cowl.  20231026_164651 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Now this is where I went crazy. I was looking at this thing and remembered I had a previous F45 project lying around that I wasn't going to finish any time soon and it needed to be reworked. So i decided to sacrifice the shell for its radiator core and etched grills. Cast on radiator screen vs. etched grill  20231028_155122 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr The donor, it was a "what if" fantasy scheme i had thought up years ago.  20231028_155115 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Much better detail than cast radiator lol  20231028_155128 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Opening up the resin shell  20231028_163432 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231028_163437 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Test fit grill  20231028_163501 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Radiator core installed  20231028_191104 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231028_194803 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Still need to add all the pilot details that were removed and add the HEP details to the front. Rear has them molded on. |
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Post by Christian on Nov 1, 2023 5:16:03 GMT -8
decided to remove all the cast fans and use the Athearn fans that you can purchase in bulk packs. Since we commonly see our models from the top, anything that increases "relief" improves the experience. Such as transparency, dimensionality, and so forth. You made the right choices with fans, stack, and radiator. Even unpainted the shell now looks a whole lot better. |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 1, 2023 6:11:55 GMT -8
decided to remove all the cast fans and use the Athearn fans that you can purchase in bulk packs. Since we commonly see our models from the top, anything that increases "relief" improves the experience. Such as transparency, dimensionality, and so forth. You made the right choices with fans, stack, and radiator. Even unpainted the shell now looks a whole lot better. Indeed. I've since even drilled out the resin part under the exhaust openings too. Little things make a big difference. |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 2, 2023 14:36:33 GMT -8
Next, Cannonize the cab and nose. Because you must.
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 3, 2023 10:47:14 GMT -8
Next, Cannonize the cab and nose. Because you must. 🤣🤣 I gotta draw the line somewhere. If I were building from scratch I'd totally do it..... Hmmmmm, might need a second one now 🤔 |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 6, 2023 10:09:28 GMT -8
We have a powered chassis for the GP40FH-2. Won this GP50 and didn't even realize it was sound ready and led upgraded ditch lights. Has scale sound systems speakers. Had to do a ;ot of upgrading to the pilots as they were very flimsy. If i hadn't beefed them up the athearn coupler pockets would not have fit properly. I also added styrene blocks for the screws to mount into and keep the frame level with the shell. This took like 3 hours of testing fitting.  20231103_131822 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231103_194458 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231103_194448 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Athearn coupler pockets installed  20231104_171903 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231104_171849 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Styrene block added for correct height  20231104_183935 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231104_183927 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr L channel styrene to create a sill underside to attach detail parts too.  20231104_154309 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Found a fuel tank from another model to use. Believe it is a 2600 gallon tank. Got it adjusted forward like the prototype and will work on the air reservoirs that mount behind it when they come. Air reservoirs under the sill are mounted and fitted around the brass steps and a DW bell are also in place now. Found some older parts from random old DW kits to make it work. Nice brass K5 all forward bell from old amtrak p40 detail kit. Much nicer than the current pewter ones  20231104_215547 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231104_215536 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 6, 2023 14:02:34 GMT -8
That fuel tank looks like it has fuel and water compartments...I thought the Pigs only had fuel?
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 6, 2023 14:12:10 GMT -8
That fuel tank looks like it has fuel and water compartments...I thought the Pigs only had fuel? It's a test fit. I was going to either sand it smooth after filling in other things or fit on a new tank that is on its way. |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 6, 2023 20:10:33 GMT -8
That fuel tank looks like it has fuel and water compartments...I thought the Pigs only had fuel? It's a test fit. I was going to either sand it smooth after filling in other things or fit on a new tank that is on its way. I know I don't need more projects, but my very first kitbash was a pig, and now that I have the cars you are tempting me to try again. |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 7, 2023 5:48:44 GMT -8
It's a test fit. I was going to either sand it smooth after filling in other things or fit on a new tank that is on its way. I know I don't need more projects, but my very first kitbash was a pig, and now that I have the cars you are tempting me to try again. You got rapido cars or atlas? Luckkyyyyyyyyyyy lol. I'll be dragging around MOW till i can i get passenger cars. |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 8, 2023 5:45:22 GMT -8
I know I don't need more projects, but my very first kitbash was a pig, and now that I have the cars you are tempting me to try again. You got rapido cars or atlas? Luckkyyyyyyyyyyy lol. I'll be dragging around MOW till i can i get passenger cars. None of the above. I rolled my own from Walthers before Rapido came out. atlasrescueforum.proboards.com/thread/8112/njt-comet-ii-before-rapido |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 8, 2023 15:27:33 GMT -8
Very cool! I keep messaging island model works and emailing him but never a response. Id like to get 6 comet 5's. |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 10, 2023 5:29:13 GMT -8
Finishing up some details under the frame the last few days. Needed to added 2 small air reservoirs and filter/dryer. Wasn't sure how to go about the air tanks since they are different then the other GP40's i built for NJ Transit. After looking at some pics I noticed they appeared to just be shorter EMD style air reservoirs stacked on top of each other. So I decided to give that a try.  NJT4143 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  DSC_1351 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  Picture 008 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr The blank canvas.  20231108_114445 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Cannon and Co air tanks used and cut in half were almost perfect.  20231108_114438 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231108_121541 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Filter and tanks  20231108_124110 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231108_124056 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Older DW brass K5 horn  20231108_181631 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Brass lift lugs  20231108_205336 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr DA verticile pyle headlight  20231108_130601 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 10, 2023 7:47:48 GMT -8
It's starting to look like something now. In lieu of a Cannon cab, you should be able to find some laser cut windows for that flush look.
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 11, 2023 8:39:53 GMT -8
It's starting to look like something now. In lieu of a Cannon cab, you should be able to find some laser cut windows for that flush look. Been looking. Can't find any for bluebox or even just an old bluebox shell. |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 12, 2023 18:06:25 GMT -8
It's starting to look like something now. In lieu of a Cannon cab, you should be able to find some laser cut windows for that flush look. Been looking. Can't find any for bluebox or even just an old bluebox shell. It's spotty. Keep your eye out and occasionally the American Model Builders parts show up on the 'bay. |
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Post by onequiknova on Nov 12, 2023 23:17:37 GMT -8
American Model Builders sells direct. Kit #230 is for the Athearn cab, which judging by those armrests, is what that cab started as.
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 15, 2023 5:40:55 GMT -8
Getting hurt at work and being IOD i was able to do a little modeling. Needed to bang out one of the biggest features seen on this model and that's the two large ladders on the rear of the cowl hood. I had recently gotten an old RMC magazine that had an article on this model where is went over some of the parts used. Detailed up the fuel tank after filling in the second opening and sanding it flush.  20231111_131016 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Minor little detail that nobody will really see but i like to add them anyway  20231111_131128 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr I'll add some air piping this weekend if we get rain.  20231111_152452 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr The NJT version of the FH doesn't have the nose grabs in the usual spot, so had to remove the cast on ones and redrill new ones. Used my mini pin vise and big drill. Drill stays on table and i hold up the shell. No issues doing it this way.  20231111_171846 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231111_172019 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231111_172007 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr Front and rear pilots done up  20231111_173243 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231111_173301 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231111_173316 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr O scale brass ladder  20231111_185459 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231112_131017 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231112_130957 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231113_165056 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by Christian on Nov 15, 2023 7:34:08 GMT -8
Lots of interesting model building in this episode.
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Nov 16, 2023 18:23:00 GMT -8
Lots of interesting model building in this episode. Indeed, thanks for the thread. |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 20, 2023 4:25:18 GMT -8
More minor detailing to the pig this weekend. Doorway grabs and fitting of red markers. Rear markers are going to be a tad more difficult. With the adding of the radiator cores i made the space between the rear marker opening and core very small. So I will attempt to pull through the red led/wiring and tube from the outside to the inside then glue in place vs going through the inside like i normally do.  20231116_130529 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231116_133343 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231116_133351 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231116_163451 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 25, 2023 14:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 26, 2023 13:36:41 GMT -8
Remembered to add the ditch lights. Now i am fairly certain the model is done with added details.  20231126_134456 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by slowfreight on Nov 26, 2023 16:11:16 GMT -8
I don't care how few posts or likes you get on here, I am digging this. At some point, I'll dig out what's left of my first-ever kitbash GP40FH-2, and we can laugh at it. This one is really been fun to watch.
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 26, 2023 18:29:41 GMT -8
I don't care how few posts or likes you get on here, I am digging this. At some point, I'll dig out what's left of my first-ever kitbash GP40FH-2, and we can laugh at it. This one is really been fun to watch. Appreciate it! Love building these models. I'm so bored ehen I have nothing to build :/ |
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Post by stevef45 on Nov 29, 2023 4:26:39 GMT -8
Shell, fuel tank and air tanks/filter have been primered. Radiator grills were stripped off built up paint and then glued on to the body. Will try to spray the platinum mist tonight or tomorrow after work.  20231128_193613 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr  20231128_193621 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr |
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Post by stevef45 on Dec 1, 2023 11:46:44 GMT -8
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Post by stevef45 on Dec 18, 2023 15:07:30 GMT -8
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Post by slowfreight on Dec 19, 2023 9:55:57 GMT -8
Needs some Comet IIs...
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