What's wrong with this picture...

[wm3798]

Let's start with a "before" picture...


The Reading SD-45 is pretty much out of the box Kato.  I hate the yellow, it's too yellow.  It's also shiny, the handrails aren't painted, etc. etc.

We won't even talk about the non-Reading cab... I have yet to see one done in N scale.  I'm sure it's not impossible, it's just not on my list yet.  So anyways, I put it through a few years worth of weathering last night. 

Here's the result so far...


I started with a "fade" coat of washes, using an antique white and light grey.  I like the way it dulled the yellow down.  However, it wanted to pool up on the details in the green more than I wanted.  Especially along the outer edge of the walkway.

After that set up a bit, I went back over with a wash of grimy black.  Again, I really like the way it pops out the detail on the yellow, but I'm not sure if I have enough of the right thing on the green.

Finally, some selected washes of a rusty brown over particular areas, around the vents and intakes, and on the horizontal surfaces especially.  This looks pretty good to my eye.

I need to fool with it some more to be totally happy with it.  Any suggestions?
Lee

[Chris333]

Too bad this isn't in color:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg7601s.jpg
But these are:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg7604adc.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg7600.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg7600bkg.jpg

Maybe some more white chalkiness fading on the green?

But I think it looks good.

[wm3798]

Thanks for those reference shots, Chris.  I see I need to mount a bell below the sill and get some plows, too.
And the last one shows a good example of battery juice oozing out from under the battery box...

Maybe I'll try a wash of a lighter shade of green... that might work.

I wish there was an easy way to do that cab.... ???

Lee

[Chris333]

http://www.sd45.com/reading/pages/rdg7601.htm
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_rdg7601.jpg
http://members.aol.com/e44e33/Railpix/N37-6.htm

[nscalesteve]

I need to fool with it some more to be totally happy with it.  Any suggestions?

well, where do I start...   

- numberboards
- cut levers
- grab iron on pilot
- MU hoses
- Air hose
- grab irons
- fan grab iron
- windshield wipers
- speed recorder cable
- wind deflectors
- brake zylinder
- snow plow
- step edges painted
- bell

...you did ask !   ;D

[wm3798]

Hah!  I got you, Steve.  I looked at the proto photos Chris provided links to, and there ain't no steenking brake cylinders!

(But I confess, there are a few other holes that will need filled...)

Lee

[Ryan87]

Hah!  I got you, Steve.  I looked at the proto photos Chris provided links to, and there ain't no steenking brake cylinders!

Lee look at the rear of the rear truck...
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg7601s.jpg

As for your model I think the trucks and the roof need some more attention...
In the Proto Shots the trucks are almost gray

Also on the long hood there's usually a large dirty streak under the Radiator grill. (you can see it in this photo) http://www.sd45.com/reading/pages/rdg7601.htm
I seem to remember its from lead in the radiator washing down.

I like the way you did the Grills and hilighted around the compartment doors. Keep up the good work...

[John]

on the rear truck there is .

[hegstad1]

That is a SUPER COOL cab!  Is there a story there?  Any other prototypes have it?

Andrew

[amato1969]

Hi Lee, I think an airbrushed coat of dust and grime looks best on black trucks and fuel tank.  I'm still trying to come up with the right recipe for my LV units.  I find that chalk just doesn't cut it.

That said, the yellow is much improved over the Kato version!

[pfs]

<2cents>Take the shell off and airbursh more white. Very faint</2cents>

OR

Better idea: (Photo Credit: Kim Piersol)
Much more character (opinion)

[nscalesteve]

Hah!  I got you, Steve.  I looked at the proto photos Chris provided links to, and there ain't no steenking brake cylinders!
Lee

Lee, didn't you know, cheap coffee isn't good for the eyes... !    

[Bob Bufkin]

Lee:
You made them too dirty.  No self respecting WM maintenance personnel is going to let any locos leave Hagerstown without being cleaned.
Bob

[nscalesteve]

on the rear truck there is .

...and on the front truck as well .

[ryourstone]

The extended cab is for dual control stands - PRSL had GP38s like that too. Brian Banna actually did one of these, there's a pic on Kato's website:

http://www.katousa.com/gallery/Paul-Machiaverna/aaa

Without going all out replacing grabs and stuff, there are some easy things to do:

-Fill in number boards.
-With window glass out paint the inside cab edges black (makes them look thinner)
-Paint window frames silver.
-Paint marker lights and add gaskets (print out a black circle on decal paper)
-Add a "drip strip" from .006 wire
-Remove and airbrush truck sideframes and fuel tank (don't try to do it in place on these!)

Similiar Kato GP35 (ignore the popped out handrail, something wrong in every picture!):