Tips on Finishing an Atlas GP38 (in HO)

[learmoia]

I'm finishing 3 HO Atlas GP38s painted Iowa Northern, and I'm looking for some guidance on how to best approach paint the detailing.

Usually I'm working in N-Scale, so I don't need to deal with details..

I still need to paint / apply:
Handrails (Paint and Apply)
Grab Irons (Paint and Apply)
Lift Rings (Paint and Apply)
and Engineer Cab Door Steps (Paint and Apply)

And Clear-Coat.. (Satan likely)

I'm planning to use Scale Coat or Model Flex paints depending on the color.

With that said..
Handrails need to be white.. I was planning to Soak in 91% alcohol, then Model Flex Primer then white paint.. Considering the Plastic Adhesion promoter..??  I'd like to avoid the paint chip issue.

Grab Irons - Also need to be white.. Same plan as Handrails?

Lift Rings.. These will need to be brush painted Polyscale Pacemaker Red or Gray.. I was thinking about installing them then painting. (I say brush painted to keep a gloss finish to match the body..).. The body was painted with Scalecoat Pacemaker Red which I no longer have.. so brushed Polyscale is a close match.. Airbrushed Polyscale comes out too flat.

Engineer Steps - Same plan as lift rings..

Any thoughts - Concerns on the process.

Here are a couple of photos of the prototype..




 Thanks ~Ian

[Catt]

I would definitely use the adhesion promoter, cause one it is a flexible finish and once you've painted the handrails that paint becomes flexible too.Even so make sure you spray the promoter so you are completely covering the hand rails.My choice for the promoter is Dupli Color which most Big Box stores stock.The can is big enough to last quite awhile.

[cjm413]

The ribbed blower hatch helps to identify at is a either a later phase GP38 or GP38AC than the Atlas model.   Based on the nose headlight and extended range dynamic brakes, maybe a former IC or L&N unit?

[cjm413]

The ribbed blower hatch helps to identify at is a either a later phase GP38 or GP38AC than what is represented by the Atlas model.   Based on the nose headlight and extended range dynamic brakes, maybe a former IC or L&N unit?

[learmoia]

The ribbed blower hatch helps to identify at is a either a later phase GP38 or GP38AC than the Atlas model.   Based on the nose headlight and extended range dynamic brakes, maybe a former IC or L&N unit?

Yes, I'm pretty sure they are all GP38s upgraded to -2 specs 3808 is ex  L&N..  Good Eye... All are Ex CSXT
3800 is B&O
3801 is Conrail
3802-3811 are L&N

I'm doing 3801, 3808 and 3811..

Athearn is going to release the 3 GP40-2LWs next year (which are all mated to ex ATSF Slugs)...

~Ian

[learmoia]

I would definitely use the adhesion promoter, cause one it is a flexible finish and once you've painted the handrails that paint becomes flexible too.Even so make sure you spray the promoter so you are completely covering the hand rails.My choice for the promoter is Dupli Color which most Big Box stores stock.The can is big enough to last quite awhile.

Thanks Catt..

I was curious about the Dupli Color brand.. if you say it works, I'll go with it.. Much more reasonable than some other brands..

Just need to find a store that carries it in stock..
Home Depot, Menards, Lowes?

.... Nevermind.. looks like I can get it Blane's Fleet Farm (Farm/Auto/Sports/Hunting/Fishing store about the size of Walmart)

~Ian

[coosvalley]

And Clear-Coat.. (Satan likely)

Remember not to bring your Satan coated models to church! 

[learmoia]

Remember not to bring your Satan coated models to church! 

Who make the correct horn and hoof detail?..

[bnsfdash8]

I swear by Duplicolor adhesion promoter. I use it on all my handrails, trucks, ect that paint doesn't like to stick too. Paint will still flake off if you flex the part too much but under normal handling conditions the paint isn't going anywhere. Just follow the directions on the can and you'll be good to go.