soo loco

[tom mann]

Again, this follows my standard weathering approach outlined in my article about the ATSF sd40-2, except I'm using oils now with plain water as the thinner.  I'm also using more black on the roof after a trip to Altoona and watched the tops of ex-Conrail locos pass under me.

[Bob Bufkin]

Tom:
Once again a great weathering job.  Your an inspiration to a lot of people here.  Always wondered why anyone would paint a diesel loco in white.
Bob

[wm3798]

Top drawer.  Weathering white is tricky.  Fortunately, the Western Maryland had a wash rack, and they weren't afraid to use it!
If I were modeling the Chessie era, (and who on earth would WANT to do that?) it would be another matter.

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Tom
Good call on the black, but I think you still need some more of it.

Pay special attention to the area around the exhaust stacks. That's the source of the soot right there!

[Hyperion]

I'd have to agree with Ed -- needs more black.  All the other weathering is perfect though -- the browns, the red fade, etc

Here's a good prototype photo of the Soo SD-60 with about as much weathering as you look like you've got there.  Everything's pretty much spot-on except your black levels.:
http://www.geocities.com/bntribute/BN/BNSF-WP-1997-12-04.jpg

And, on the roof, the area that's actually most likely to have heavy soot buildup is around the exhaust-- the little rectangular grill that's right above the 2nd 'O' -- right where you actually don't have any.  The fans on a top of a locomotive are cooling fans, and while often dirty by virtue of being on the roof, generally aren't belching any smoke of their own.  It's not so much that your fans are too dirty, but that your exhaust isn't dirty at all.

Note here: 
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/s/SOO6019eSamoaIA0394-431rp.jpg.23935.jpg (little hard to see)
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/c/CP6046_W_Buda_070915_MG_3708.jpg.70788.jpg  (red Soo unit, but easy to see where the soot builds up)


While I was looking for those photos, I found this one.  This looks like weathering heaven for you Tom:
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/s/SOO2032.jpg.43456.jpg

[nscalesteve]

well, what "should" I say... ?

Tom, I've seen much better work from you...
...you did a good start but it's not finished yet, right ?

...as Ed mentioned, the exhaust stack needs to be black and what is with the shiny parts on the fans and winterization hatch ? the grills on the side could be darker too and when will you weather the trucks and the fuel tank ?

[tom mann]

wow, there is indeed more black needed.   Ok, stand by...

[GonzoCRFan]

wow, there is indeed more black needed.   Ok, stand by...

You need to pay particular attention to the exhaust stack and the vent on top of the dynamic brakes, those definitely need to be darker, more or less pitch-black...I would also hit the grilles with a heavier wash, but that's just a personal preference...

[Ryan87]

The one thing I can notice is the area under the engine compartment doors needs some attention.
There's often grime running down from the bottom of the doors and onto the walkway, especially at
the point your model reflects. (well into CP?)

I love the way the SOO is faded, but the red looks a little too pale to me (could just be photo/moniter)
all in all an awesome model!
 
http://www.mountainrailway.com/SOO%20Line%20Roster%20Archive/SOO%206000/SOO%206040.htm
http://www.mountainrailway.com/SOO%20Line%20Roster%20Archive/SOO%206000/SOO%206029.htm
http://www.mountainrailway.com/SOO%20Line%20Roster%20Archive/SOO%206000/SOO%206024.htm

[bsoplinger]

The CP nee D&H here runs a local usually with at least a pair of SOO something or other. I model the Lehigh Valley, it stopped 4/1/77 so I have no clue what type loco, SD4x-2 probably or newer. They are indeed blacker than your unit. I'll try to go out to get a few pics for you of the lunchtime freight the first day its bright and sunny here, which in the Northeast could be a few weeks

Brian

[wm3798]

Point of order: The Lehigh Valley was assimilated into Conrail on April 1, 1976

Lee

[pedro]

Great job as usual, love the cab roof. However, I can't recall seeing a Soo SD60 with a faded red nose. In fact I have a current (Nov. 07) photo of 6038 and it definitely has a clean, vivid red nose. Is there one out there somewhere that's that badly faded? They sure used better red paint than the Santa Fe did.  Even the sides are (or can be) relatively clean. And the exhaust area as already mentioned should be filthy black.

Other minor detail points to consider: gray/black non-slip "strips" on the top of the nose, rooftop beacon (6038 would have it centered at the front of the cab as delivered, although today it has been removed), and the horns moved back to the long hood (they were delivered that way). They were also very early (1990) ditch light recipients due to the CP influence. Oh, and an all-weather window for the engineer, also as-delivered!

I hope you take all that as the constructive observation it was intended to be! Soo SD60s are among my favorite all-time diesels.

Pete D.

[tom mann]

the side grills are so black I think I'm going to mask around them and paint 'em black.  Sometimes, a wash just won't cut it.

[Sokramiketes]

You might want to start trying a different fading technique.  I agree with others that I have yet to see a SOO unit that turned pink.  They still make their way in and out of Bensenville here...

I know the white overcoat "fading" is a tom mann trademark now...  But, in many cases you arn't bringing enough shadow and contrast back into the model.  Models tend to look like pastel, fluffy pillows with this white overcoat. 

[bsoplinger]

Point of order: The Lehigh Valley was assimilated into Conrail on April 1, 1976

I knew that, my fingers didn't

They were too busy typing the 7 to change to a 6  :