D&H SD45

[lv4142003]

Has anyone done a D&H SD45 (#801-#802-#803, also the same units were EL same numbers), or a SP unit? How did you make the "L" shaped window? Thanks, Joe Hueber.

[Point353]

Has anyone done a D&H SD45 (#801-#802-#803, also the same units were EL same numbers), or a SP unit? How did you make the "L" shaped window?

For the 801, it's a non issue:


http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/dh/dh0801dca.jpg

[sirenwerks]

You should email Reese Martin of Martin Rail Works on Shapeways and ask him to do an L window cab. He's already released a 4-window NP SD45 cab, so he has most of the work already done.


Or maybe Intermountain's SD45T-2 L window cab might graft onto a Kato unit, if you can find the part or a donor shell.

[nscalbitz]

Joe-
Kato did them in D&H paint. I have a pair.
Dont know if any technical details were changed, probably not.
dave

[bdennis]

I also have the Kato units (x2) and have renumbered one of them. I wont bother with changing the front window on 802 and 803. I think only 802 and 803 had the L shaped window

[Joetrain59]

Does anyone make decals for this E-L/D&H version?
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[mecgp7]

Does anyone make decals for this E-L/D&H version?
 Thanks,
 Joe D

Starting with a stock Kato SD45 in EL, all you need is the Microscale D&H lightning loco set (Caveat: there are only two "8"s per set  ). If you want the script "The D&H" in the blue diamond there are a few decal makers out there that have them. The red boxcar with yellow insignias can work. The shield is prototypical though. The Kato unit has the maroon EL "Radio Equipped" and lightning bolt. You'll need to paint out the maroon stripes and diamonds with blue, but masking is easy as the Microscale yellow stripes are a dead on match to the Kato yellow. I used them to make the ends of the blue stripes perfectly sharp and the same for the edges of the diamond. Below are two attempts. The 802 has had the horns moved and a few details added. The 801 is pretty much just repainted:
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[mecgp7]

Quick repaint
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802 with shield:
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[DMetz]

Another option for the L window cab is an etched brass kit from Athabasca Scale Models.  Part number 8103, it has both standard and L window versions in this kit.  It was designed as a replacement for the Kato SD45.  I don't know if these are still available.  Their website indicates they were planning on retiring in 2016, and I have not found a dealer that has any left.

Dan

[JanesCustomTrain]

The easiest way to get the L-windows is to cut the part between the two windows out and file the lower corner round. Put the window glasses back in and fill the gap with Micro Kristal Klear. Or cut the two windows pieces off the window glass parts and use a piece of a jewel case or similar and cut and file it to shape so it will fit the whole new L-window opening. Glue it into place with Micro Kristal Klear.

Jane

[GhengisKong]

The easiest way to get the L-windows is to cut the part between the two windows out and file the lower corner round. Put the window glasses back in and fill the gap with Micro Kristal Klear. Or cut the two windows pieces off the window glass parts and use a piece of a jewel case or similar and cut and file it to shape so it will fit the whole new L-window opening. Glue it into place with Micro Kristal Klear.

Jane

I'd go with your second option, as I did your first option on an SP U33C and it looks pretty crappy. But having never thought of your second suggestion, I'll have to go back and re-do it that way.

[cjm413]

You should email Reese Martin of Martin Rail Works on Shapeways and ask him to do an L window cab. He's already released a 4-window NP SD45 cab, so he has most of the work already done.

802 and 803 also had handbrakes on the short hood in addition to the L-window cab

[bnsfdash8]

If there's interest I can whip something up in the next day or so.

I can do the hand brakes on the nose as well.

[Mark5]

Removing the brake wheel from the long hood could be fun.