Weekend Update 10/23/16

[bbussey]

Well, yes, but those are really old, non-DCC ready, and have unpainted handrails.  I'm hoping for an update to Atlas quality of the 21st century.

The older shells will fit on current GP7/GP9 DCC-ready mechanisms.  I'd recommend contacting the Atlas Parts Department to see if they have the decorated bodyshells on hand (good chance they might), and then purchase two undec DCC-ready GP7/GP9 units.  You also will need fuel tanks in the appropriate color if you don't want to paint the undec tanks.  You'll have to deal with the handrails, as it is unlikely there will be another updated release.

I followed this exact path a couple of years ago in acquiring a pair of CN and GTW green and gold GP9 shells and fitted them to undec units, for my eventual NH/CN New London exchange.

[davefoxx]

@bbussey,

I did this on two C&O GP9s several years ago, and this worked great to easily upgrade them to DCC.  One of the Geeps I couldn't locate, and I did buy the shell directly from Atlas.

Sadly, though, the handrails on the old ACL GP7s are a deal breaker for me, even if the shells are available.  I know those unpainted handrails would drive me insane in the long run, and I have no way to expertly paint the purple handrails, especially considering how fragile the custom paint on handrails always is.  I wouldn't mind painting the fuel tank (I've done this before, too), because it's merely black (not purple!) and much easier to paint than the flexible handrails.

Thanks,
DFF

[wazzou]

Handrails + adhesion promoter + paint =  @davefoxx.

[peteski]

Handrails + adhesion promoter + paint =  @davefoxx.

My technique (about 15 years ago when I last did it) was to first roughen the plastic using Badger Air Eraser (mini sandblasting gun), then spray a priming coat of Pactra paint for polycarbonate RC car bodies, then spray the final color coat of AccuPaint.  This resulted in a very thin and durable paint-job on the handrails.  I used that technique on Atlas/Kato RS-11 (MEC livery) and on RS-3 (Amtrak).

[davefoxx]

Handrails + adhesion promoter + paint =  @davefoxx.

Yeah, I get it.  It's easy for you guys.  But, for me:

1) I'm colorblind, so I can't match paint;
2) I do not own an airbrush, so I even if I could match paint with my eye, I can't mix paint from spray bombs;
3) I do not have the hobby funds to spend on an airbrush, compressor, water trap, other accessories, and a spray booth; and
4) Regardless of the above, my artistic talent will never approach the level of quality from the model manufacturers.

DFF

[coosvalley]

Paint adhesion promoter is exactly what you need. You don't need an airbrush, just thin the paint,and use multiple coats.. As far as being colorblind, have a friend help maybe?...If you can build a layout as nice as yours, you can do this...

Once I got some paint adhesion promoter, I quickly used it on all of my locos that needed handrail paint, because it is very easy and makes a big difference..No more flaking paint!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Man, I am late this week!

Started work on a few projects sitting on my workbench for years.

First up: progress on CR E8 #4020.



I removed the steam generator, vertical battens, and portholes. Added details include 36" dynamic brake fan stack from an Atlas SD24, backup light, lift rings, windshield horn mount from Sunrise, ditch lights from Republic Loco Works, grabs and MU covers from BLMA and a few scratch built parts.

#4021 is close behind but I still need to locate a chassis for it.

Next up: a Guilford C424.
This has seen 4 different paint schemes. It came from the first run LL Canada painted for CN. I then painted the shell for Conrail's only phase I C424 painted in blue (sans can opener logo). Even with Tamiya PC paint, the handrails tended to shed their paint.

About a year later, LL came out with a Conrail C424 in blue (with an incorrect number for the phase). I took the blue handrails from this run and added them onto the custom painted and detailed shell. I then had an extra C424 with no clue what to do with.

I decided to paint it in Guilford, but never checked what phase the Guildford units were. After the orange coat, I found out the number boards should be inset with a step rather than an angled panel as in later phases. I tossed this into the parts box and forgot about it.

Digging around me parts box, I also located an Atlas C628 shell. That would provide the correct number board and this is the result after about an hour of hacking away at the shells.





At least I won't need to repaint the black CN handrails.

[John]

Yeah, I get it.  It's easy for you guys.  But, for me:

1) I'm colorblind, so I can't match paint;
2) I do not own an airbrush, so I even if I could match paint with my eye, I can't mix paint from spray bombs;
3) I do not have the hobby funds to spend on an airbrush, compressor, water trap, other accessories, and a spray booth; and
4) Regardless of the above, my artistic talent will never approach the level of quality from the model manufacturers.

DFF

[chicken45]

Yeah, I get it.  It's easy for you guys.  But, for me:

1) I'm colorblind, so I can't match paint;
2) I do not own an airbrush, so I even if I could match paint with my eye, I can't mix paint from spray bombs;
3) I do not have the hobby funds to spend on an airbrush, compressor, water trap, other accessories, and a spray booth; and
4) Regardless of the above, my artistic talent will never approach the level of quality from the model manufacturers.

DFF

I added in a number 5 for you:

5) I own a car to drive over to Josh's house and use all his stuff and bring him pit beef. He smells better than Lee or Ed after, too!

Also your #4 is full of crap! I believe in Davey Foxx!

[coosvalley]

Next up: a Guilford C424.

Digging around me parts box, I also located an Atlas C628 shell. That would provide the correct number board and this is the result after about an hour of hacking away at the shells.

 

If you have the C628 nose(and cab), I recommend using them instead of the Lifelike parts, there is something "off" about those LL parts, and using the Atlas cab and nose improves the appearance quite a bit IMHO....Food for thought...