Super Detailing an SD-40-2c for coal service

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SD-40-2c
GE U-23B with NLR cab mod
GP-7
Building Transfer Caboose 11919
11919 - Adding Grab Irons & the Chimney
11919 after the first dull cote
Short Bay Window Caboose

I began the project with an Athearn SD40-2 with dynamic brakes.  (Click on the photo to enlarge).
 
Click on the photos to enlarge...

DETAILS: MU and Main Air Hoses, hand made from brass wire and aluminum tape. See-through Steps (store bought). Coupler Cut Bars, hand bent from brass wire. Kick Down Steps, hand made from styrene. Anti Climber, hand made from styrene. MU Recepticals, hand made from styrene. Safety Chain, (store bought). Nose Head Light, hand made from styrene and brass, lenses are original Athearn. Grab Irons, hand bent from brass wire. Snow plow, (store bought, with hand bent grab irons). Brake Wheel (store bought). Air Horns and Assembly, hand made by turning brass rod in drill while filing, assy made from styrene. Fire Cracker Ant, hand made by turning brass rod in drill while filing. Wind Shield Wipers, (store bought). Window Glazing, hand fitted from clear styrene. Sun Visors, (store bought). Wind Deflectors, hand made from clear styrene and brass flat wire. Lift Rings, hand bent from brass wire. Bell. (store bought) with hand made mount and wire from styrene and brass. See-Through Fans (store bought). Drive Motor Cables, hand made from brass wire with styrene brackets. Fuel Filler Necks, hand made from brass wire and aluminum tape. Fuel Sight Glass, hand made from brass wire wrapped around drilled hole with brass wire center. Fuel Guages, (store bought). Fuel Vent Tube, hand made from steel wire and aluminum tape. Air Tanks, hand made from turning brass rod in drill. Air Lines, hand bent from brass wire. Extra Jack Pads, hand made from styrene. Brake Chain Assembly, (store bought chain with Kadee spring). Speed Recorder, hand made from styrene. Brake Lines, hand bent from steel wire. Air Filter, hand made by turning brass rod in drill and wrapping with brass wire.

sd40-2cfrntlft14oct.jpg

I started with an Athearn SD40 blue box kit.  After a consideral amount of detailing, you can see the results.  I learned from this that I should take photos as I build, so I will from now on.

sd40-2ctrkfueltnkdet14oct.jpg

Multiple fuel necks for multiple fuel connections.  This made it possible to get fuel from any servicing branch.  This was very important when running on other railroad's lines to and from Powder River.

seethrufansd40-2c14oct.jpg

sd40-2cfrnt14oct.jpg

Notice the parts still in brass/white plastic colors.  These were parts added after I noticed what I was missing (after the fact).  I always seem to find something I missed after I spray the dull cote!

sd40-2crear14oct.jpg

sd40-2clft14oct.jpg

tripltfrnts.jpg

You can never have just one SD40-2c for coal service.  Here are the triplets that I am working on.  There will be a BN and UP SD40-2 added to my Powder River coal drag, once I complete these.

I still need to wire these for lights.  I will eventually go for DCC and Sound, but for now, I'll just keep it DC.