Post by slowfreight on Apr 16, 2018 14:08:22 GMT -5
So I'm continuing my quest to build a 1980-era medium-distance Amtrak train. Previously, I built a former Pines sleeper, and next up was the former Santa Fe baggage car. These are pretty easy project, and the longest part of the project was research. I found J.M Laboda's picture catalogue invaluable at passcarphotos.info/
This seems like a project that really just means one decal for the road number, but I found a few differences worth accounting for. First, the model comes with the GSC-41-NDO trucks that are standard for most ATSF and Amtrak passenger cars, but the prototypes all rode on the older-style GSC-41-N-11 trucks. I had a pair of the slightly-incorrect GSC-41-CNS-11 truck that I could swap in from my Pines sleeper. The only difference here is that the shock absorber is angled outward instead of vertical, and from what I found they are only used on sleepers...if I were buying a pair I wouldn't accept the compromise but I had them on hand.
Second, because of the letterboards that Walthers left tooled into the left side of the factory-painted Phase II baggage, I had to find an Amtrak car that matched. After digging, I found 1217 to be a good match between the supplied decal numbers and the proto photos. Besides numbering, I also painted the steps black and the brake wheel silver--easy kills that make a difference. I also painted the couplers and wheelsets in preparation for weathering.
The battery boxes are incorrect and the marker lights are in the wrong place, but for such short work I'm quite happy with an 85% model. The next step will be weathering, which I find extremely challenging on stainless cars.
This seems like a project that really just means one decal for the road number, but I found a few differences worth accounting for. First, the model comes with the GSC-41-NDO trucks that are standard for most ATSF and Amtrak passenger cars, but the prototypes all rode on the older-style GSC-41-N-11 trucks. I had a pair of the slightly-incorrect GSC-41-CNS-11 truck that I could swap in from my Pines sleeper. The only difference here is that the shock absorber is angled outward instead of vertical, and from what I found they are only used on sleepers...if I were buying a pair I wouldn't accept the compromise but I had them on hand.
Second, because of the letterboards that Walthers left tooled into the left side of the factory-painted Phase II baggage, I had to find an Amtrak car that matched. After digging, I found 1217 to be a good match between the supplied decal numbers and the proto photos. Besides numbering, I also painted the steps black and the brake wheel silver--easy kills that make a difference. I also painted the couplers and wheelsets in preparation for weathering.
The battery boxes are incorrect and the marker lights are in the wrong place, but for such short work I'm quite happy with an 85% model. The next step will be weathering, which I find extremely challenging on stainless cars.
