First big attempt at modifying an Santa Fe Diesel - Pictures

Former Member

So I've made some good progress at modifying a 1976 Santa Fe 8653 dummy F3 to look like the classic 2343. I've added number boards, grab bars, portholes and some figures. I still need to replace the nose decal (in fair condition but is cracked). I got this engine for a steal and it was hardly if ever used. I think it looks really good and prefer it to my F7 EMD El Capitan as the leader.

Here's the what is was before the modifications

Close up (please forgive the number boards)

Here's a close up of the nose

I just need a nose decal but don't want to spend $8 bucks on a decal/sticker. I'm really cheap. If anybody has one for $2, I'll buy.
I've seen two types water decal and self-adhesive - any advise there? I leaning towards water decal.

Anyway, feeling proud of my work and glad I didn't screw it up when I drilled. Drilling portholes at midnight was a bit unnerving.

Mr. Black

1/16/1211:34 AM

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markerOGR Forum Member

Nice!

1/16/1211:47 AM

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oldrobOGR Forum Member

Good mods there. Thats what an F3 should look like.
Rob

1/16/1212:49 PM

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Alex MOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Wow very nice

THANKS ALEX

1/16/121:05 PM

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Former Member

Any suggestions on getting the old decal off - hot water and a little scrubbing I imagine.

1/16/121:33 PM

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CentralFan1976OGR Forum Member

quote:
Originally posted by MrBlack:
...Drilling portholes at midnight was a bit unnerving.

Mr. Black

I hear you! I can really only work after the wife goes to bed and I have time to myself.

Your work looks great. Where did you get the long grab irons for the cab ladders? I want to add them to my Williams F3?

Thanks,
Mario.

1/16/121:56 PM

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Former Member

Ebay here's a link grab bars

There is a little trick when drilling the holes. Because front has a slant to it don't drill straight in(parallel to the table), drill at the same slant/angle of the engine nose, other wise the bottom posts go in flush but the top posts don't go in all the way and you have to glue them with force. [/ - example

Mr.Black

1/16/122:23 PM

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NortonOGR Forum Member

quote:
Originally posted by MrBlack:
Any suggestions on getting the old decal off - hot water and a little scrubbing I imagine.

I would start off with decal setting solution to soften it up. Then maybe warm water. Good project. I like these mods.

Pete

1/16/122:27 PM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

quote:
...Where did you get the long grab irons for the cab ladders?

Only 60 cents per pair at The Train Tender.

1/16/124:33 PM

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Former Member

Any help in finding a nose decal for a great price? Less than $8 including shipping.

Mr.Black

1/16/124:52 PM

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