On my workbench right now is this Key engine in which I’m installing a Sunset QSI leftover decoder. It’s a beautiful model, and the best made to date despite it’s conflated styles and eras, I still love it. I’ll add depicting images as I move forward with the install and the upgrades...
Scott’s RI Rocket is just around the corner and I’d like to have this one ready to go when it arrives.
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May I say, " you have good taste in modeling." Especially your C.B.&Q. collection.
Thanks, Rob...!
Your lit dashboard is wonderful!
Dual headlights had to go, will make my own and have some new lenses cut for me
Added tracing paper behind the dials to better diffuse the light
Key owners should know that all the window glazings are made of real glass. This is great because they tend to get a bit dirty, but since they are made of glass one can just clean and wipe. No need to replace.
That is a beautiful model!
Done w the parabolic reflectors... needs lenses and that’s it!
Notice the difference before polishing below...
Painted the headlight casing silver... should be stainless... came red 🤔
Pilot will need a lot of attention... I think Key overdid the rivets in this one...
Fantastic
I decided to drill some holes on the cab's unseen, lower bracket to let the nose lights cables through. Key sends these wires through the windshield frame and you can see them from several angles. This way the cab will be nice and wire clean.
Lenses done!
Life goals
Notice that I covered the gaps between the fuel tanks and the frame...
Turn up the screen brightness!
I just happened across this thread and must say, that is such truly fine and admirable work!
Where do you get the reflectors and lenses? The entire model looks great!
Tom, I had a polycarbonate sheet punched with several diameters a while back... thankully some of those were a perfect fit. I think McroMark has a circle puncher in their site, but can attest for its quality.
The reflectors I made by drilling and polishing an aluminum rod... hope this helps
Not for the faint hearted
Excellent modeling and thanks for posting your progress. You have already spanwned a few ideas in my head!
Do share, John!
Beautiful Otto Perry 1940 shot of a Rocky Mountain Special...Id be fun to have her pull some heavies 
... I know, I know that's an E3....
Ok now I'm pleased with the pilot contours... Waiting for the putty to dry so I can sand again...
Here I was drilling the door holes...
Ill have to find a way to model the stainless trimming...
This should work...
I bet a bunch are thinking I just ruined the engine 😂
The more important question is: are you thinking that you've ruined the engine? I commend you for your courage!
MELGAR
Not yet! 
I wasn’t pleased with the first coat and finish, plus I missed some rivet details... will shoot it tomorrow again...
Added rivet work
I appreciate what you're doing. I did hand built pilots for my Alcos and modified pilots for my E6s. Tedious, but worth it.
All the Best,
Ron H
Thanks, Ron and Melgar. There's a tacit appreciation for Key which prevents th conversation from moving forward. These engines are far from perfect despite being the best out there.
WOW!
Fantastic !
Very nice Santiago.
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