Thanks for the replies. I question my soldering skills so I will likely try the JB Weld Steel Stick putty. I figure it will be the easiest to clear away any overspread from the surface.
What I'm doing, by the way, is modifying an brass OMI Union Pacific Slotted EMD E-6 pilot into as close of an E-7 pilot as possible. I'm detailing a 3rd Rail 2R Union Pacific E7 A&B which was produced as circa 1954+ with silver trucks, solid pilot, "Union Pacific Railroad" on the nose herald into a Circa 1948 with grey trucks, slotted pilot, "Union Pacific" herald, and Train no. "9" on the boards. I also plan to add some hand rails to the top of the cab. I'm modeling to an actual 1948 photo.
1948 since it overlaps most of what I like on the UP for Steam, Diesels, and color schemes.
I'll update my results on the O Gauge Union Pacific photo album thread when I'm finished. I have a long way to go.......
Thanks again.