scratch built SD70ACe (1/32 scale)

So lately people have asked to see close ups of my work. Trouble is the engines were never finished. Once they hit the rails to earn their keep, they haven't gone back in for the rest of their detailing. I haven't done much, but I started a list of what it will take to finish each of the 4 different 1/32 scale engines.

 Here, I just got a start on the SD70ACe with some home made number boards and another part of the decaling on the nose.

Each engine needs a lot of the detailing finished. This is tougher in the summer when I finally get to run long consists outside rather than sitting in the basement to finish these projects. The video below is of 3 of the 4 engines. The CSX MP15 switcher build didn't make the power pool this day!

I want to thank Alan ( and the OGR) for unlocking this old post and giving me a place to share some of the work!

It’s awesome sir 

Fantastic build Joe, makes me wish I had a nice somewhat level yard to do and outside G Scale layout. Since I'm situated on a hillside I will have to settle for the basement and the O Scale 2 rail layout. Keep up the great work your doing and keep us posted, the best to you and your modeling. Gene

I'll say it again, it is humbling, at the least, to have my favorite modelers tell me that I'm doing a good job here! 

Gene, there's so much to contend with outside, that I also have a G scale layout in the basement right below the O scale. That allows me to run year round.

I enjoy the O scale 2 rail. My heart stayed with the bigger G scale that I hope someday, will catch up with more releases of modern equipment.

Far out Joe! When do you sleep?

I'm always amazed at what turns up here. Anyone can build what I build not everyone can scratch a Locomotive including me, great stuff!

The garden Railroad looks good to thanks for posting Joe. Roo.

I have to decide to paint a blue surround of the number boards. The CSX looks slightly crooked in the picture but it is straight here in person?

Joe:

This build is coming along great!

Joe,

It is a great build. I have loved watching the progress photos. I am finishing my first piece of 1;2 rolling stock. My biggest problems is finding detail parts, Ive not yet learned about all the 1;32 providers but I’m working on that.

They are out there. Some have now left. I always do a fresh search on what's available and from who. There are some good suppliers of detail parts in that older era that are still floating around out there. Modern stuff is a whole different story!

 I think I need a 3D printer!!!

and I think your work is far above mine. I will continue and try to improve. I am limited in what I can achieve now. MTH has finally released their version so many will not have to go thru this if they chose. Even I wonder, if I should just buy one now, rather than shoot myself in the foot again! 

Looking back over this build and the comments, one stands out as not answered? Matt asked about the drive?

Originally the frame was being built from scratch. I ended up cutting up a spare reject MTH GE Dash 8 frame and making it longer. So I meshed that into the answer. 

The proper answer should have been the guts from a MTH Dash 8 that another person sold me at a different time. I had a pile of stuff at one time that I bought up from (3 or 4?) broken or gutted engines. The smoke unit was from a MTH 1 gauge Hudson that should be downsized. It doesn't need to smoke so good.

 The trucks are stock MTH Dash 8 trucks with modified USA Trains SD70 side frames. They aren't perfect, but capture the look.

The fuel tank is modified and has a speaker and extra weight.

I never built the interior yet. Obviously no handrails or grabs yet!

Please remember that back when this started, there was no HONGZ forum!