So,as some may have seen I have a thread going in the 3rs forum about my 3 rail projects. But I have started a adventure into 2 rail P48 modeling. And my first project is a Atlas SD35 I am working on that I wanted to post over here to get it in the right forum.
Goals for it are as follows.
P48 wheelsets from NWSL(ordered)
Truck side frames narrowed
New brake hangers and sandlines.
Correct speed recorder cable.
All new correct diameter hand rails and grabs,lift rings etc.
Etched radiator grills.
Scratch built wiper blades,New cab Windows and door handles etc.
New sandfiller hatches.
Correct the fuel tank profile and all new fuel gauges,filler neck,vent pipes and associated details.
Full length frame rails. Traction cables and underframe details.
Scratch built correct draft gear box. And completely rebuilt pilots with full details to match the prototype.
Working scale protocraft couplers.
And much, much more. Pics are of what I have done to this point. I work long weeks(70 to 90 hours quite often) so progress will be slow. But having a log will keep me motivated hopefully.
The start. Took me several months to find it.
After milling the fuel tank and starting the frame rails
Needed some new air tanks. Scratch built out of rod and tube. Turned on a poor man's lathe ( drill chucked in a vice)
The correct tank profile with new styrene end sheets laminated on. Along with assorted plates according to prototype photos
Tonight's small project. Etched brass grills I have been piecing together. In these pics the grills are simply pressed on over the stock grills. So they do not sit where they should. But as a proof of concept I am quite pleased so far. They will be three pieces each when finished to add depth.
You can also see I replaced the horn and all of the lift rings. As well as started fuel tank detailing.
All comments,good or bad welcome. I will flesh this post out some more when I have time. Thanks for looking