CPR RS18u #1821

Here we have a real relic. A "Fletch-co" shell on an Atlas RS11 chassis.  This unit was built about a decade ago, and has proven to be my most reliable unit. 

I love it.

This unit was assigned to Smith's Falls, Ontario. It would usually run the local freight to Ottawa and Gatineau, PQ.  Almost poetically, the unit was retired at the same time that the Prescott Subdivision was abandoned.

Miniatures by Eric lost-wax brass castings were used for the horn, bell, headlight and ditch light castings.  The antennae is a pewter item manufactured by Juneco models.  MV lenses were used for all lights. I really enjoy the way they "twinkle" in natural light.  Also, I'm not a huge fan of lighting effects on my models.  Call me "old fashioned," I don't mind.

The fuel tank was scratchbuilt, using styrene, NBW castings and a fuel filler from High Tech Details.  The handrail stanchions from the Atlas model were cut away from the oversized railings.  They were drilled out with a #78 bit and hand-formed wire railings were threaded through. The result is nearly-free but prototypical handrails. The speed recorder is scratchbuilt using styrene and single-stranded wire.

The model is painted with Testor's Modelflex water-based acrylic CPR Action Red and Flat black . Microscale decals were used to decorate the model.  Airbrushing for the exhaust soot, dilute wash india-ink for carbody oil stains and dry-brushing for the grime on the trucks give this unit a truly "beat up" demeanour.

ST. L&H SD40-2 #5614

]Here we have an Athearn SD40-2, riding on a dummy Chassis. 

Another throwback to my many trips to Montreal, QC. This unit was adorned with CPR's stylish ST.L&H logo.  

The St. Lawrence and Hudson was more a practice in creative accounting for the CPR than it was a real railroad. Trackage east of Toronto was marketed as the St. L&H for about a decade, with a handful of SD40s and GP9s being repainted.  Is it just me, or is this paint job far more eye-catching than the awkward "dual flags" scheme?

This project has been an experiment for me.  The unit was fully painted and weathered some 6 years ago.  At the time it sported minimal details with Athearn stanchions.  Incrementally, I have added Smokey Valley stanchions, full pilot details, (MU and train-line hoses, coupler cut bars, and coupler pockets.)

The most visually appealing upgrade has been the Details Associates etched fan tops.  I carefully drilled out the original fans, installed the etched tops and then inserted fan blades from underneath.  You can almost imagine the fans spinning as the model passes by.

Miniatures by Eric Canadian steps and horn do just the trick to make this model look authentic.  Future plans include upgrading the chassis with a powered Overland drive I've been hanging onto for years.  I can't wait to see this unit "bouncing" down the rails.

Testor's Acrylic water-based "Italian Red" and "Flat black" are the only paints needed to coat this model. The decals are a "mini set" produced by Microscale.