This unit was built about a dozen years ago, and it was one of my first real attempts at custom painting and building. I am still quite happy with the results, despite missing or incongrous details. It was built using a Life-Like shell and heavily modified Athearn GP40 drive, with Train Station Products Blomberg M sideframes.
Noteworthy among the extensive modifications made to the shell is the relocation of the access door beneath the exahust hatch, done by carefully removing the entire panel from the shell, dressing it and rotating it's orientation on the shell. Tamiya body putty filled any resultant gaps. An extra vertical rib was added beneath the radiator grilles, and a new cab door, with oval window was fashioned from styrene.
A Miniatures by Eric "F40PH" detail set was obtained for this model. This kit includes the front and rear pilot faces, MU receptacle, Pilot Plough.
As the years have passed, small detail upgrades, including the windshield wipers and rear-view mirrors, have kept this unit looking sharp.
The cab side ladders and rear, high-mounted receptacles were scratchbuilt. A Miniatures by Eric winterization hatch, exahust hatch and horn, Train Station Products Q-fans, Details West antenna and Details Associate lift rings adorn the roof. I used to see these units everyday, on my way home from high school. They are boxy, loud and look ungainly pulling LRC cars... Sounds like character to me!
Modelflex ATSF Yellow and (now out-of production) SGS decals finish this unit off. Unlike most of my contemporary work, this unit was weathered using only an airbrush.
Effram, these decals are now available at Highball Graphics
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