CNR RSC14 #1758

Here we see a rare and beautiful specimen from Overland Models; an RSC14.  These units started life as RS18s, and were re-trucked as A1A units in the mid 70s, using the trucks from retired RSC13s and RSC24s.  They spent their life in the Maritimes, serving branch lines where the A1A trucks served to distribute the weight of the locomotive on the 85lbs rails.

The owner of these fine units, Alex, has kindly agreed to let me display them on my blog.  This was my first attempt at painting an undecorated brass model, and it was a learning curve, to say the least!  The trucks are fully sprung, with independent gear boxes on each axle.  They are finicky affairs, but are also the highlight of any Overland model.

The unit was first disassembled and cleaned.  Alex desired certain modifications to the shell, including the Farr etched grilles (courtesy of Kaslo Shops,) and an all-weather window, (courtesy of Details Associates.)  Also added was a Details West re-rail frog, which was hung on custom-bent wire hangars.

The unit was painted using acrylic paints from True Line Trains (CN red-orange #11,) and Testors (semi-gloss black).  Masking was done using Tamiya 6mm tape, simply the best product on the market!

Adorning the unit are Sean Steele's CNR decals: the most prototypical decal set produced to date.  They are a joy to work with and the results speak for themselves.  

The unit was weathered to appear as though it was in the latter phase of it's service life.  The effects were achieved using  Testor's "dull-cote," chalks,  acrylic washes and dry-brushing techniques, (in said order.)p  Once the overall look was achieved, the unit was sealed using Testor's acrylic flat clear paint.