from the pictures you are showing, there will have to be some modifications to the shell -- cab, in particular. you'll have to drill/cut out the area for a nose light and remove the light section between the number boards (above the windshields). none of that should be difficult. the other mod might be to fill in the two sanding fillers from the rear sides and add a single filler to the top of the tail. again, not difficult at all, but you'll need some putty, do some fine sanding, and drill for a small piece of styrene tube or something for the filler. the version i made was the UP version (and CSX type follows this, it seems) for the later heritage units. i noticed from pictures that while the cab is the same on all the different UP heritage units, the first two had the center-single-rear sander fill on the tail. Rio Grande, SP, and C&NW all had the dual fillers, but not MoPac or Katy. wonder why they did that? why not design it one way and leave it? hmmm. dave f.
Don't know what I'd do with it, but I'll take this one: Have the 3 rail version, need an HO copy, have N Scale reserved.
I like the MRL units a lot too, and really want them. I read an article in Trains a couple months ago about the MRL Gas train, with a bunch of white tank cars all custom made to fill and drain through the bottom of the tankers instead of a top filler. The MRL Gas Train is pulled by random mixes of SD70ACe's, SD45's, and other locos, but I really want to run a gas train at the shows, so MRL decals will be made.
Questions David, Have some questions about your Shell. I have several areas of concern. Look at this photo. Are all areas pointed to in red arrows brass???? The grills and screens??? I will have to remove all of the see-thru stuff before I make a mold. These items will have to be etched/purchased by each person desiring a shell kit. I'll know more when I receive the shell, just asking the questions for now. Will let you know any other concerns then. I would like to make a mold to produce 25 perfect castings. Hate bubbles!!!! Thanks!! Hobo Tim
hi tim, nothing is brass on the shell you'll receive. that picture is of the first shell, the second is very like it, but i redid the rear two fans out of plastic so that the parts would be solid. if people want to drill them out and add BLMA fans, that will be theirs to do. the other grill locations are all plastic, taken (rearranged) from the original SD70 flared shell. everything you see should be solid -- except the rear lower grill. it is also plastic, but deep. i put a solid piece of styrene behind it so it would hopefully cast better. you can tell me how you think it will do when you see it. i did the best i could to keep "holes" and brass off the shell. robert is going to draw the door panels and then you'll get the shell and all drawings. another week, i suppose. depends on how fast Robert works and how much work he has of his own to do before he can do it. he can tell you better. my one big question if is you intend to cast the shell/cab/sill as one peice. i don't care how you do it, but was curious to know how you would work it. dave f.
I'll do the side access panels after work and send the shell out tomorrow morning. I guess I can also measure up the fan grilles, since I read they are not 48" rather 51".
I am drooling over the possibility of getting one of this shells on my hands. Tim, you only need fourteen. I need a matching set. I am not choosy, but I would like to see the lower grills be made with photo etch brass. I just love see through grills.
...wow ! amazing work guys ! (and I thought scratchbuilding in N is some kind of an art) where was this thread hidden till now ? I hope I'm not too late but I would like to buy one kit as well - where do I have to send my money... ?
Guestimation I would like to cast it in one piece but as I look at the photo I know that will not be possible. The walkway/steps will have to be a separate casting. The main shell might have to be 2, perhaps 3 pieces. If I can, it will be one piece. My thoughts are possible cab and body in a 2 piece plus the walkway or maybe the cab, main body, and radiator plus walkway. I can't say for sure till I get it in my hands and can study it closely. With any hopes, Saturday at the quickest, Monday/Tuesday at the latest. I will post more info soon!!! Hobo Tim p.s. At this time this is an experimental cast resin/etched brass kit idea. No true offers have been posted of price or availability. This is a joint project started by David and hopefully able to bring to Fruition this project in a Kit form that will fit on top of an AZL SD70 chassis. Worst Case Scenario; the shells will work better as a static model in a yard or siding or even rigged in a dummy chassis w/o motor. Time will tell!!!! Stay tuned for more Info!!!
The Shell Has Arrived!!! The shell arrived in the US Mail today. I took it out of the packaging but have yet to inspect it. I will take a closer look at it tonight. Stay Tuned for the 2008 Inspection Results! Hobo Tim
SD70ACe's 2008 Inspection Report I know SGT. Tim is a busy busy bee. Has anybody heard anything about the SD70ACe shell that he was going to inspect for casting purposes? Man I'm sitting home with baited breath waiting on any new developement. What's the word my bud-d-ds?
Didn't catch the dates he was going, but he may also be out of town (with limited or no train time) doing site work for up to 8 weeks. Randy
Work on the HoriZon Today I am working on finishing up some artwork for a special project. Also, I am printing decals, boxing/shipping trains, and getting ready to finish the Mi-Jack's. Yesterday I received a box from Micro-Mark with some fresh RTV rubber, Casting Resin, Ferric Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, and Etching Resist material. All of these items are needed for the SD70ACe project which I look forward to starting this next week. I am wanting to ship all Mi-Jacks out before the end of this month. I am also working on Ztrack Thrall's current and future release for shipping soon. A few other small projects will be finishing too!!! I am going to be a very buZy person in the next 2-3 weeks as the last week of February I will be travelling to Beaumont, TX for an 8 week Exxonmobil plant turnaround/shutdown. 7 days a week, 12+ hours a day. Plenty of tiring overtime!!!! I have lots of bills to pay and also several Z scalers to re-pay for helping me thru the tough times I have had in the past 2 years. Jim Manley, Fred Griffin, Anthony Graves, I owe you guyZ a great deal!!! Thanks!!! BuZy, BuZy, BuZy!!!!! Hobo Tim
here is the original shell painted up. just need the handrails and add a few details to finish. dave f.
