Detailed & Weathered SD40-2 Snoot - BNSF 6864

[ednadolski]

Thanks guys glad you liked it.   I use the PB wire from Tichy, and I usually get it from Caboose Hobbies in Denver CO 303-777-6766.   They also stock the GMM stanchions and the PBL paste solder.

Ed

[GaryHinshaw]

Ed (or anyone really), I was trying out my soldering "skills" on some trial handrails (PB wire + GMM stanchions) and I was wondering if you have a method for preventing excess solder from running down the stanchion and filling in the groove on the front.   >  Some kind of dam maybe?  I'm not willing to take the plunge on a real loco until I can get this step nailed.  I've tried paste solder (from Micro-Mark) and that works ok, but maybe I should try the PBL brand.

Thx,
-gfh

[wazzou]

Solder from the rear, don't use much and be careful how/where any flux is applied.

[GaryHinshaw]

Good idea - I'll give it a shot.

-gfh

[ednadolski]

Less is definitely more.   Also try to avoid excess flux on the stanchions.   One thing I do to make the solder a bit more workable is stir it with a little bit of the liquid flux (Supersafe brand, the blue stuff).

I have had some stanchions that fill with the flux but I've found that after painting & weathering, it's pretty hard to see unless you look really close.  The main thing is to avoid making 'blobs'.

Ed

[ednadolski]

After a long time I have upgraded her to a LokSound 73100 decoder and a set of LEZs,  here are a few up to date pics:







(I'm still searching thru my parts for her original plow.  I stuck a plastic factory Kato one on in the meantime, but I'm not sure if that helps much...)

Ed

[GaryHinshaw]

Fabulous! Especially set on that beautiful diorama. 

And almost exactly 10 years to the day later. 

[tom mann]

Nice @ednadolski !

[ednadolski]

Thanks @tom mann and @GaryHinshaw !   It does feel good to see her back on her 'feet' again.   Speaking of which, another thing I did with this unit was to swap out the older wheels for a set from a newer production model, which have the smaller flanges capable of running on the code 40 rail.  The smaller flanges are also harder to spot behind the sideframes, which is another plus in my book.

(I still haven'f found her plow yet, but I'm not quite finished looking.)

Ed

[ednadolski]

This vid has her in helper service. The train has some more cars added from before and the lead loco has been fixed up for a better shell fit and sound balance.   The cellphone got the best focus on #6864 as she passes by at the end of the train, so worth  waiting for a look. 

WRT weathering and LEZ conversions, I've got my work cut out for me....


Ed

[narrowminded]

Your detailing is outstanding, Ed.