Bachmann Alco S-4 Latest

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Can we get a side-to-side photo comparison with the Atlas S2?

[arbomambo]

I don't have the Atlas S2 yet (I'll get a couple when they're released in Zebra Stripes)...but, perhaps someone here can help you...

I'm about to start adding the cab sunshades...
I'm assuming these were steam-era canvas shades, as I see them on most of the ATSF (and others) switchers of the era...

I had done this to one of my Atlas VO-1000 a number of years ago, using spare grabs from the BLMA Ultimate E/F detail set...





here's an in progress pic of the wrapping process (at the time I was making it harder by attempting to actually 'roll' the tape around the grab fixture-I'll simply CA it this time)
Forgive the poor pic, taken with an aging, failing camera almost 4 years ago...




The S2 and S4s also had these shades...





...so I'll replicate it on the Bachmann S4....

[randgust]

Good series - note that sometimes they look white, sometimes more gray-white, sometimes get the body color, and sometimes pick up enough dirt they look nearly brown.

They'll also be spotted on early EMD's like the GP7's, SW's, etc.   

I love BLMA as much as the next guy, but I think .010 wire is thinner and just as sturdy for the supports.    I've tended to stay with thin brass, bent a bit.  Getting the color right is a challenge.

[arbomambo]

a few more baby steps on adding details to the very nice (and inexpensive!) Bachmann S4...
I used a GMM template, a #80 drill bit, and BLMA 15" drop steps to the long hood fireman's side and front end. Bachmann doesn't mold these in place like Atlas does on their diecast bodyshell, so it is MUCH easier to add this feature to the Bachmann Alco.

[JMaurer1]

Where do I send mine to get handrails?

[arbomambo]

and I also had time to add the cab side window shade support arms...

[arbomambo]

So,
I've added the 'canvas' sunshades...trimmed strips of Tamiya masking tape, CA'd into place...I used an Xacto blade to gently work the canvas in and around the top support in order to make it drape a little more like the photos I have; none of the shades look 'neat', they all seem to be wrinkled and rolled. I then painted with a thinned flat white .
I'm pleased with the results...I still have yet to add shades to the cab end windows, I'm going to depict these as rolled up do I should be able to manufacture and assemble them at the work desk, then add 'after the fact'.
After brushing the step grabs with thinned flat black, they almost disappeared...one can only really see them close up or in the photos, but they do look good and, at least, I know they're there...
Bruce

[arbomambo]

[tehachapifan]

Looks great!

[skytop35]

Looking pretty awesome Bruce!

[SP-Wolf]

Excellent work, Bruce!!

Wolf

[bdennis]

Nice work...! Cant wait for them to make a D&H version..

[Joetrain59]

Nice work...! Cant wait for them to make a D&H version..

+1
 Joe D

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Hmm... looks like a good start on an RF&P slug...

Really looking nice but the lettering is wrong... should have the "LOS ANGELES JUNCTION RY." on the hood...

'course I'm still waiting on them to paint a CF7 in Zebra stripes... 

[sd45elect2000]

In response to Bruce's report I just ordered three of them for My Milwaukee collection. It looks like stripping and repainting won't be a huge deal as it appears the body comes apart nicely.

Randy