Weathering Improvements to SSW Tunnel Motor

[tom mann]

You might recognize this from one of the header images.  It was the first HO scale model I weathered (as I recall it was 2007?).  I decided that there were a few things worth fixing:  I added blackened exhaust and a little extra rust and oil.  At the time, I thought it was a good idea to blend all detail together with an airbrush as the final step, and this resulted in "inoffensive" weathering that looked ok but lacked a certain depth. </artcritic>

Below are my new, 2014 improvements to one of my favorite models:

[Smike]

"depth" is apparent with the upgrade. Love it. What stands out is the oil and grease where you expect to see it. While motive power can end up looking rusted like this, if its still in service you will see clear signs of maintenance to keep certain parts moving. (or tanks filled with diesel  oil)  Any chance of a before round two pic?

Oh and stop cheating by using an oversize loco 

[tom mann]

Good idea, here are the "befores":

[Smike]

Oh ya, to me the before looks like an out of service loco sitting in a yard getting 'even' weathering from the natural elements, vs. getting weathered from natural elements and a lot of stuff from running (exhaust, grease, oil etc.)

Ok I’m going to have to break down and start weathering one of my locos, but dam, superdetailing them and throwing in sound decoders, makes me never want to apply anything with an airbrush.  I think I have some pratice locos somewhere. (Tyco anyone  )

[CBQ Fan]

Sure looks like just like the prototype! Ah haha haha ha ha.  Sorry I could not resist.  Your work is awesome!!!

[GaryHinshaw]

Great to see the Mann back in the studio!  I'd love to see an "after" overhead shot, from this angle:

Did these units not have MU cables in the front?

[tom mann]

Great to see the Mann back in the studio!  I'd love to see an "after" overhead shot, from this angle:

Did these units not have MU cables in the front?

@GaryHinshaw : Big additions are front walkway, short hood, little more leaking oil, and black exhaust:



Yes, these are missing the MU cables.  Athearn later added these, along with a speedo cable.

[ednadolski]

I couldn't find a proto pic for this specific engine, but here are a few suggestions, depending of course on the look you are after:

 - Extend the roof soot further along toward the back, and perhaps toward the front as well. Being tunnel motors, much of the soot would have come from operating in a consist with other engines, not just its own exhaust.

 - The "Cotton Belt" lettering could be more discolored/faded.  Also, some additional distress around the battery boxes:
     http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures%5C758%5CSSW%209367.JPG
     http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=44646

 - Depending on era, it might be fun to add lease patching and/or safety striping:  http://www.locophotos.com/pix/40/Larrys%20Truck%20&%20Electric%20LTEX%209239_Jacksonville%20FL_Adam%20Finger_2006-10-03_40191.jpg

 - Off-color sunshades or other signs of "customization"

 - Rusted areas on the fuel tank: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=181739

 - Don't forget the couplers (And Sergents would be even better looking) 

Ed

[Miles]

Tom,

Fantastic improvement. the soot on the roof streaking down the sides looks spot on.

I'd pass over the back of the snowplow & pilot with some more grime. They look untouched. Also perhaps some dynamic brake paint burns causing the lettering to flake off?

Maybe something like I did with this SD45?