Conrail SD38 build

[u18b]

On of my next locos to work on in the evenings will be an SD38.

Although this is pretty filthy..... http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=21751

What color is the walkway surface beside black grimy rust.  Was it originally blue or black?

[ns737]

IT is hard to say I have seen ones with blue and what look like black.

[u18b]

I would love for it to be blue.

I'm using an old Kato SD40, so it has the old style walkway/handrail piece in conrail blue.
If the walkway is black, then that will require masking.

But who knows.... this thing is so dirty it probably won't matter.

I know there's a lot of Conrail fans who hang out here.

[ns737]

I live in what was Conrail country. and I only seen one engine that was clean.

[MK]

I would love for it to be blue.

I'm using an old Kato SD40, so it has the old style walkway/handrail piece in conrail blue.
If the walkway is black, then that will require masking.

But who knows.... this thing is so dirty it probably won't matter.

I know there's a lot of Conrail fans who hang out here.

Calling @Ed Kapuscinski

[u18b]

This project has been sitting in a drawer for a long time. 

Here is my target:
early coming to CSX.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=21751

Later, CSX added frame stripes and white roof
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=272118
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=804665

I plan to model early version.

So starting point is something like this:  early release Kato SD40.


One issue already is the sideframes are wrong.


So went looking through the parts box.  Had a surplus pair of Atlas SD35 trucks.  They fit in the SD40 frame, but were not a *good* fit.  Felt a little stiff.  However, the sideframes were interchangeable.  So I placed Atlas SD35 sideframes on the Kato SD40 truck.   This now has the overall proper look with three external and top mounted brake cylinders.   I'll probably need to trim that outer brake shoe by the fuel tank.


Chessie System Fan (Aaron) years ago gave me a Mark IV Designs SD38 shell.


The shell printing did not fit *perfectly*.  I had to mill off the top corner on the frame.

[u18b]

Now, here is where I could use some advice.   This is my first Mk IV shell.

It is somehow warped.  You can see the top of this shot is the worst.

Can this be straightened with very warm water?   I certainly don't want to break it.

Also, does it need to be cleaned in any way?

[Point353]

On of my next locos to work on in the evenings will be an SD38.
What color is the walkway surface beside black grimy rust.  Was it originally blue or black?

[u18b]

Thank you for your help.

But.... that's a different scheme.

I'm doing this one.  And I'm not making assumptions... thus I'm asking Conrail fans for the color of the walkway in the earlier can opener scheme.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=21751

[u18b]

Based on this photo.... I think I'll go with blue.

But the steps will need to be black.   And it will be filthy anyway.

http://crcyc.railfan.net/locos/emd/sd38/cr6937cf.jpg

[wcfn100]

Based on this photo.... I think I'll go with blue.

http://crcyc.railfan.net/locos/emd/sd38/cr6937cf.jpg

Looks black. 


Jason

[JanesCustomTrain]

I 2nd that, it's black

Jane

[ns737]

the pilots and steps war black. the walk ways have 1500 grit sand paper color and look to them

[Ed Kapuscinski]

What color were the walkways?

Oh man. The answer is: yes.

I have seen photographic evidence that they were painted blue. I have seen photographic evidence that they were painted black. I have seen photographic evidence that they were painted blue then had an abrasive non-slip coating applied that was black.

So the answer is... whatever your photo looks like.

Personally, I paint all the units in my fleet's walkways black. Why? Because of the inconclusive nature of the data and the fact that they just look better on a layout like that!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Oh, also, if you're doing one of these, you should catch up with @flight2000 . I sold him an MT-6 trailer a number of years ago and I think he said it's looking for a new home.