diesel locomotive detailing

[cwclark]

As soon as i get my layout track work done I would like to detail my diesel locomotives...Has anyone done this before and what type of detailing parts for diesels did you use...From plows, to MU hoses and associated parts like A/C's on the roof and other details...I run mostly EMD and GE diesels..thanks, Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

I've done quite a few with varying degrees of success. I got inspired by the Details at a time articles in Model Railroad Craftsman. What is nice about this, they give you the manufacturer and parts numbers for each detail. You can search the index on this web site and find just about every engine for every railroad.

I also spend a lot of time pouring over the pages of my Walthers book looking at super detailing parts.

As for parts, I would stick with the parts made of brass of white metal. The plastic parts tend to require assembly, especially the air horns. Talk about torture! For a nice selection of brass Overland parts, try www.modeltrains.com out of Canada. Scroll to the bottom of the home page for the Overland parts link.

[willy6]

Chuck,
Just my opinion. I bought a Diesel detailing book.I read parts of it and realized you can really get into the nitty gritty of it. It seemed to be quite a challange. Being my layout is not on display or in a club I decided to due "basic" detailing.All I do when it comes to detailing is grabirons,number boards,wipers, MU hoses, and decals.It's enough to keep me busy and I'm satisfied with the results.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Chuck,

I'm in the process of doing this identical thing on my engines. I simply use old MR mags as a guide to the part number, which I search for on the Walthers website. Then what I do is find photos, preferable multiple angles, of the locomotive I am modeling (which is unbeliveably easy with a regional railroad like the Wisconsin & Southern), and find the appropriate details. I usually have to do it different for each kind of locomotive, but I can get a basic list for each type. The list I have currently for a GP38 costs around $15.00. Now, this is the basics, I keep it to the policy that, I want it visibly detailed, but not so much that I don't want to pick it up for fear of brakeing something. I hope I helped, and god luck with your projects.

Noah

[Anonymous]

Beware. This way be an endless project. As mentioned above, there are many sources for detail parts. Many offered in plastic are also available in white metal or brass. A Walthers catalog can be a great reference as you plan your detailing. The web has many photo sites where you may be able to find the specific engine you want to model. You'll still may end up getting the catalogs from the individual suppliers. I use a lot of Details West, Detail Associates, Cannon and Smokey Valley and there are many other great suppliers of detail parts. This also expands the hobby for you. Where else can you affordable get a GP39? How can you show the Frisco heritage in the BN engine?