Found a nice, new in the box Proto 2000 GP20 recently, so I thought I'd do a review for it!
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Darth,
A high-5 to you. Your clear explanations and video closeups are EXCELLENT! I subscribed to your channel.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Thanks! By the way, I used some of your tips for painting an Athearn RDC recently with some very nice results. Once I strip and repaint the red end cab (it's ATSF) for the third time, I'll finally get that video done!
Cool going!
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished RDC in action.
BTW: The older-run Athearn RDC's can be "bears" to paint strip. Were you able to strip it with no issues? 91% alcohol won't even phase some of them and I've had to resort to the purple "Super Clean" to paint strip some of the more stubborn paint finishes.
Darth Santa Fe Thanks! By the way, I used some of your tips for painting an Athearn RDC recently with some very nice results. Once I strip and repaint the red end cab (it's ATSF) for the third time, I'll finally get that video done!
Fortunately I didn't have to strip any paint, but I did have to de-rust the fluted body. This is one of the old diecast and tin-plated steel RDCs, and since the plating is half gone, the metalizer got it looking much better.
What model pin vice do you have, is that a collet or jacobs chuck, and what is the smallest number bit it will accept?
Thanks
It's a generic one I ordered out of China that'll fit down to a 0.3mm or #83 bit. It's cheap, but it works very nicely, turns smoothly and is comfortable enough to hold. Here's one, and there are a bunch more like it for around the same price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/186010026753
Nice.
You can put a "dunce cap" on me! I've always assumed that the Athearn RDC's, including the 1960's production rubber-band drive models, had plastic shells. I didn't about the diecast versions in HO scale. Live and learn!
Darth Santa Fe Fortunately I didn't have to strip any paint, but I did have to de-rust the fluted body. This is one of the old diecast and tin-plated steel RDCs, and since the plating is half gone, the metalizer got it looking much better.
Yup, the metal RDC was Athearn's first powered model in the early 50's! It was a complex kit with an almost fully open interior space and a Pittman trolley motor truck system with metal gearing. They updated it to the plastic Hi-F version after only a few years, when they also developed the GP7 and Hustler.
My apologies for being off topic Darth. Just wanted to let you know that I searched online and found what a snippet about the metal RDC. Looking forward to seeing your finished model:
https://hotraincollector.com/classic-1950s-athearn-budd-rdcs-in-ho/