I model a freelanced N&W (in HO) from the late 50s to the early 60s, no specific year set, based around the chillicothe OH area, and was in need of a frieght locomotive. I've got a very nice J that I use for passenger service, and wanted a freight loco. I only have space for 22" curves, so that ruled out an A or a Y6. I agonized over trying to find a locomotive that a company made that I could use that would fit my layouts physical specs. I was pointed to trying to find a 4-8-2 USRA heavy mountain that would represent a K.
I searched for months for a Bachmann Spectrum heavy mountain to no avail, so I eventually discovered an Illinois Central heavy mountain that I decided I'd re letter. It started off life as something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-Scale-ILLINOIS-CENTRAL-DCC-Equipped-4-8-2-Loco-Bachmann-Spectrum-New-82515-/380846984043
(sorry no before pics) and after using a hobby knife/alcohol and scraping the lettering off and re decaling, this is what was the end result.
After removing the lettering from the tender, cab, light and sand dome I applied some future finish, decaled, more future finish, then Testors Dullcoate. I applied what I learned from the forum(s), what I've done in the past on model race cars, and what my brother has learned doing similar things on his model airplanes. I'm very pleased with the end results. I loved how the Dullcoate covered whatever flaws were on the tender with the old lettering, but accented the lettering and riveting that needs to be accented.
Why did I choose number 125? The smokebox on the model states that it's made by Brooks, and that N&W used 125 made by Brooks until '59 or so, and the 125 is one of my favorite International Harvester Cub Cadets, one of my other hobbies.
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
Beuatiful finish! Thanks for sharing.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Wow the loco came out beautifully. Great job.
My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/