SP GP9 commuter loco - 3
Of course, the full SP light package had to be modeled on both
ends of the hood, and the short hood needed steam genera-
tor details that needed adding to the short hood, as these were
missing from the freight shell I had.
Modifications
I started with the steam generator details on the short hood. I
used several pictures of the prototype to find the approximate
correct locations, and compared these with the drawing that
came with the detail parts. With this information, I guessed the
correct locations using my ever trusted Mark I eyeball.
Next was the side sill. The pictures show the before and after.
I modeled the second filler using a few pieces of scrap styrene. I
didn’t even take dimensions. I had a good long look at the proto-
type photos, and guestimated its size.
3
3. Sill cut out, and new filler scratchbuilt from scrap
styrene.
A thin sheet of styrene gave it some depth and I drilled a hole
in the middle for the filler opening. The result looks convincing
enough to me.
Headlights
Next were the headlights. I used a chisel blade in my X-acto knife
to cut the old light castings off. The holes in the shell were now
in the wrong place for the new casting, so they need filling up.
TIP: Here’s a quick and easy technique to do this: Take a suitable
piece of plastic sprue, found in many plastic kits, and gently heat
this up (a lighter or candle works great) until it goes soft. Then
gently pull both ends so it stretches and starts to taper. Remove
the heat and let it harden. Cut the sprue at its thinnest part and
insert it in the hole. Use CA to fix it in place, and then cut off the
sprue flush with the shell using the same chisel knife. You’ll get
a smooth exactly fitting
patch without the need
for any plastic filler.
4
4. Headlights cut
off, and holes being
plugged with a bit
of sprue. Steam
generator details
in place. I decided
against the use of
the wagon wheel
antenna in the end,
as it would date the
model too early for
my use.
MRH-Sep 2014
