After installing the lights and decoders (see the “under the
hood” section), the loco was assembled and test run. After this
I weathered it using Tamiya weathering sets, as well as powders
of a variety of shades and makes. I didn’t weather the unit too
heavily, but I certainly wanted it too look as it is earning its keep.
Below are a few pictures on my home layout, as well as a shot at
the club.
Under the hood
Under the hood, things needed changing too. This being an old-
er LifeLike release, it had suffered from the well-known disease
of split axle gears, and I wanted to build in DCC plus sound.
I cut out part of the weights to facilitate space for the speaker
and give it some room to breathe. The axle problem is easily
solved. Walthers sells replacement axles, but you can also use
the axles of the Athearn blue-box or RTR ranges. All you need is
10
10. SP Lark gray painted on.
SP GP9 commuter loco - 6
MRH-Sep 2014
