EL 1976 Bicentennial Paint Scheme Custom Project Under Way

[sabretooth47]

Work has begun on my attempt to custom model the Bicentennial paint scheme used by Erie-Lackawanna just prior to the Conrail take-over. I'll post pictures as they become available.

To make the model somewhat unique (and to run on my present day layout), I'm making some minor alterations to the original prototype's design.
1. While the proto's were SD-45's - my model will be an SD-60.
2. The proto's were numbered 3632 and 3638 - mine will be 7102.
3. When the time comes, I may alter the paint slightly. The proto scheme has the red/white/blue stripes around the entire engine -- I may paint the tail face all red and have an all white EL diamond decal (just because I think it would look cool).
4. If I can locate them, I may add 9/11 remembrance decals.

So far, all I've done:
-- Dismantled the entire body.
-- Replaced the molded grab irons on the engine body with brass ones.
-- Added brass sun visors to the side cab windows.

I'll update this thread as work progresses. This will be the most extensive custom job I've attempted to date, so bear with me using up some thread space .

And please feel free to comment...good and bad :thumb:

 

[shaygetz]

4. If I can locate them, I may add 9/11 remembrance decals.

I'll update this thread as work progresses. This will be the most extensive custom job I've attempted to date, so bear with me using up some thread space .

And please feel free to comment...good and bad :thumb:

Looking forward to your progress. You might want to look towards Jimmy Spencer's #1 Yellow Trucking Flight 93 Memorial paint scheme run the first race after they restarted the season that year. It has elements that could be used including the firefighter's and police memorial badges. Maybe some aftermarket 1/24 scale decals are available.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

Might want to try to print your own remebrence decals.
Or..if you don't have the means, I'm sure one of us could happily do it for you.
This way, You can come up with your own design.

 

[railohio]

I've been contemplating this very project in the last few days. I'll be watching this eagerly, even if I plan on doing mine with actual SD45s.

 

[sabretooth47]

Looking forward to your progress. You might want to look towards Jimmy Spencer's #1 Yellow Trucking Flight 93 Memorial paint scheme run the first race after they restarted the season that year. It has elements that could be used including the firefighter's and police memorial badges. Maybe some aftermarket 1/24 scale decals are available.

I have a few designs I want to use -- I just need to either get them printed or find something similar already done. I was hoping Microscale had sets, but I didn't see anything on their site. These are the front runners at the moment, but by the time I get to that point, my tastes may change -- who knows :

 

[sabretooth47]

I like these as well -- I want to use these and the "hunting license" as smaller, inconspicuous decals -- but they are still maybe's. I don't want to use a million decals and turn it into a NASCAR SD-60 -- LOL

 

[eightyeightfan1]

This might give you some ideas.
Here's a couple of boxcars I did. The decals were done on my computer.
The POW car was inspired by the American Chopper POW Bike.

 

[shaygetz]

Well you've got me started... ...I have a GG1 that's just screaming for this kind of paint scheme, especially those two badges incorporated in there some where.:thumb: The Testor's decal program I bought is a bust though, basically an invitation to spend many more bucks to do what you really need it to do...sigh

 

[sabretooth47]

This might give you some ideas.
Here's a couple of boxcars I did. The decals were done on my computer.
The POW car was inspired by the American Chopper POW Bike.

I really like those, 88 -- I was thinking of using the POW or 9/11 "ribbons" as well, but in a smaller sense -- more so like you would see on your car than a dominant part of the scheme.

But I got a painting question -- I was going to spray paint a primer on the body this weekend, but I held off (a golf outting came up ) -- but that got me to thinking, do I really need to paint a primer? I'll be using Testors Model Master spray paints and dullcoat for the final finish and having that extra coat of paint on her seems a bit much...

Opinions?

 

[sabretooth47]

Update:

Final primed the shell (Light Aircraft Gray) and hit the undercarriage/fueltank and plow with Titanium metalizer...so far so good...

Before & After Pics

 

[sabretooth47]

Got the Blue and White stripes on the shell (The white is Krylon's Interior/Exterior Flat White -- Highly Recommended). Still needs a little touch up at this point.

 

[viperman]

Looking good so far!

 

[sabretooth47]

Here we are -- Red, White, and Blue!

Still need to touch up the white -- but all is well and making progress

 

[Chessie6459]

Looking Goog.:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[Delamaize]

Hmmmm looks good, very BC Rail-esc.

 

[sabretooth47]

couple more updated pics -- touched up the white and taking a look at how everything pieces together so far -- next step: rails and decals....

 

[sabretooth47]

---Side Bar---

The White is Krylon's Interior/Exterior Flat White ($2.78 Walmart)
The Red is Krylon's "Fusion For Plastics" ($3.68 Walmart)

I HIGHLY recommend both -- they cover with minimal spray and the colors come out fantastic! :thumb:

I figure I'd try them seeing that I was in Walmart at the time, and seeing that a big ol' can costs less than the itty-bitty Model Masters paints. I liked how they came out in the couple test items I sprayed, so I took the chance and I'm very happy with the results

I may start investing in several of the basic colors, and only get the special colors at the hobby shop from now on

---End of Side Bar---

 

[sabretooth47]

Update--
Got the majority of the decals on -- all that's left are the the red lettered "Erie Lackawanna" that has to go down the side. That's gonna have to wait until I get a new set of decals :cry: (I used the red letters on a EL box car I customed a few years back, never thinking I might be needing them for something like this)

Anyway -- the latest pics:

 

[TruckLover]

It's lookin good so far!!:thumb: :thumb:

Keep up the good work

 

[sabretooth47]

Just a note --
I had hit a dead-end since I could not find anyone that had the last of the decals I needed, so all I could do was place this on the back burner until I could locate them...

Well -- Microscale has FINALLY printed a run of the decals I need and I've placed my order -- expect to see a completed unit sometime here soon!