Another Aspect of my Operation SD70 project is adding details to the Athearn units I have from the earlier runs which were lack a bit in the detail department particularly around the under frame and the front and rear ends. The first part that I do is to get the detail pack from Details West that are bespoke for the SD70M units with white metal parts for the under frame. This includes the piping for the sanders, bell, brackets for the fuel tank, jack mounting points, release values for the fuel
Operation SD70 is a go!!! I currently have 6 of these iconic US locomotives and with UP owning in the region of 1200 of these locos I could just just keep going but the wallet says other wise.
Either way I am now in the process of getting all of these harmonised with the same Tsunami2 sound decoders, LED upgraded lighting with a new Technique and weathered.
Currently all of them now have the decoders installed and speakers fitted using a 52 x 16 speaker mounted in the space above the
Before I get to building the layout I am going through all my rolling stock and getting the Sound / Lights correct and everything weathered. Current project is just finishing of my Atlas Dash-8 32BW in Amtrak Phase 5 Livery. Not an easy model to get. Here we are prior to adding the paint having first masked all the windows and lights. And now with all the weathering.
I have been modelling Modern US railroads for many years now mainly focusing around where I grew up in Southern California. My Grandparents live just down the road from the massive Union Pacific Colton Yard, BNSF San Bernadino Yards and so have had this imprinted on me from very young. Over time though, I have moved my interest up to the state of Oregon when my moms side of the family is located. Up in Oregon the Railroads have to deal with heavy snow and some of the steepest grades in the count
