Hi all !! KATO have just made a retoolled run of EMD SD45 with Rio Grande sheame. I have bought the two road number. It a great engine with big pulling skills and smooth running . But there is a big lack in the Rio grande version : The nose dual gyralight pyle. Here is the model "from the box" on my layout : I think the coupler shank is a little bit too long ... so i replaced the original one by an AC 4400cw short shank coupler. No modifications is needed, it's only replace & pluging job. I think it's a better look : So i have ordered the Detail Ascociates dual oscilating pyle light and start the modification. I had somme detail from BLMA ( like coupler cut leveler witch are to flat) And i will dirt this diesel by the way. Here is pic of the work : First i fit the diesel with a DCC decoder (digitraxx DN163). Nothing to declare it's easy, only to follow the sheet instruction : After that ... the big jump !! Milling the nose to reserve to place for the ligth Brr ... Notice that the detail ascociates piece have to be reduced in it's hight to fit the prototype look. You can also see the BLMA part's had on the snow plow and on the coopling face. To be continued ...
The ligth have been sticked with glue for styrene. The gyraligth have benn drilled at 1.1 mm to receive the two ligth channels that you see at the back of the nose locomotive. It's have been cuted in an altuglass (patented) 1mm transparent rod and will bee installed after painting and weathering. The CMS led will bee wired on second function channel of the DCC decoder : Wire can pass between the two half-frame : To be continued ...
Inspiring man. I need to add nose lights to my SP and DRGW locos. I like how you are holding the LED in place with the wires.
Outstanding! :thumbs_up: Did you just paint the MU hoses black/silver or are those some type of replacement?
It's the original MU hoses molded with the snow-plow painted with grey and sylver. I have had the air hose with small wire but it's so visible on the picture.
The first lights from 1966 until maintenance changes or repair in '80s were Mars†lights. The Pyle (company name) Gyralights (tradename) came after. Different effects and usage perhaps. Richmond Lighting also makes kits for variable lighting DCC units, cheers davew
Thank's for this usefull details DEVEW !! Here some more pics and a video of finished model. On the video you can see the nose light at work : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYsOwoDn7po I have replaced the coupler by a shorter from an AC4400cw.
Nice step by step info. The scenery details is wonderful. Love that shot with the wooden retaining wall.
Looks great, its posts like these that get me to want to detail my locos but the last thing I need is another project.
The altuglass is a patented clear acrilic resin : Altuglas International: Europe/Americas/Asia: Altuglas International: Europe I think that you can find it all other the world (or the equivalent). I have bought mine in a french special strore witch sells tools and materials for jewellery and precision mecanic work. It's called " l'octant " : Accueil I dont know if they trade to the international. I think you can have this sort of shop in the US.:tb-biggrin:
