TexMex GP7 Project This will be my next project over the next few weeks. I have always liked the scheme of the TexMex GP7 since I first saw Flash Blackmans GP7 both on here and personally when he brought it here and operated on my layout. Here is a photo of Flashes GP7 taken in 2004 Here is a photo of the real GP7 on from the screaming eagles site I will be adding some additional details including sunshades, spark arrestors just to make it a little different. I ordered Microscale decals 60-4373 and the following paint Modelflex Espee Daylight Orange Pollyscale Vermon Central Green Here are images of the partially assembled shell awaiting adding of additional details etc. I will keep updating this topic as I progress.
Those aren't quad numberboards! Those "quad numberboards" aren't, the bottom two are windows. If you look at the side of the short hood at the top of the steps, you will see a "dutch" door, with the top open. There is a chair and desk inside the nose, intended to take the place of a caboose at the end of the train. SCL's BQ-23's weren't the only early attempt to put the whole crew in the locomotive, TexMex tried it too. It's really a distinguishing feature and really worth attempting to model, IMHO. :shade:
Did you know that TexMex once had one of its GPs in a red, white and blue bicentennial scheme? I have a picture in an old Corpus Christi Port Book.
The Quad Numberboards are, as Thirdrail stated, windows for the crew. The Missouri Pacific had several Passanger Geeps with these windows added. There were two articles in the "Eagle" several years ago bashing two HO Geeps, the first doing a low nose short hood, the second took the left over parts and made the crew window type. HTH.
The nose windows are... interesting. Actually, the interesting thing is that the GP7 retains its shape. Now, I'm not one of the majority of railfans who dislikes the BQ23-7, but this way of doing it is somehow more appealing. Probably hideously cramped, though.
today I added a firecracker aerial, sunshades, spark arrestors, removed the plastic air hoses and yes i cut out nose windows, they are a little larger than the original numberboards. I'm planning to paint some clear plastic sheet and glue it behind the window, hopefully it will work. Here are a couple of photos My good friend Patrick has a bell for me so hopefully I can add it next week and my paint will arrive from Chuck so I can begin the primer and painting.
Firecracker antenna and sunshades. I forgot that. I may decal the lower number boards in place (just black area) since mine is already painted, but cutting holes like you did looks difficult. Nice job, though.
Thanks Mopman I'm not not sure how I should finish the windows I was going to put plastic behind the shell however Flash seems to think that the thickness of the shell will be a problem and he suggested I use Krystal Kleer. Being in Australia I have never heard of the product so I'll have to try and find the product. Maybe one of the Aussie guys here will send me in the right direction??? Gats?? Jason??? Patrick???
Looking good colonel.Testor's makes a clear cement in the black bottle with the fine tip applicator that can fill in nicely,I have used it for windows before,it has a whitish consistency when applied but dries crystal clear,You also could apply good old cellophane tape on the outside and trim around(after final paint of course.)Is it safe to say the GP7 bug has bitten ya? heh heh
Thanks for the heads up on testors, oh and what makes you say I have the GP7 bug Oh and I have added an additional MoPac GP7 since that photo was taken
But this'll probably be your rarest Geep. Know anyone else with a Tex-Mex GP7 like this??? Keep up the jaw-dropping work! :thumbs_up: :shade: :thumbs_up: :teeth: Wow this is my 1000th post!
Krystal Kleer Colonel, Krystal Kleer is made by Microscale, the decal people. It is similar to white glue but dries perfectly clear. Anyone selling Microscale decals should be able to supply it. I use it on all my rolling stock for windows. :shade:
Paul - Great job! I think that it might have been easier to use a 2nd GP shell and cut the number board piece from one end and splice it together with the other shell. Sort of like stacking the number boards! That way all are the same size and will also use the number board lens so all 4 would look the same. I know my explanation is lousy...
