I don't super detail my locomotives (one of the reasons I left HO scale was because of all the super-detailing and rivet counters) but since I model the Southern Pacific, light packages are an absolute necessity. I do paint and decal most all of my locomotives (after adding the light packages). This was so much easier to do before the sun set on most of Sunrise's products
I do not do too much detailing as I am constantly handling all of my locos. I do add certain tings that are obvious on some locos, but mostly paint. Mike
I hear ya on that one! I'm almost out of my NSN light packages, but I have ordered some new one's made by wuttermelon on shapeways. Hopefully they will fill the void. Mike, that's a good looking loco! Mike
I have been on both sides of the fence in my modeling and even astraddle the fence at times when it comes to detailing. Based on my experiences the super detailed model cannot be beat for appearance, especially sitting in a display case. However the practical side of things like handling, running, storage, and transport has never worked out for me. Too many delicate parts that get bent, dinged, come up missing, etc. in day to day use. And no matter the storage method something always gets dinged or comes up with loose or missing parts. Even the few parts like mirrors and sun shades, and radio antennae have not survived the test of time and handling. And while the IM car kits have been nice, at some point all those grabs and stirrup steps added in the kits have been issues with durability. Look danged good when finished assembling but can't say the same a year later after heavy usage. About the only things that have held up well for me over time have been added lights, winterization hatches, and plow pilots with MU hoses and similar larger sized details. Probably due to both size and locations. So today I am down to minimal details added.
I don't build display models. I build all of my models to be used. I have engines I have built that get heavily operated and the details hold up just fine. If grab irons or fans are coming off, they weren't installed properly, you don't handle a locomotive by them. Horns and bells are on most engines, factory or detailed, so that's no comparison. Wipers, mirrors, antenna, and pilot details are also all operations friendly. I would hate to discourage someone from detailing because of worry of breakage. If you are the guy who breaks the handrails regularly on factory engines, maybe detailing is not for your rough handling.
Some really nice work showing up on this thread fellas. Way to go. Mine admittedly doesn't look quite that well done but I've done it and I'm getting better each time now
I detail all my locomotives, since that's my favorite part of the hobby and at least to me a detailed locomotive adds a lot to a scene compared to a stock model in both photographs and in person.
I just gave my opinion on what I do and certainly do not want to discourage anyone either. It is , after all, MODEL railroading. I generally save all my detailing for things on the layout that do not move. Mike
#19 Hello Mike, I also missed the Trainboard Group N scale Diesel Kitbashers and Detailers , ......I have so much learned ! Rainer
I detail all my steam and diesel engines. I try to be as accurate as I can, without being obsessive. I also try to remember to have fun!
I'm a detailer AKA "Rivet Counter" and wear that badge with pride! That being said I won't judge you for not detailing your stuff because it's your stuff! It's a big hobby and plenty of room for everyone. Why do I detail? It's a personal goal, not a "One upmanship" or contest as a previous poster said. In fact I dare say we detailers are a tight group. I'm always impressed to see what others do and after 20 years, I'm still learning. I get to model locomotives that the mass manufacturers will probably never produce and for me it is fun, especially during those long Illinois winters. Chicago Central GP38-2 #2009 by Jim Wiggin posted Jul 17, 2015 at 6:43 AM Late summer run. by Jim Wiggin posted Jul 10, 2015 at 4:24 AM Rock Island #4710 by Jim Wiggin posted Apr 22, 2013 at 7:58 AM ICG GP10 by Jim Wiggin posted Nov 20, 2015 at 6:55 AM Since I don't participate in T-Trak or Ntrak much anymore, most of my locos are detailed and do run on my layout or friends layouts. Some that I know will travel on Ntrak layouts and in a public setting will often have the details that stand out the most for that particular locomotive such as mars lights, beacons, sunshades ect. I'll leave the lift rings, grabs and fan kits off since I'm making a "Hollywood Model" meaning from a distance, it looks right. I have to admit however, I'm building more detailed locomotives than not now days.
I buy RTR stuff. Most of the new stuff comes with enough detail to make them look good. I weather my stuff but dont add much delicate detailing that will only get busted off if you so much as look at it wrong. I run my stuff....not display it in a hermetically sealed display case surrounded by armed guards !!!
Armed guards? LOL. Yeah I run my stuff too, no beauty shelf queens here. If I wanted static scale stuff I would do plastic models. Like I said each his own and yeah I've had the "Anti Rivet Counters" snub me at shows. Whatever, I do what I want with my stuff. What is it the kids say now days? "Hatters gonna hate."
I run all of my detailed engines too, that's what I built them for. I think the "it'll break" is an excuse put forward by people who would probably break anything you handed them.
Jim.... I hope I didnt give the impression I am against 'detailers'. Quite to the contrary ! I am more then impressed at what you guys do. Some of it is mind boggling ! Was just stating that I personally dont 'super detail'. I salute those who can do it....
Not to hijack anyone's thread but I want to "attempt" to do a super detail gp40. I ordered my parts but I need tools, can someone recommend a good set with tool and bits? Thanks
I would suggest starting a new thread, name it something along the lines of "super detailing a gp40" or something and all of us rivet counters will gladly help you out -Mike