I have two of the Proto 2000 SD9s. IMHO, the Espee Lark Dark Gray color shade is much too light. Right now, I am planning to mask it and repaint and re-letter the two models. Has anyone else had this issue? Is there a different solution or is the color appropriately faded? The photo shows the two SD9s compared to a GP20. You can clearly see the difference in the colors. Thanks for the help.
The first P2K Espee models were too light in the Grey department. Not only was the SD7 painted with too light a shade of grey the E9 model was also too light a grey. When freshly painted the dark grey on the GP20 is correct. Espee at one time kept their locomotives clean but that was a long time ago. With some careful masking and a airbrush the colour can be changed. Micro Scale makes a couple of good decal sets.
That's what I think I am going to do. I have seen the E8 and you are correct about that color, too. Should be an interesting project. Thanks for the help.
The P2K paint is horrible! I'd suggest stripping the thing and starting fresh...not sure what era you're modeling, but like previously mentioned, the 5300-series is pre-1965, so they are wrong anyway...leave it to Proto! Below is a photo of my SP SD7R (Proto Model) that I custom painted using Floquil SP Dark Lark Gray, the color is a little light, however, it looks right as the gray faded and the model it weathered.
I will renumber the 5300; maybe both of them. Looks like some light package details, too. The model itself looks like "as delivered" judging by the separate horns. At least not Espee. Hope to get the decoders in next week. I need to check Richard Percy's Espee Modelers Website for pictures, too. Very nice model, Railblazer. I do like the "faded" gray color.
The light package varried a bit on the SD7's. Many had the "Barrel Light" on either one or both ends. Many kept the "Barrel Light" until upgraded in the 1970's when they got the light stacks. The SD7's were renumbered into the 2700 series in 1965 but as the hordes of SW1500 arrived they were renumbered in the 1400's The 1500 series was for the SD7's after going through the "GRIP" program. The photo is of a Athearn SD9. Factory paint but renumbered and the big "SP" on the nose.
Embarassment... You know, these are SD9s! :confused7xq: I just installed the decoders (plug and play) and pulled down the original boxes to check them. They are clearly labeled SD9s and they also have the marker lights on the outside of the high hoods. Definitely SD9s. Anyway, thanks to all for the help. I will definitely get the numbers changed to match the SD9 series.
Espee SD9's The SD9's were renumbered in 1965 into the 3800 & 3900 series. The first 32 SD9's were delivered with "Barrell Lights" the rest had the "Light Stacks". The Barrell Lights weren't removed until the SD9's went through the GRIP Program. I recommend both volumes of Joe Strapac's "Southern Pacific Diesel Compendium" There is a lot of information about ALL SP diesels in them. Volume One goes from 1939 to 1965 and Volume Two goes from 1965 to the end of the SP.
Of course, you could just change the number, and apply some weathering. It'll look like it's been out in the sun for a couple dozen years.
