Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe SD26 - Model Page 1

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I built my super-detailed and weathered kitbash about 15 years ago using Athearn's SD9 drive and Atlas' SD24 shell as the core components. It has a can motor and NWSL wheels for better performance. I recently dusted off this model for use on Northern California's Free-mo layouts. A Digitrax DCC decoder replaced the old Emrex lighting effect module, and more weathering was added to represent a unit nearing retirement, circa 1986. by Gregg Fuhriman

ATSF #4674	ATSF #4674	ATSF #4674

Click for full size Right side overview. Athearn SD9 provided frame, trucks, cab, pilots, radiators. Atlas SD24 provided core of long hood, dynamic blister, walkways and battery boxes. Tyco GP20 provided low nose and cab front including number board housing.	Click for full size Right front. The inset nose step was cut out of the Tyco nose and backed by styrene. The odd-shaped nose doors are modified Cannon parts. The blower bulge behind the cab was built up with styrene and body putty.	Click for full size Right cab; looks like it's been a long hard day for the engineer. Weathering is done with chalks, stippled into wet dull-cote with a very stiff flat-end brush. This method holds the chalk well while keeping its dry, flakey texture intact. Varying colors, stippling pressure, chalk density, etc. result in a variety of effects.
ATSF #4674	ATSF #4674	ATSF #4674

Click for full size Right side center. The Atlas SD24 hood doors were sanded smooth, then .010" styrene overlays were cut to fit, door openings cut in, then glued over the old doors. Cannon doors were installed, some in open positions, others spliced to make odd-sized doors.	Click for full size Rear right side. Precision Scale plastic radiator fan housings were modified by flattening the central domes. Dynamic fans are also Precision Scale but with domes left as-is. A Details West brake handle was installed in a cutout of the hood side.	Click for full size Rear view. Details Associates ladder kits were installed.

ALL photos are copyright by Gregg Fuhriman and cannot be used without his permission.

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