GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Here is a photo of one of my latest projects, Conrail 7499, former Lehigh Valley 305. I'm trying to get this GP18 as close to the prototype as reasonable. I can see that there will be some challengers. The main issue is that the fuel tank on the prototype is shorter than the the model's fuel tank, and the motor mounts prevent me from cutting the tank short.

Another challenge is the horn, which appears to be a broken or modified Leslie S3L with only two bells. Apparently, there is a Custom Finishing kit that will work for this.

In any event, I've added a custom finishing roof-top bell, a Details West Air Filter Box, and a winterization hatch borrowed from a PRR GP9 that didn't need it. It was odd that my GP18 didn't come with a winterization hatch itself, but the PRR 7206 never had one installed, and regardless, it popped right off with no damage to the PRR unit's paint.

Another challenge was the forward radiator fan. It did not have the high shroud on it like the dynamic brake fan, but no replacement fan seemed appropriate. I decided to try and shave the shroud down and smooth out the edges, which worked out fine. The way i figured it, I had two shots, and if I messed up one, I'd stick that fan under the winterization hatch.

Currently, I'm debating whether or not to order the Plano Details metal grills for these models.

I also need help mixing the bright red Lehigh Valley paint. Its to bright to be Cornell red, but its not necessarily a bright red either.

The model-



The CRHS says this photo was taken July 3, 1979. Its nice to get a prototype photo exactly during the particular month and year I want to model. Once I get it painted, I have all the decals I need to do this scheme-