GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

I saw that RMC article at the hobby shop, and it was the one reason I might have picked up RMC this month -- but then I realized (three pages into the article) that it was the IHP body. No sale, Bill S, again. Haven't bought an RMC or MR in months -- I should maybe e-mail Henry Carstens thanking him for giving me an extra $6 a month in my hobby budget lately.

Actually, I believe Frank Cicero did an RMC article 15 years ago or so where he kitbashed it from Athearn parts. It wouldn't surprise me if he did the IHP master. And it's worth repeating that Cicero was told that RMC didn't want any more commuter pieces. Unless they did another NJT loco, huh?

Yeah, i purchased that issue as soon as I saw the article. He did a lot of the same things i did on my build, except for the whole replacing most of it with cannon parts. I love Snell's layout, but sometimes I wish he would go all the way. His GP40FH-2 looks good, but there are a few things that he could have done differently to get an even better model. He seems to stop short on many of his locomotives (but then he has so many, so perhaps its a time thing).

I've been thinking about making one more casting, despite the poor shape of the mold (learned a lot of lessons with that one!). I recognize that once again, i'd have to do a lot of cutting and "milling" of the plastic, and again replace it with a ton of extra parts, but I think i can do a better job yet again.

I strongly suspect the current shell got a little warped when i demolded it (probably slightly prematurely). Once i try to straighten it out (can't heat it anymore, too many delicate parts), I'll finish putting lights in the cab and finish the interior/windows. a coat of crystal cote should seal everything in and get rid of finish differences that are plaguing the model in places.

Its a shame mike isn't still offering the GP40FH-2 shell. I feel like if i had another go from a truly fresh shell, I could make a top-notch model. Somehowe, i feel like i'm already starting with a model that is going to have a crippled finish.

I actually have the Frank Cicero Article, though i wasn't entirely satisfied with it either (lots of "not quites" and "close enoughs" add up). Its not exactly the same as the IHP shell, though I also think IHP used some of the same methods to get there.

I did find it incredibly ironic that after discussing the lack of NJ Transit articles, one showed up!