Union Pacific ex-SP Patch Units on Marias Pass

ok, so it's probably not likely to see a pair of ex-SP patch units on Marias Pass, but I have a decent sized collection of both BNSF and UP equipment, so decided to pose this pair for a photo on the mountain.  Other than the concrete ties, this could probably resemble a Tennessee Pass or other location on the Union Pacific system.  I really like how these turned out.  I have expanded my weathering techniques and feel like I am beginning to have the ability to dictate the results as opposed to "hoping for the best" when I first started.  I used a combination of airbrushing and drybrushing acrylics on both of these.  The updated yellow stripe on #9647 is really sharp and brings the loco up to current standards.  From what I can tell, #9647 is still in active duty wearing the original SP paint and patch, while 9651 has long been repainted into UP colors.

Halloween Pumpkin

Happy Halloween!  Here's a nice photo of a pumpkin on Marias Pass.

Gotta love those patch units!

I am working on some more patch units, and completed UP #9651, a former SP dash 9.  Although the prototype has since been repainted into UP colors, my N scale version will continue to wear the worn out grey and red.  The rust on the long hood turned out quite well simply using cheap artist acrylics and a micro brush.  Everything else was a combination of airbrushing and drybrushing.



BNSF ex-ATSF SD40-2 "patch"

Here is my latest custom job.  The victim is a Kato SD40-2.

BNSF Warbonnets

I recently enhanced several BNSF locomotives in the warbonnet paint scheme with some detail and weathering.  My article was recently published in the May/Jun issue of N Scale Railroading.

Kato P42 w/ MRC Sound (x2)

I installed a matching MRC sound decoder (model # 1645) in my 2nd Kato P42 the other night.  Each decoder is set up exactly the same, with the same CV adjustments that I made for speed control.  The decoders are not consisted, but rather have the same address programmed.

Kato P42 w/ MRC Sound

I recently purchased a pair of Kato P42 locomotives to run as the Empire Builder on my new model railroad that is currently under construction.  I decided to give the MRC sound decoder a try after lots of research and mixed reviews.  The install was fairly straight forward, and so far it is operating well.  I took the video camera and captured a few minutes of video to share with others.  It was a quick shoot, so I apologize for the low light and the noise from the tripod.  I am interested in feedback, so please don't hesitate to post a comment here or email me.  Thanks for listening.

Union Pacific (former C&NW) AC4400 "Patch"

I haven't posted anything for a few weeks so I found some photos of my first C&NW patch unit I did a couple years ago.  I started with the Microscale decal set that is made specifically for patch units and then applied a generous amount of weathering with an airbrush. 

ex SP "Patch" C44-9CW

I am disappointed that Kato never produced their AC4400 in Southern Pacific colors since there were many of them.  I settled for the next best thing and acquired the dash 9.  I updated this unit to a more contemporary UP patched version.