Accu-paint (Tru-color) has a glossy finish, so there’s no need to overcoat before decaling. The decals I used were a combination of Microscale 87-686 and Herald king L-500. Microscales numbers are too wide and the number font used is not totally correct whereas, Herald kings numbers are pretty much correct. Compare the sevens and you’ll see what I mean. The tops of the ones are wrong on both sets also. Below is the comparison.


The HK Bee line is much bigger than the Microscales. But it’s a little too big. Microscales is about the right height but shorter in length. So, I used all Microscale except the hood numbers. After the decals have dried, I added some of the pilot details. I used .010 wire for the pilot grab bar and painted that yellow. I shot Stencil black on the lift bar brackets from DA and I used Railflyer pin lifters #DP-6300. I left off the air hoses until last. I’m also holding off adding the handrails and stanchions until I get the base weathering process done.

After cleaning up any decal residue, I pre-stained all grilles with a light dirt wash. I want the base wash sealed with the clear coat. I then seal the body, handrail stanchions and fan screens with a clear coat. I allow this to dry thoroughly before moving on to the weathering. I didn't use dullcote as my sealer. I used a satin finish from Tru-Color. This will work perfect for the way I want to weather the model. Looking at the model, it still looks fresh from EMD, but not a high gloss finish like it just came out of the paint shop.

As far as the fans go, I assemble the blades to the fan caps and twist the blades to get them ready for final assembly. I’ll add them to the body later and weather them separately. I’ll post a pic later of the semi-complete body and I’ll go through some weathering steps.

I too, found the Herald King decals to be better. Glad I bought extras since HK folded.

I made a typo error on the number length. I added that correction in the pic. Sorry about that. I even misspelled length!

lol.... at least you're consistent! I would blame the computer.

That's what happens when you write something weeks ago and don't proof read before posting. Didn't think of blaming the computer! I got to remember that.

I made a correction to the model. It appears that the RDG’s 45’s were delivered without rear foot boards or the grab bar. Shown below is a pic from 1968.


I’m confused over the fact that the front pilot has the grab bar, but all pics that I've seen of the rear; the grab bar is non-existing along with the foot boards. But, if any of you have picture proof otherwise, please post it. Nether the less, I removed mine as I’m having this model represent a couple years in service. I made this update before I got into the weathering.