Railworks America

I have been working on making a decent template for some SD40-2 repaints based on the Searchlight Simulations SD40-2. I have started with a KCS Grey Ghost. Here is an example of my progress.

Nice work! Don't forget the renumbering

Yeah, I am working on that. I have PMed the guys at SS about getting the autonumbering relocated to its proper place. Just not sure how much demand there is for SD40-2s that need the numbers on the access panels under the windows.

Looks great! Does this use the UP SD40-2?

I am looking at the different ones to use and ensure that it matches the real life ones as close as possible. At the moment, I used the UPN for this one. That is subject to change as I finalize it.

I will not be able to make this 100% real world accurate. I can either make it with incorrect autonumber placement or I can make several ones with static numbers and correct placement. Looking for opinions of fellow railsimmers.

I´ll be there, as one of your finest customers.

wlenz781 wrote:I am looking at the different ones to use and ensure that it matches the real life ones as close as possible. At the moment, I used the UPN for this one. That is subject to change as I finalize it.

I will not be able to make this 100% real world accurate. I can either make it with incorrect autonumber placement or I can make several ones with static numbers and correct placement. Looking for opinions of fellow railsimmers.

I vote manual numbers.

Looks great

After getting everyone's opinion, I will create a set of these with static numbers. Since this will also be developed in the Southern Belle livery as well, I need to know what everyone thinks is a good number of engines to add to their installs. When I did the GP40-2 I created 4 of each variant, was that enough or do you want more?

I think 3-4, depends on which units most closely resemble the roster https://www.thedieselshop.us/KCS.HTML

wlenz781 wrote:After getting everyone's opinion, I will create a set of these with static numbers. Since this will also be developed in the Southern Belle livery as well, I need to know what everyone thinks is a good number of engines to add to their installs. When I did the GP40-2 I created 4 of each variant, was that enough or do you want more?

I think four is plenty. If anyone wants more they can at least learn how to paint over a number.

While I respect your opinion Buzz, whether I think 4 is plenty or not does depend on how many of the real thing existed. For example we have about 8 variations from Cleartracks of the BNSF H1 C44-9Ws, wherein BNSF rostered about 200 from their 1996-97 order that came in H1 or so. For a smaller class of locomotives like KCS SD40-2/3s (wherein KCS/KCSM rosters units somewhere in the double digits) we don't need as many number variations.

OpenRailer90 wrote:While I respect your opinion Buzz, whether I think 4 is plenty or not does depend on how many of the real thing existed. For example we have about 8 variations from Cleartracks of the BNSF H1 C44-9Ws, wherein BNSF rostered about 200 from their 1996-97 order that came in H1 or so. For a smaller class of locomotives like KCS SD40-2/3s (wherein KCS/KCSM rosters units somewhere in the double digits) we don't need as many number variations.

According to the Trains roster, KCS "has" 41 of the 70s version (1972 TO 1978),

Your texturing is turning out really nice on these!

I like the idea of static numbers, placed in the correct locations over autonumbers of an incorrect size in the incorrect location For scenario creation, the more road numbers in the pack, the merrier.

Depending on how accurate/picky/precise/rivet-counterish you want to be with these, you might have a smaller pool of numbers to paint than it first appears. The following information is for reference. What you choose to do or not do with it is up to you.

Only 667-676, and 691, 692 had hand brake wheels on the nose, while the rest of the KCS dash 2's had a ratcheting brake lever. All of the SS SD40-2's currently out, and next packs for release are all brake wheel models.

If you're going to do any of the white paint scheme, the Conrail model (if you have it) or 'regular' UP unit might be a better starting point, due to the horn placement.

Regardless, these repaints look great, and I'm looking forward to seeing them develop.

Well, I am switching over to the Conrail model since I need working rear numberboards that are black. I am looking at doing the 3000 series and currently am working on #3208. Not sure how close to real life that model will be, but hope it is close enough.