Railworks America

Hi everyone, I'm back to RW and I'm planning on doing some of my weathered reskins for the CN SD40-2s but before I get too far into the project I wanted to get your opinions.

The CN protrotypes are a different then the models available. CN SD-402 Photo They have the headlights down on the low hood. The game models has TS12 version has it up on the number boards and the Santa Fa Payware version has the lights on the low hood, close but not 100%. Which would you suggest would be the better model to base the repaint off of. I would prefer to use the TS12 version as its a better model and everyone has access to the default but it won't be 100% prototypical unless someone knows a way to relocate the headlight in the blueprint, which I don't think can be done.

Would love your input before I start.

Thanks

Perhaps another option would be to use the old RW2 default SD40-2 which had the lights on the nose?

Thanks PapaExpress. I didn't realize the RW2 default version had the light on the low hood. I only began using RW starting with RW3 and I don't seem to have that version (except in the DLC ). I'll check it out further.

Just keep in mind that the RW2 version can be upgraded to RW3 standards with the exception of the rain on windows feature.

I never thought of that. It may get tricky because the new body will be seen from the cab. To some this may be disturbing enough to not use it.

Or if somehow the top light could be plated over or covered with a new "false cab roof"?

You can only add to the shape, you cannot remove from the shape. Look at what I am doing with the switchers:
viewtopic.php?p=53737#p53737

Yeah, perhaps a small (scale 1 in or so) thick "false cab" and "false nose" with the new lights could be added, it wouldn't be seen from cabview. Possible?

It sounds possible, but I am not enthused about taking it on.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ouch....the thought of creating a "false cab" does indeed sound daunting. Little more work then I had planned.

I tried an asset that I have based on the RW2 version which was distributed with the old model files but I found little things like the wipers not working, etc which was disappointing. As well, I wasn't overly impressed at all with the textures. The most viable option I think is the DLC Santa Fe SD40-2 but I was hoping to keep the reskin available for everyone using a default based asset. Therefore, I'm thinking of leaning to the newer RW3 version to get the full advantage of the the new model even though there is some prototypical differences but it will be more usable for users because its default and not relying on DLC. I have a couple child items I have to create (roof overhangs) that should make it look different enough. The lights and ditch lights won't be right but actually, it won't be any different then the CN SD40-2 DLC and I haven't seen too many complaints about the inconsistencies there. It kind of reminds me of my HO modelling days and trying to paint a stock Athearn SD40-2 to look CN.

Anyways, I'll post updates as I begin working on my reskin project.

Thanks again for all your input.

You do realize that you can use the DLC and if someone wants the repaint they can wait for the deep discount on Steam. I think I have seen this engine as low as $4. I also think for this same reason many people already have this model.

Honestly we need more prototypical rolling stock. This is why MadMike and I are working on super detailing many of the freeware and Brtikits models.

PapaXpress wrote:You do realize that you can use the DLC and if someone wants the repaint they can wait for the deep discount on Steam. I think I have seen this engine as low as $4. I also think for this same reason many people already have this model.

Honestly we need more prototypical rolling stock. This is why MadMike and I are working on super detailing many of the freeware and Brtikits models.

Your right and I think I'll reconsider and use the DLC version. Also for some reason the Santa Fe DLC has the animations for the wipers working while other repaint versions of the older model I tired don't. Its the closest I have to work with and still a good starting point and would like to try make it as prototypical as possible. I appreciate MadMike and your initiatives to make more prototypical models for the community and I'll try to do the same with my project.

Hopefully one day they will release the RW3 version with alternate cab configurations to give us more options.

Regards

The only thing I don't like about the CN SD40-2 DLC is that the place where the dynamic brakes would be (seeing as it is a non-db model), there is a bump, not flat.

simer4 wrote:The only thing I don't like about the CN SD40-2 DLC is that the place where the dynamic brakes would be (seeing as it is a non-db model), there is a bump, not flat.

You know, I never noticed it was a non-db model. (Tells you how much I use that particular DLC) but I just had a look at it and I don't think the db fans should be on a non-db model too either.

I've been working on my repaint of the SD40-2 in CN North America Scheme and would like to share WIP shot. As discussed, I decided to use the Santa Fe SD40-2 DLC because it was the closest to being prototypical with headlights mounted ion the short hood. Its an older model so working with the textures have been a real pain. I wish RSC would release the newer SD40-2 with alternative cab configurations. Here's my progress. Its not complete. Definitely needs and will get prototypical weathering like my other paints. I have to work on some child models for the roof shields as well as the marker lights on the short cab (I've painted them in for now).



I'm running into a problem with the trucks textures. I've reskined them but when you look at the model from different angles, they change colour and actually go shinny. I've made the alpha channel very dark but it seems something else is changing them. Any thoughts how to correct? Here are two views to demonstrate.





I'll post more as I make progress.