I’ve been looking at the 44-ton Diesel project and ultimately one detail of the body and frame has bothered me, the large porch on both ends with no steps (seen in the previous installment). My idea was to just do the ladder type steps seen often on engines of this size.

But this is freelanced and also the frame is visually heavy. I’ve decided I’m going to think of this as maybe being a freelanced 50-tonner now, and one with steps. The crews will appreciate that! I cut the ends off carefully and used steps from an Athearn SD-40 on each end, as seen below.

I let each end harden well before moving, keeping it very square. From the inside this is how it looks.

Finally, this is the new look. Again, I think the crews will appreciate it.

I have some details to work out still, but hopefully I’m on to making the handrails soon.

Continue in the center-cab series