Continuing my series (which starts here) on building a kitbashed center-cab switcher in American OO (one that has gotten bigger with time, I’m calling it a 65 tonner now), we are to the point of adding details. Work that I took very slowly, and wanted to get as right as I could.

This first photo shows the handrails ready to put on the engine, but I need to back up to one other critical detail not seen yet, the stacks. I considered several options but finally decided to use the original AHM SW-1 stacks as a base and extend them higher. There is a core piece of plastic rod reinforcing the assembly and the mount to the body.

And then we get to the handrails. I used the GE 80-ton engine in the photo in the background as my model for the layout of the handrails. For materials it was a big departure from the past. Normally, I have used HO Athearn handrails, but really, they are too short. So this time I used brand new 5/8″ A-Line handrails and their handrail wire. These are the correct height in OO and really enhance the look of the model.

While doing the handrails I also bent a coupler cut-off lever from excess wire. Then I also installed horns on both sides of the cab on a little pedestal. The horns are Cal-Scale HO parts, anything I had from a HO locomotive did not seem the right size or style after all the effort to build the model to this point.

Which brings us to it being time to clean the model with soapy water and to then apply primer. Primer helps you see if there are details that still need changed, and provides a base for the finished coat. Even with just one coat of primer, the model is really looking nice. About all that is left is to paint and letter the body, with one more detail still to come. Watch for the conclusion of this series soon.

Continue to the conclusion of the Center Cab series