My CSX SD40-3 Kato HO "Spongebob" Build


B

bigB

Active Member
When I first saw this locomotive, I thought it was heinous; an abomination of the quintessential 20th Century locomotive. It looked like Lego built it. With some time, it's appearance has rapidly grown on me. Now I think its boxy shape and ultra-modern look awesome. So I decided to build one.

I started with an undecorated Late model Kato SD40-2.
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I set out to build #4048

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Brad
 
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Looks like an interesting project. I'm sure that decals are available somewhere. Should turn into a nice locomotive.
 
I used a 3D printed cab from a seller available off of Shapeways.com. I found it of very high quality and it even came complete with the electronic brake stand. It was very easy to prime and paint.

I used an airbrush and floquil enamel paints.
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Decals were by Microscale. I have to say I was pretty disappointed in these decals as they did not include many of the decals on a newer CSX loco like the correct color and size of numbers for the number boards.

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I'll do the final assembly next week. Just have to wire up the LEDs to the Loksound decoder and put it back together.
Here the trucks and fuel tank have been lightly weathered.

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Here's a closeup of the cab. The laser cut windows are available off of eBay that are a perfect fit and are worth the money. They are an exact fit. I also used some NS Microscale decal sets and a numbers set to get the correct font and size for the numberboards.

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All and all, it's a fun easy build. But as with any project worth doing, it takes time. This was a very fun build. Can't wait to close it out and put it use.

Brad
 
I tend to love things that are interestingly different and/or kinda ugly as far as motive power. That one fits the bill on both counts! :p

Looks like you're doing a great job on it and are going to have a nice model.
 
All wired up. Wipers installed, ditch lights programmed, cab interior installed, shell back on. Sunshades, handrails, and couplers to go! Runs great!
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