This is my first post in the forum as I was just a silent reader.
Thanks to Christo's etched plates and Tassos' decals, I finally (somewhat) finished my SEK Theta Gamma (Θγ. 527), based on the Roco FS S160 locomotive.
(As there are no photos of the real 527, I took some liberties during the conversion...
)Starting off, the headlight is the FS stock one, converted to look like a SEK one with numbers on each side and a 0402 smd led. Back light removed.
The lanterns are scratch built from cylindrical plastic kit sprues with pre soldered 0402 SMD LEDs inside.
I am still in doubt of placing the front cylinder tailrods as I am afraid that they will be interfere with the leading wheels.
I painted the ugly-looking plastic (gold colored) cross head and valve gear with a mixed 50-50 silver-black paint. I think it looks the part!
I removed the front coupler and placed a Weinert static coupler to achieve a realistic look. The buffer beam is painted with Vallejo Flat Red. I like how it contrasts wit the darker chassis and wheels. Also I made the brake hoses by combining the stock ones with some chopped Roco spares.
The white wheel rims were removed. Apparently the Roco paint can be scratched off very easily without disturbing the color beneath. Nevertheless I applied one coat of Vallejo Burnt Red (70.814) which is the closest color I found.
The cab and the tender body were repainted. The color difference isn't visible unless the engine is placed directly under a light source. The back plate was never placed, or rather was lost on a trip to Thessaloniki..
Finally, I removed the window frame and kept the lower part (the one that the driver rests his hand). Also, I placed the rounded window cover, made from thin styrene sheet, with the supports and the etched plate. Last but not least I placed the driver and the fireman in the cab.
As I want to enjoy her in this clean state, the weathering process will begin in the future.
After this long story, enjoy the pictures below! Happy to respond on any criticism about details or suggestions for improvements!!
Looking forward to read your comments!
Best regards,
Lefteris.
