Building a Mopac GP-18 (newest updates on top of this blog)

[Charles Duckworth]

Mopac owned 43% of the GP-18 fleet. When I was traveling throughout the system in the mid to late 70’s it seemed these locomotives were everywhere. Since I decided to move the Bagnell Branch up to 1980 it seemed appropriate to add one or two of these locomotives to my HO fleet. For prototype information Diesel Era published a softcover book on GP-18 in 1992.

Here’s the prototype I’m modeling; these were the first units MP bought with a low nose, Alco trucks can from FA-1 and FA-2 traded-in, snow plows were added in later years, off-set spark arresters and the faded out Jenks Blue paint.
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Model photos and parts list (this will be updated as I get more into the build).

A-Line
EMD sunshades part 29210 (photo etched brass)

Bowser or Cal Scale
Lift rings 190-501 20 to a package

Microscale
MC-4131 Number Board Numbers EMD Square Style (1946+)
87-74 Missouri Pacific Diesels (1962-1974)
TF-2 Black

Plano Model Products
471 Eight Blade Fan set
467 48″ Flat top fan grilles (2)
14862 GP18/GP20 Intake Grilles set

Details West
2510 .040 brass rod
PL-303 snowplow
SA-124 Spark Arresters (2 in a package)
AH-174 Wabco type are single chime air horns (2 in a package
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[Charles Duckworth]

Updates to the carbody and underframe.
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[Charles Duckworth]

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[Charles Duckworth]

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[anonymous]

Is the update to 1980 “permanent?”

[Charles Duckworth]

@Patrick wrote:

Is the update to 1980 “permanent?”

No but I’m having fun reliving my early years with the railroad.

[Charles Duckworth]

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[Gary Herron]

Charlie,

Geep looks great so far! Those Plano parts complement your excellent modelling…

Looking forward to your progress. Thanks for posting.

Gary H.

[Charles Duckworth]

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[Charles Duckworth]

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[Charles Duckworth]

[attachment=3:idnwuer6]image.jpeg[/attachment:idnwuer6]Here’s my first attempt on weathering a diesel. Diesel was faded blue but the Scotch-lite striping still showed white. I didn’t want to weather over the striping so I’m taking the approach of adding the oil paints first, after these dry I’ll add a gloss and add the decals. Next step will be to Dullcote over the decals and add additional weathering from the battery boxes and walkways. Any questions?

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[Gary Herron]

Charlie,

The treatment around the doors with the darker blue looks great. The lighter blue you started with was a great idea. 90% of the early geeps I saw in the late 70’s were totally faded out…yours will be a great memory maker!!!

Thanks again for posting this project.

[anonymous]

Charlie,

did you ever tried out the “Panel line Wash” colors of “Ammo By Mig” ?

You should.

a video about it :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC2_0IUUom4

I use it in different shades for example for door edges and louvers.

[Charles Duckworth]

@IndyCity wrote:

Charlie,

did you ever tried out the “Panel line Wash” colors of “Ammo By Mig” ?

You should.

a video about it :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC2_0IUUom4

I use it in different shades for example for door edges and louvers.

I’m using several techniques that the military modelers use on 1/35 armor models I’ll introduce some pin washes and colored pencils to better define the doors. Great video. The trick is to knowing when to stop 😯

[Charles Duckworth]

I used the water based oil paints along the sides to denote grime running off the walkways and residue and battery acid from the battery boxes. MIG pigments (black, light dirt and brown) were used along the sides, truck and more black pigment between the spark arresters.

I still need to add the anti-slip paint on top the nose and weather the handrailings. There’s more rust to add on the cab roof and sunshades.

I have a decoder to yet install with speaker, plastic Windows, windshield wipers and snow plow.

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