Upgrading an Athearn BB F45

DanRaitz

Member
This weekend I worked on the handrails and steps. For the handrails I used .015" brass wire with Precision Scale stanchions and for the steps I used A-Line #29256 diesel steps.

F45front1.jpg


F45rear1.jpg


F45front2.jpg


The stanchions and handrails are going to be removed and reinstalled after the unit is painted. Easier to mask and decal without them in the way.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
thas pyschotic! ( in a good way, lol) I wish i could do that! I have the money, but it looks intimidating! i suppose i'll have to try one day, if only i had the scale plans for stuff
 

RioGrande

Member
And for the rest of us who don't have such super modeling skills, Athearn is going to offer a high quality F45 very soon! I saw test shots at the Springfield Mass show and it's going to be gorgeous!
 
How much do you want for it? $4,000.00?! (j/k I know you're not selling). NICE work! Very detailed so far. Jeez, I thought my Big Boy looked detailed...
 

jbaakko

Active Member
RioGrande said:
And for the rest of us who don't have such super modeling skills, Athearn is going to offer a high quality F45 very soon! I saw test shots at the Springfield Mass show and it's going to be gorgeous!
Was going to say that myself! F45 AND FP45!...

Looks like you beat Athearn to the punch here. Lets see if my rebuilt Atlas SD35's can compair.
 

Packer

New Member
I know I'm replying to an old post, but I was wondering if this was ever finished? I'm looking at get an athearn BB f45 and doing the same thing, since it looks good so far.
 

CN_Fan

New Member
This weekend I worked on the handrails and steps. For the handrails I used .015" brass wire with Precision Scale stanchions and for the steps I used A-Line #29256 diesel steps.



F45front2.jpg


The stanchions and handrails are going to be removed and reinstalled after the unit is painted. Easier to mask and decal without them in the way.


I hacked into one of these years ago to make an SD60F for the CN. I know that plastic is HARD to cut and is unforgiving. Use patience and a very sharp razor saw. :thumb:
 

Sarge_7

Member
Was going to say that myself! F45 AND FP45!...

Looks like you beat Athearn to the punch here. Lets see if my rebuilt Atlas SD35's can compair.


Hey Josh, where are the SD-35s? I have one I have been thinking about rebuilding.:mrgreen:
 

DanRaitz

Member
I know I'm replying to an old post, but I was wondering if this was ever finished? I'm looking at get an athearn BB f45 and doing the same thing, since it looks good so far.


No, she is currently sitting (in primer) on my workbench, under an inch of dust. The wife and I have been doing some remodeling of the house, so my other projects have been put on hold. I should be able to get back to her sometime late this summer.

Dan
 

Sarge_7

Member
Hi Dan, any updates on this? I am really curious as to how you finished the grills. I have aquiered several F45s and am thinking of trying some of your techniques.

Thanks
 

DanRaitz

Member
Finally able to get back to the F45 (after a year).

I got the rad grills installed. I used 1/32" fine mesh from K&S Engineering (item #02701).

rad1.jpg

rad2.jpg



For the dynamic grills I used the Plano #202, Apex-slotted pattern grill material.

dynamic1.jpg



Here is what she looks like in primer.
primer1.jpg

primer2.jpg
 

Sarge_7

Member
That looks awesome Dan:thumb::thumb: Thanks for the update. I think that was the info I was looking for and I am going to give it a shot.

Thanks

Still want to see pics when you get it done :mrgreen:
 
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