Wisconsin Central's Operation Lifesaver EMD SD45 #7638

While I've performed a number of locomotive overhaul, custom paint, and/or superdetailing projects in the last few years, this is my one and only "major" diesel build. It was arguably an overly ambitious project for a first loco kitbash, but my hand was kind of forced by this picture:

I decided I HAD to have a model of it for several reasons:

1) I wanted a good representative model of a Wisconsin Central locomotive, given their operational inspiration to the STC
2) I wanted a good model of the brutish EMD SD45 - its flared radiators, 20-cylinder prime mover and overall imposing stance have long made this a favorite (if sometimes hard to justify) model among railfans
3) Despite my arguably "silly big" yet comprehensive loco collection, I did not have any as painted into the various one-off Operation Lifesaver schemes used by railroads over the years.

Happily, this particular unit bagged all three birds with one stone! The number "7638" - as a subtle reference to the old LBR Racing Team and also used on the STC - was just icing on the cake. It also helped that Wisconsin Central's adapatation of the cowl-unit SDP45 lightning stripe scheme, and integration of the Operation Lifesaver graphics into their own corporate colors, made this unit a very handsome standout in their fleet.

I decided to begin the project in 2004, when P2k and Kato were the only decent models on the market. At the time I was loathe to afford either one (or so I thought), but before I could investigate or barter further I found an old RailPower SD45 shell to bust my chops with.

Then my budget improved, and I decided instead of repainting a P2K model, to go for broke and try a full kitbash of the RPP shell. Which, needless to say, was extensive - the Railpower shell was developed in the early 1980's and is woefully lacking by current standards, with a number of casting flaws that add insult to injury! I replaced the cab and fans with Cannon & Co. pieces, Kato handrails, tons of commercial detail parts from Details West and A-Line, and even a few scratchbuilt components.

Ironically enough, I ended up getting a brand-new Proto 2000 SD45 for just $30 - which provided the chassis and operating mechanism. Even so, the frame had to be milled to shorten the fuel tank to match the WC7638, and further modified to accept the shoehorning of wiring for operating ditch lights - which were by far the most aggravating and curse-inducing part of the whole build.

When I tallied it, I used something like just over 300 parts (not counting the drive), from a dozen sources... and a total cost I was afraid to calculate and adamantly refuse to. Had I known I would get a P2K model for $30, this wouldn't be an issue. Even so there is still a significant number of mods to make this an accurate representation of the WC unit, so it might have been a wash either way.

I'll try to let the following pics speak for themselves... but I'll be glad to answer any questions... and welcome any comments / criticism.

This model took First Place in the annual NMRA MCR Division 8 Locomotives Contest when I finished it in 2007. I had stopped the build soon after Bethany was born, and did not begin again until spring 2007.

Just a couple comments to explain: I deliberately cut and misaligned the decals on the long hood to give the impression of some stubborn doors, as I had another pic of this same unit with that problem. And incredibly, through the entire build phase I never once realized the cab was slightly angled compared to the frame... it never became apparent until after paint. But I absolutely have no clue how or what happened because everything was "square" to that point. So that was kind of a letdown. But I'm still pleased overall.

Finally, a video in action. (Warning: pay no attention to the likely incorrect sounds, or that Tyco crap at the end ;D )