Well detailed and nicely painted and lettered, this HO scale FPA-4 reflects the Canadian National as it looked at the end of the transition era. MODEL PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR
Building a classic cab unit –the MLW FPA-4: Pt. II
With the detailing completed, it’s time to start painting and decaling/James Whatley L
ast month we began our Canadi- an National FPA-4 modeling ar- ticle by covering the changes that need to be made to a Life-Like Proto 2000 FA-2 model to convert it into a FPA-4. With those changes complete, it’s time to turn our attention to paint- ing and decaling the locomotive.
Finishing
Decals are available to permit paint- ing the engine in any one of the three in-service paint schemes, although the as-delivered scheme applied in 1958-9 requires pieces from several sets. Mi- croscale has decals suitable for the 1961 and VIA liveries, assuming the modeling incorporates the subtle detail variations appropriate to the desired era. These latter two schemes are the easiest to paint, as they require the fewest color separations. However, the original scheme, although short-lived and challenging to paint, is striking and was chosen for this unit. In addition to the standard safety measures required when airbrushing (vented spray booth with explosion-re- sistant motor, respirator, gloves, etc.), automotive spray cans, should you use them, should only be used outdoors be-
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN 1.
cause many of them now use propane for propellant. In preparation for painting, secure the headlight, back-up light wiring and connectors out of the way inside the body with tape. A choice needs to be made regarding whether to leave the Farr grilles in their natural finish or painting them. In hindsight, masking
them at the outset would be the best route. I painted the grilles Old Silver, then weathered them at the end. Wash the body as usual. I sprayed it with gray automotive primer (the type without sanding filler). Use whatever paint you prefer. While primer does not enhance paint adhesion on styrene, the gray will reveal any remaining blem-
1. Before painting, some attention was paid to the inside of the body. The headlight and back up light wires were taped out of the way, four ¹₂-ounce weights were added and self adhesive aluminum foil was placed near the light housings to protect the shell from the heat generated by the lamps and resistors. Note the simple, yet effective, painting handle fashioned for 14-gauge copper wire and attached using two of the body mounting screws.
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