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| MEC 261 in original scheme. In late 1970s the Maine Central started a rebuild and repaint program. The nose herald was changed to a simple round pine tree logo, an quick and easy spotting difference. The number boards were usually switched to black numbers on a white background at this time. It also got a new air filter, changing the look of the roof right behind the cab. Atlas released versions with this difference, in the appropriate paint scheme, in 2004. |
This web site is for information, stories, how-to's and other things relating to my model railroad, featuring the rail lines in and around St. Johnsbury, Vermont circa 1980. The model railroad features the Maine Central, Boston & Maine, Canadian Pacific and Lamoille Valley, as well as a little bit of the Central Vermont, Grand Trunk and North Stratford Railway. Feel free to comment after each posting. Also be sure to visit my main web site located at nekrailroad.com.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Front End Friday #2
Maine Central GP38 #261 sits in St. Johnsbury yard. This stock Atlas model released in 2001sports the original as-delivered paint scheme. I applied some additional details, including a horn that is close, but not an exact match, a firecracker antenna, side mounted bell, and an MU hose on the receptacles. It is also lightly weathered and has KD #158 couplers. It sports an older Soundtraxx sound decoder, and it prime for an upgrade to Loksound and iPhone speaker. Like most every Atlas unit, it continues to run and look great.
That is a great picture. I really like the way you have painted and ballasted the track. Well done!
ReplyDeleteNot to critique too much, but the 261 had an unique yellow front pilot during this era. I still need to repaint the pilot and add similar details to my 261. Maybe this post will get me to fire up the airbrush this week!
ReplyDeleteChris, thanks for the tip - I'll need to check out some pictures of 261 to see what you are referring to. Solid yellow, like the 564 and others had at certain times? Would be an interesting feature to change on this locomotive.
ReplyDeleteSolid yellow, like the 564. Was painted yellow by 1971. Per rrpicturearchives, the 261 received the typical US Filter GP38 rebuild some time between 6/80 and 11/81. The yellow pilot was present until the rebuild/repaint.
DeleteSince I model fall of 1980, I’ll be modeling mine as a pre-rebuild unit. Unless I find it was rebuilt during that summer.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteVery nice job on the 261. I have a pair of these engines that I want to upgrade also. Never thought about adding an MU cable to the unit. Who's side bell did you use?
Mike Smeltzer - The side bell is from Details West, a cast metal par, BE-176.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike, I’ve ordered a set and will be upgrading both units soon...
ReplyDelete