NOT complaining ......

But amazing work like this is worthy of 3D.....it would be nice to take it for spin

Steve

3D Click n spin

Steve,

I agree - I don't think we had the opportunity to grab it for our photo booth at the NTS though.

More Please

Ms. Allen's work is inspirational modeling.  I like photo-features like this one that showcase individual completed models, with a few in-progress shots.

Any chance of the SW1500?

Dear MRH team,

The SD is a bit big for my taste, but Elizabeth's modelling is outstanding for sure.

Any chance of getting a similar look at her SW1500 "Blue Box Conversion" from a few years ago?

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

great model

A top notch model for sure.  Adding details along the frame rails, while seemingly insignificant, really makes a difference in my opinion.  

If you like this sort of build check out Brian Banna's website  http://www.6axlepwr.com/ if you haven't already seen it.  He does the same sort of stuff: milling the frames, adding framerail details, etc.

Elizabeth Allen's work is aw

Elizabeth Allen's work is aw inspiring. I always enjoy getting a chance to see her excellent modeling.

Thank you for bringing her work to the public

Hopefully she has other projects in the works

Scratch building

I'm not knocking the modeling, which is absolutely first rate, but I find myself wondering if this is scratch building.  To me, scratch building means making something from scratch.  Buy a few detail parts, perhaps, but the majority of the visible model is made from raw material.

I recently scratch built a Southern Ry. Ks class 2-8-0 in HO, using a heavily modified IHC chassis.  I took some flak for calling the model scratch built but using a commercial chassis.  When I gave a clinic on building the model, I decided to call it "mostly scratch built" to avoid any confusion or complaint.

I believe the NMRA requires at least 50% of a model to be built from raw materials to qualify as scratch built, correct?

As I said, I'm not knocking the model.  It's far better than any diesel I've ever built, and one of the best (possibly the best, period) models that I've ever seen.  But I'd call it kit-built, since the Cannon & Co. catalog is basically a giant craftsman kit for EMD modelers.  Add a little strip styrene to hold the parts together, and put a drive underneath it, and you'll have a better model than anything you can buy RTR.

When I saw the title, I was really hoping to see somebody take sheet brass or styrene and build an SDP45.  Maybe I'm just jealous because there's nothing like Cannon & Co. for steam modeling.

Depends on how you define raw materials

Depends on how you define raw materials. Are  you going to go dig the copper and zinc so you can smelt your own brass? If you're talking brass sheet, then you paid someone else to make the sheet.

Are you going to wind your own motor, or you going to pay someone else to build the motor for you?

You going to turn your own wheelsets, or are you going to pay someone else to make the wheelsets for you?

And so it goes. If raw materials means no modeling whatsoever, then be prepared to turn your own wheelsets.

With diesel models, scratchbuilding usually means you don't kitbash a shell, you build your own shell and add detail parts to it - just like the steam guys do. In this case, Liz built her own core shell out of styrene, and added the detail parts to it.

Once you're talking build your own hood or boiler shell, it crosses over into scratchbuilding - that's the general consensus in the hobby, I believe.

Impressive

That's the best description for this model. And especially considering the short time frame to put it all together. There were some pieces added to this model I had never been aware were parts of a locomotive.  Great work Liz.

Model and Prototype

I'll probably never model anything to this level of detail, but I happily look at models like this at proto meets. This article broke down what was done to get the amazing results - just like being there, but better. The prototype info at the end, icing on the cake.

Too bad about the lack of click and spin, oh well.

Ken

Scratchbuilt

I really don't care what label you hang on it. That SDP45 is an excellent representation of the real thing, and she showed us how she did it. Sometimes a modeler gets lucky and finds a near-perfect model in the box -- sometimes it takes a great deal of planning and effort.

ELIZABETH ALLEN'S SDP-45

GREAT MODEL. I WONDER HOW SHE WOULD DO ON ANOTHER ROAD'S SDP-45'S, THE ERIE LACKAWANNA'S NON PASSENGER SDP-45'S?

FANTASTIC MODEL, IN ANY CASE!!!

HOW ABOUT SENDING SOME PHOTOS TO THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC HISTORICAL & TECHNICAL SOCIETY?

FRANK M. KLOCK

We can all agree that the

We can all agree that the model is absolutely beautiful!  No detail has been over looked and it is perfectly executed.  However the issue here is that this model has NOT been scratch built!!!! I'm not sure who is to blame for the misleading headline of the article but it is wrong.  And just so everyone is clear about scratch building a locomotive, this is what the NMRA says about the topic.

To be considered scratchbuilt, a model must have been constructed by the applicant without the use of any commercial parts except

1. Motor
2. Gears
3. Drivers and wheels
4. Couplers
5. Light bulbs
6. Trucks
7. Bell
8. Marker and classification lights
9. Valve gear
10. Car brake fittings
11. Basic wood, metal and plastic shapes.

A model is considered "scratchbuilt" if at least 90% of the model's pieces/parts (other than those specifically exempted in the list above) are fabricated by the modeler. This is a quantitative assessment based on the number of pieces with no weight given to complexity. This is a separate determination from the scratch building score.

If some points of the exempted parts are also scratchbuilt, the modeler may qualify for Bonus Points (see definition above)

The term "scratchbuilt" carries the implication that the builder alone has accomplished all of the necessary layout and fabrication which establish the final dimensions, appearance, and operating qualities of the scale model.

Now say what you will about the NMRA and the rules and guidelines that they have set. But after reading this and reading the article, I can only say that she has, perfectly built a Kitbashed SDP 45.

But...do we agree with that Line?

I'll throw in the section you didn't put in, whereas it hits more crucial details... 

Now I understand the spirit of the MMR and this definition of scratchbuilding, But I'm not sure if it's still inline with the modern model railroader - and I think perhaps the line has moved once more, just as 50 years ago I doubt you could use commercial motors and drivers and still be considered "scratchbuilding."  This present NMRA definition disallows commercial doors and windows, but today, well, that's one of the better detail parts we have, whether they be made by the injection plastic or by laser cutter.  Anyhow...

Just to be clear here.....I'm

Just to be clear here.....I'm not attacking the model or the model builder!  I'm simply attacking the headline of the article!!!  Under the current guidelines, definitions, and Achievement Program set forth by the NMRA, this model does not meet the criteria of a scratch built locomotive.  If the headline of the article said anything but "Scratch Built"  none of these conversations would be taking place. 

It depends on how you look at it...

The way I look at it, there was once a time when even drivers and motors were within the realm of what one was expected to scratchbuild to qualify for "fully scratchbuilt."  Times changed, however, and these things moved behind the wall.  So too, I think, it's times for a couple more components to move behind this wall, because the people have already moved in their minds even if the wall has not.  Hence I think the title is aptly correct as it is.

First of all.....

No AP points where harmed or awarded in the making of this model or the writing of the article.

Had this model been entered in a NMRA contest, or even if this had appeared in the NMRA magazine it definitely would be an issue.  I have no issue with the caption but I guess it comes down to the definition at hand.   Wiki has this as part of their definition "Some purists consider a model not to be truly scratchbuilt unless all of the parts were made from raw materials. However most modellers would consider a model including commercial detail parts as scratchbuilt".  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scratch_building  And would this defiantly would apply here.

Shoot now a days some guys would consider building a BB kit to be scratch built! 

Just my thoughts.............

Steve

No disrespect is intended to the NMRA (which I am a card carrying member) or those amazing builders like SPShastaRoute Mike but this model was built to be a showcase model for a vendor of detail parts.

Built from scratch...

What a fantastic model.  Does it matter if it wasn't hewn from the mantle of the Earth?

The creator modeled the universe.  Everything else is pretty much RTR by comparison.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  Enjoy!

I'd like to see the SW1500 conversion too!

Fans?

So the NMRA would expect me to hand-build fans for a diesel locomotive?

No wonder the RPM movement decided to go elsewhere.

I had heard of Liz Allen previously.

I met her at the Western Prototype Modelers Meet in San Bernardino last year and almost got drool all over her model locomotives!  All I can say is that she is a very nice lady and an awesome modeler a great photographer as well as evidenced by some of her photos I've seen on line.  Joe, anytime you have an opportunity to run an article by Liz on one of her models, do it!

Liz Allen's SP SDP45

Scratch-built (or not) Liz' paint job on this loco is stunning.  Perhaps she could be cadged into writing and illustrating a "how to" article for those of us who barely know how an airbrush works. 

yes, please!

I agree!  I'd love to read more about how she finishes her models.

Great photo journal

Wow! This is great! I can remember it going down the tracks in my home town. Ms Allen has the knack, that's for sure. Hopefully, someday, I can build a loco that could stand in the shadows of this fine model.

I like articles like this. Thanks guys.

Dan Harriman

Modeling the GTW circa 1976ish in

Orange Texas

SDP45

Stunning.

Well done Elizabeth.

I model the SP here in South Africa on my layout, The SP South, and this looks to be a great project to try.

Regards.

Ralph