The purpose of this article is to show you a quick detail that will give impact for your time and efforts. It is the top of most models that are viewed extensively, factory details are getting better but for some models roof detailing can pay off.
Prototype - I did not research this model so *disclaimer, the eight blade fan may not be "prototypical" for this unit. If anyone would like to add more information, I will be happy to credit your name and update this web page with the detail. Anyway, the eight blade fan assembly looks cool so let's get cracking.
This is the first time I ever installed the new grill and fan arrangement. I will admit, I did not read the instructions and went right at it. I will share my mistakes along the way so you do not go down the same road.
Parts - We will install pre-fitted detail parts from Plano Model products. The grill detail is made from etched metal. I have found that using a new, sharp razor blade can work fine in removing the parts. I actually recommend using metal shears, they are much easier to maneuver and work with than the razor blade. A small file may also be needed to smooth out any rough cuts made on the metal parts.
We will take a first look at the original factory fans on the model. They look pretty good but the etched metal fans are a improvement. We will use our new, sharp hobby knife to remove the existing plastic grill and replace it with the metal detail.
Grill Removal - Remove the existing grille by running your hobby knife along the perimeter of the fan housing. I started by cutting each support then with the grill removed I went back and cleaned up the edge. Be sure to leave the ledge around the inside of the housing, this will serve as the support for the new fan.
When you are done, the locomotive should look like this;
After the old grille was removed I cut the pried off the plastic fan blades. If you look at the large image you will see the remains of the pin on the old fan grill.
Parts Removal - At this time use a sharp new razor blade to remove the etched parts from the metal sprue. I highly recommend that you acquire cutting shears, they make the job a lot easier. Be careful as you work, you do not want to bend or distort the metal details. Just a warning, they bend very easily. I spent a good amount of time fixing the outer ring of the grill after I bent it accidentally.
Installing Fan Blades - You can do the installation of the fan blades two ways. In my opinion one way is easy, the other not so easy.
Easy Fan Blade Installation - The easy installation uses the existing fan button and post we removed from the model. Simply trim away the plastic grating so all you have left is the center button with the post on it. You must also pry the existing fan blades off the end of the post. It is important that you do not cut the post because we need the post in-tact to secure the new grill and fan blades to the pin.
After the fan blades are pried away insert the new grill on the post and cement it to the bottom of the button. The grill has a hole in the center that will fit on the post perfectly. After you cement the grill in place, you can place the fan blades on the post and cement them in place as well. The hole in the middle of the fan blades will also fit perfectly on the post.
If you are installing Plano etched metal blades for this project. (not required, because the existing plastic factory blades will work fine) you will have to bend each blade about 20 deg. to match the fan we removed. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to bend each blade. Once the blades are pitched properly you can glue the blades to the post and set aside to cure.
Harder Fan Blade Installation - For the next install I pre-assembled the fan and blades so I could paint them before dropping them into the model. I also used Plano metal fan blades not the factory supplied blades already in the model.
Glue the button to the top of the fan grill first. Cut the pin off the original fan and glue it to the hole on the underside of the new fan grill. Paint the grill before putting the fan blades on. I have a picture below to help illustrate.
Painting and Final Assembly - I painted the grill assembly C&O Enchantment Blue. After the paint dries put the metal fan blades on the pin and set them with a bit of adhesive. Make sure you angle the blades before you cement them to the post. This gives us blue fan grills with sliver blades inside.
Install Fan Grill - Test fit the grill on the locomotive housing. If it looks good then go ahead, remove the grill to apply adhesive. Apply glue sparingly along the ledge on the inside of the fan housing. I used a piece of brass wire to apply the glue. I laid the grill inside the housing and gently applied some pressure to the part ensuring it was all the way in and level. Be careful so you do not distort the grill by pressing too hard.
If you skipped the painting step above you can paint the grill after the adhesive has dried.
Painting - I used Polly Scale C&O Enchantment Blue to touch up the fan grill. I was careful to keep the paint away from the fan blades below. The contrast of the blue and silver blades looks really nice. I will give the housing a second coat of paint for full coverage.
Comparison - Once the paint dries you can admire your work. Look at the image below for the final comparison of the original factory detail on the right and the new Plano parts on the left.
Final Product - Check out the final product below, after two evenings I completed my first set of detailed fan blades. I like the result and will apply the same effect to the other GP30 in my collection.
I did make a few mistakes along the way but none of them were insurmountable. I encourage you to give this detailing task a try. You may surprise yourself.
