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Revell 1/87 scale model kit of the Union Pacific Big Boy 4006 steam locomotive

The Revell model kit of a "Big-Boy," one of the largest locomotives built in the U.S. starting in 1941...

Model of a Big Boy steam locomotive made of bare metal, side view

Since the engraving wasn't very impressive at that scale, the first thing I did was sand down certain parts, such as the arches and the upper piping, which were engraved directly onto the body...

Top view of the black boiler of the Big Boy locomotive during assembly

A generous amount of putty is applied after sanding the affected areas...

Model of a Big Boy articulated steam locomotive being assembled, side view

Another view: the steering wheels on the left were taken from the surplus box. Mounting the wheel assemblies on the body isn't easy...

Model of a black Big Boy articulated steam locomotive with its tender, side view

A side view showing the tensioner...

Model of a Big Boy steam locomotive, partially painted black, side view

The improvement in the tubing is clearly visible in the photo... It took a lot of patience...

Painting

Model of the Big Boy 4006 steam locomotive, viewed from the side, with an aged finish

The paint scheme consists of matte black and Humbrol metallic and silver shades...

Model of a black, weathered Big Boy steam locomotive, seen from a high-angle bird's-eye view

Once dry, the matte black is rubbed with a graphite pencil to create the steel-black finish characteristic of steam engines...

Model of the Big Boy 4006 articulated steam locomotive, side view on a gray background

A mixture of Umber and Sienna was then applied to certain areas to simulate wear...

Detailed, weathered model of the Big Boy 4006 articulated steam locomotive, shown from a three-quarter front view

A close-up view. A few parts on the body have been upgraded. The bell is painted brass-colored...

Model of the Big Boy steam locomotive, No. 4006, with a weathered finish, viewed in profile

Now that the locomotive has been painted and aged...

Tender of the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive, weathered gray model, side view

The tensioner is treated the same way as the machine...

Union Pacific coal tender from the Big Boy locomotive model

The charcoal was simply coated with a glossy varnish...

Model of the black Union Pacific 4006 "Big Boy" steam locomotive with its tender, side view

The set is finished and ready for the diorama...

Model of the Big Boy steam locomotive, numbered 5405, with an aged metallic finish on a white background

Model of a Big Boy locomotive boiler, painted gray, three-quarter view

Same goes for the Hudson...

Model of a black steam locomotive numbered 5405, seen in profile

...which will complete the diorama...

Model of a black Big Boy steam locomotive, numbered 5405, with its coal-loaded tender

The locomotive and its tender are finished...

Model of a Baltimore & Ohio C-1715 brick-red caboose, viewed in profile

The Athearn "Caboose," sold as a pre-painted kit, has also been weathered...

Model of a Baltimore & Ohio C-1715 red caboose with ladder and cupola

Another view...

Another perspective...

Rio Grande D&RGW miniature covered freight car, "Cookie Box," in weathered gray with aging effects and "Insulated Bakery Goods" markings

The second car, also made by Athearn, is weathered and dusty...

Model of a weathered Rio Grande Cookie Box covered freight car, perspective view on a white background

It should be noted that these railcars can operate perfectly well on electric train networks...

The Setting

On a plywood panel, use wood glue to attach two lengths of track used for electric trains and some ballast...

Ballast pots and materials along a model railroad track under construction on a board

Every effort is made until the material is completely dry and set...

Two parallel railroad tracks laid on ballast glued to a wooden board

The tracks are ready for the rest of the scenery...

The train station

Model of an industrial brick building with chimneys, a water tower, and a tiled roof

The train station—which is actually a foundry—is a train set prop I bought at a garage sale...

Model of an industrial building made of gray bricks, featuring a tall chimney, a water tower, and staircases

It has been improved, with doors and window panes added...

Model of a brick industrial building with chimneys, a slate roof, and a low stone wall

After a beautiful paint job—using Humbrol paints...

Model of a brick railway building with a water tower and a retaining wall

Model of an industrial brick building with a chimney, metal roofs, and a water tower

... And covered in dust. It's ready to be put away...

Model railroad layout with parallel tracks and a stone industrial building set against a landscape backdrop

The landscape is sprinkled with various types of sand, with the finest sand found around the train station...

Model railroad layout with parallel tracks and an industrial building with a smokestack set against a desert backdrop Then airbrush the whole thing...

The figurines

Four painted miniature figures of railroad workers and Big Boy locomotive workers

A weathered yellow miniature tractor-trailer in front of a brick building near a railroad track

An Athearn White truck rounds out the set...

Model of a yellow tractor-trailer near a brick building and railroad tracks

Another view...

Another perspective...

Model of an industrial brick building with a chimney, railroad tracks, and a miniature truck Model of the Big Boy steam locomotive, number 4006, on the tracks Pulling the trains onto the tracks... a tricky moment...