Northbound News
Stay tuned here for updates from Northbound Model Works and progress on our HOn3 DL535 kits
Final Production Samples of the Decals are Done
The final production samples of our decal sets have arrived from the printer and they look fantastic. Like the rest of this model, the decals have countless hours of research and numerous draft versions before they were considered final and ready to print. Hundreds of photos were compared to each other to be sure that the all original artwork is as true to the prototype as possible. Since our model of locomotive 114 depicts the locomotive prior to its 2006 rebuild, the art was meticulously based on photos of 114 prior to that date and compared to field measurements of the locomotive as it is today. The USG decals also went through the same type of photographic and field research to be sure that they also accurately depict the locomotive art. Colors of everything were meticulously matched to the field paint samples, photos, and Pantone samples so that they will provide a top notch finish to each kit regardless of the scheme a modeler chooses.
Paint Color Research
Creating custom paint matches is both an art and a science. We went to great lengths to compile source materials and compare the paint colors in our research materials to best find a true match to these colors. Over the years there is notable color variation but we narrowed down the correct colors to the correct era we’re modeling. Color is a complex thing which is effected by countless variables, including human perception and preference. To get to our final picks we took into consideration the film stock of the era, digital cameras of the era, the weather in the photo and thus color temperature of light entering the camera, the effects of printing, comparison of paint to decal inks, and so many other technical details. We’re excited about how these paints will look on finished models.
*Note that the colors depicted on this webpage are not perfect representations of the final paint colors.
Test Shots of the Long Hood have Arrived
After the cab parts came out so nicely, the next major tool to be cut was the long hood sides. These tools are all cut on CNC machines taking dozens of hours each as the tiny cutters make minuscule passes, turning the brass stock into fine powder. No big chips in this kind of machining. The test shots of these tools also came out beautifully. The detail is spectacular, especially in the louvers, and we can’t wait to get these into modeler’s hands.
Test Shots of the Cab have Arrived
Seeing the cab test shots arrive is really an exciting moment. The part is designed with fold lines where the styrene is only a few thousands of an inch thick so that it can be precisely folded against the molded in stops and recreate the cab’s smooth curves every time. This creates a part without seams along the edges that’s easy to build up and looks great. We have a few small changes to make in the tool but can’t wait to see more parts so that we can build a full sample. We couldn’t resist and painted up one test shot then decaled it with some early sample decals we had around. It’s just one part but we love the look and seeing it come to life.
Northbound Model Works in the News
Model Railroad News ran a small article about our locomotive kit in their November 2023 issue. Thanks to everyone at Model Railroad News and White River Productions for their support.