Etching Successes and Plans

Recently I noted I was going to have some detail items etched, and after receiving them (in a very short turn around from PPD Ltd in the UK) I think it was a success.. here are the crossbucks and handrails on the SW1200):

SO now, as the GG1 takes shape (literally) there are a host of accessories and additional scenery items needed if the big electric motor's going to reside in a prototypical world on a layout or diorama. 

First of all, the prominent pantographs are needed... Altough Eishindo makes some respectable tiny panto's, they are just too small for the GG1 motor.  I've designed some pantographs that are a one-piece etching to be folded into the diamond shape.  The upper portions of the G' had to be modified as well to accept the pantographs.

In addition there is catenary, and signalling.. The trolley wire is one thing..not sure I'm going to even try the wires.. but the poles and supports are needed.  They'd need to be somewhat sturdy, and I don't think Shapeways' FXD plastic is up to the job on that.  There would certainly be warping as well with long, thin parts.  Styrene or brass would be better;  I found some 1mm square styrene rod online, and that will serve as the poles.  The crossarms will be etched parts with insulators included.  Insulators will get a healthy coating of paint to give them depth.

There are also PRR signal gantries;  These will also use the 1mm rod for the main cross braces, but they will be sandwiched by etched lattices with tabs for mounting PRR CPL signal heads.  These will be 3D printed in the variety of styles needed.  Here's a rendering of the under-wire signal mast. 

So several projects are converging, and some interesting modeling is ahead!