The "Worst' GO Train - Custom Painting N Scale Locomotives for my N Scale Passenger Train Layout

[@MMRails]

You took the worst train, made it worse, then made it even better, then made it dirty, then made it awesome. Such great work. I admire your patience. I would have stopped at step 1, when you took the shells off. “Whoa, look at all those wires, I’m out of here”

[@NScaleDystopia]

There was an awful lot of wires doing very little! (And thanks!)

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

That's poetry, mark

[@Theconductor607]

This is ridiculously amazing! I really enjoyed how you talked about the history of the locomotives and showing step by step painting and weathering the units!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thanks. I try to make videos I would like to watch. Sometimes history is intersting!

[@JoshuaEhlen]

The production quality you put into your videos is fantastic! Lighting, camera work, editing, a joy to watch

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you. I enjoy the production aspect of video creation - it's nice when a viewer notices it.

[@JoshuaEhlen]

@@NScaleDystopia Video production is my background and it’s great to see it in model railroad KZbin!

[@h.a.9880]

I love the production quality as well, this channel really deserves a lot more subscribers, but sadly, it's not playing by the algorithm game rules... but then again: It's better to do something that a handful wholeheartedly enjoy and support than to make meaningless slop consumed by a large number of people who don't really care. Smaller, more dedicated communities are always much more interesting to engage with.

[@gearhorse]

As someone who loves and hates painting their HO scale models, I could not imagine the pain of doing the same in N! Excellent work.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I certainly wouldn't do it everyday... 🙂

[@nekomasteryoutube3232]

I love go transit so much that If I did Model scale stuff, I'd do my best to replicate them to a T Best I've done is just sprites for OpenTTD

[@fritzfam5]

The F40's are known as "Screamers" because they had a loud HEP in the earlier builds, however later they would fix this

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

Metra still has plenty of screamers

[@NScaleDystopia]

All very true. The history I presented was rather abridged for dramatic purposes...

[@amtrakp4242]

GO; We Don’t need F40s! Amtrak; we need more!!!!! GO; Do you want ours? Amtrak; give us all of them!!!! GO; ok (A few years later in the 1990s) Amtrak; TAKE THEM!!! GO; Why? Amtrak; We have P40s, TAKE THEM!!! GO; ok (Present day) Metra; did you experience F40s being loud GO? GO; yes

[@blanetrain9584]

Them being screamers had more to do with how the HEP was driven as it was mechanically coupled to the prime mover meaning that the prime mover had to run at a constant speed for the HEP to work (prime mover ran at about notch 6 or so and traction motors were controlled by limiting the amount of electricity supplied given the constant speed of the prime mover)

[@kevinbeverly4086]

That's really awesome. They look really good.

[@TheLazierEyebrow]

First off, this was a phenomenal video, and I very much appreciate you documenting your process, including what went wrong and how you overcame those challenges However, I also wanted to thank you for pointing me in the direction of those decals. I'm in the process of tearing down my Atlas GP-40 and modelling a new F59-PH shell for it to print and was wondering what i was going to for the white decals

[@MegaGonz_Prime]

Blown away by how well you worked that craft paint! Also thanks for showing it's possible to have GO trains without hundreds of dollars. Shoutout from the Downsview Park GO station.✋

[@NScaleDystopia]

Downsview Park represent! (Thanks!)

[@ahutchins3405]

So happy I just found your channel. As a southwest ontarian this is right up my alley. And who doesn't love a dirty crimmy dystopian build.

[@robfairportlogistics]

Tamiya panel line accent color in black and brown are amazing for panel line and weathering details, incredibly low viscosity, and it wicks into cracks so well and naturally.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I think I've seen Gundam artists use this paint. Thanks!

[@varrunningtrains4112]

This turned out phenomenally! Very nice work!

[@F40Productions]

I love seeing all of the recent representation GO F40s are getting, shame mine died before I could get a video out about it. Guess I'll have to include whatever rebuild I plan on doing to it...

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

That is some amazing work right there, for a first-time go of custom painting. 👍👍. Take care. Sean.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you Sean!

[@TheLocomotiveEngineer]

"Thunderwagon" is a pretty legit nickname I must say

[@amtrakp4242]

Yeah

[@RetroRoboland]

This is great. Your persistence is amazing

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you so much!

[@ytzpilot]

You can see the old GO Hawker Siddeley Rail Cars on the Don Valley Line at the beginning of the Rush video Subdivisions, brings back memories

[@NScaleDystopia]

There's also a Hawker Siddeley car at the base of the CN tower - at the steamwhistle brewery.

[@Rik_Berryere]

This is one of the best model railroad vids I've seen... ever? Smooth tight production, perfect balance of prototype info and footage with model work and process. And NO talking head! (Sorry, but I have a pet annoyance about vids like this that are 73% 'guy in a polo shirt talking'. It's my thing, I know.) And your modeling is excellent! I love how you illustrate what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how you're doing it every step of the way. You pack an incredible amount of real information in a video that feels like it runs by in less than five minutes; well done! I'm taking notes.

[@NScaleDystopia]

First, thank you for leaving a comment. Secondly, I appreciate you pointing out all of the elements of the video that you enjoy - I really do want things to be informative and entertaining and I'm happy a checked both those boxes for you. And the polo shirt comment had me dying... Thank you!

[@pacificcoastminiatures]

Nice train! And good on you to repaint the locos when the first time didn't work out. I find that Tamiya masking tape works really well to avoid bleeding as long as you burnish the edges well to seal up any gaps - I picked up a pack of three different sizes and it's now my go-to masking tape. I've had good luck too with craft paint too, thinned down, although I typically use regular bottled water (the expired bottles from our emergency kit). Didn't know you could use regular windshield washer fluid - will have to give that a try.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I appreciate the advice. I will say that the washer fluid used as a thinner reduces the surface tension of the paint, and as a result it doesn't bead up - which can sometimes cause the bleeding under the mask. As well, the washer fluid has some alcohol in it that accelerates the drawing time. Either way, I will take your advice to heart and I appreciate you sharing it.

[@pacificcoastminiatures]

@@NScaleDystopia No problem, always there to help someone else out or learn from others. We Canadian model railroaders need to stick together anyways. 🙂 I'm grateful to you for the idea of using 3 pole stomp switches for my servos!

[@saltfreegamer]

Nice job, the locomotive turned out great! Good old nuln oil, aka liquid talent! You can spray it through the airbrush too, for subtle shading effects. I've been trying heavily thinned artist oil paints for doing washes over panel lines and details. It flows better, and doesn't leave coffee stains/tide marks if you over do it. Not as convenient to work with though. I think the technique comes from military modelling. Cheers!

[@paullayer4152]

Laughing the double decker cars are the best! I’ve been riding on them my whole life and I’ve always loved sitting upstairs. I really am having fun with your video!

[@NScaleDystopia]

The best!

[@matthewjones1119]

Those turned out really good!! I’m going to order that nuln oil thanks for sharing

[@NScaleDystopia]

'Apparently' Citadel has changed the Nuln paint formula, and the world is on fire because of it!

[@chaywardtheLad]

Hey man! Just wanted to say this is grand! Just discovered and the channel and cannot wait to see what comes next.

[@PeachyFennec]

Great video!! i definitely think one of the things that got ya was the masking tape. For crisp lines, i recommend Tamiya masking tape but honestly your second go around looked great regardless

[@lgbman]

EXCELLENT WORK!

[@ericjames6865]

Spectacular work!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thanks a lot!

[@G_de_Coligny]

“I wanted to paint my own N scale rolling stock” Famous last words before being committed to an insane asylum…

[@NScaleDystopia]

😋

[@G_de_Coligny]

@@NScaleDystopia been there done that and the voice are still telling me to kill…

[@Corky3D]

Great work! A lot of people underestimate the cheap acrylic paints. If mixed right, with the right settings it turns out very good. I personally use Apple Barrell acrylic paints on my Ho scale stuff. Usually get 1 oz for 0.50-1.00 usd at Walmart. I've had multiple people comment on how mine looks pretty good and wonder what paint I use. Always surprise them when I tell them. Although I personally just mix it with warm/room temp water compared to windshield washer fluid.

[@JasonJensenTrains]

WOW, impressive work!!! I’m always inspired by all your videos!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you very much Jason! The feeling is mutual!

[@railwayjade]

Great history and work! Thank you, love it!

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

I'm just getting started with the airbrushing. And am already very familiar with the "eugh, this looks dreadful - into the isopropanol you go" workflow 😄

[@vette1]

GO has done alot of growing over the past little bit and i really liked that small documentary thing at the begening you should considering more of that as somoene isnt too interested in model train sets as you did it very well

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thanks - that's positive feedback. I like offering a bit of background as context is really helpful.

[@amtk821]

Incredible work, this is so inspiring! You've gained a subscriber from me for sure. Can't wait to see what other customs you make, and I love the layout!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you very much and I appreciate you joining along. This little project opened up a whole host of options for ridiculous ideas in the future!

[@amtk821]

​@@NScaleDystopia ​ @NScaleDystopia You might have seen this before, but here's a potential future project: Look up "CN 561747" This is a 40' boxcar painted and modified to resemble a GO bilevel coach, probably for some training purpose. Pictures of this car seem rare, (I found a total of 2), but they show it pretty well. You could probably get an old car for dirt cheap at a show/swap meet, and it could be good practice modifying trains even further (cutting out the windows for example). Just an idea though!

[@MisatoBestWoman]

As a Canadian I love love the Canadian locomotives, rolling stock!

[@harleymemphis9190]

very nice Job * Happy Rails*

[@WeltenbauerClub]

I love what you are doing here. Especially the weathering.

[@B2Pproduction]

Can't wait to see more. Will you also add a go transit schemes on the cars?

[@NScaleDystopia]

GO used these cars as-is, before they returned them. I already have a decent collection of bi-levels cars so I don't think I'll alter these.

[@B2Pproduction]

@NScaleDystopia historically they did yes, but since this is an alternate where they kept it due to necessity, it is what had me wondering if you'd change them or not. It is still a wonderful and unique consist nonetheless.

[@NScaleDystopia]

They're still new so I don't want to wreck them quite yet... let me grow tired of them and then I'll send them to the paint shop...

[@B2Pproduction]

@NScaleDystopia it is very much understandable. Hope you keep getting more comfortable custom painting and weathering in the meantime on different projects. The engines turned out great so far.

[@jonp-gl6yv]

Awesome work. I just ran across your channel and am kind of surprised how similar things I have in the works to yours - one question where did you get the GO decals for the repaint work?

[@NScaleDystopia]

highballgraphics.com/ - good luck!

[@flaredradiators]

ok thats actually sick also one more thing, why does the f unit have engine soot lol?

[@NScaleDystopia]

Ya ya... I got excited when I was weathering... Maybe the F unit caught fire? Lol

[@mloik1]

Those engines look great!

[@Viking88Power]

Nice work!

[@Davef2912]

These turned out great! I wonder how the 'dystopian' part of your layout idea will turn out. So far it looks like a normal model train layout

[@NScaleDystopia]

As I start adding more structures etc., I think the look and feel will transform. But, you're right, the foundation is pretty typical.

[@abritwholikestea]

Stunning work right there! I absolutely love how it turned out. Sub earned :)

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you. I'm equal parts Happy and surprised.

[@robfairportlogistics]

Turned out great. I have a pair of kato f40ph i'm trying to think about what to do with. May just make a go unit, or turn them into 2d's and make a via train since those lrc cars are available.

[@NScaleDystopia]

What I would have done to have had two Kato units... (Thanks)

[@johnsaunders1435]

Second to Santa fe war bonnets, amtrack f40s and livery is my next favorite. It saddened me to see you strip them bodies. Nice work aanyway!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Luckily there's plenty of war bonnets to be had!

[@cpwhiskycreek]

Never seen the mix of dawn and water for your dekals. The locomotives turned out top notch!

[@NScaleDystopia]

The smallest amount of the detergent help break the surface tension... Otherwise these tiny little decals just float on the surface.

[@ucicweallc]

Loved the history lesson!

[@rf64]

Good idea, and good video, I it comes time. What is the brand of the locomotives ? I am rebuilding my layout and see the video, and good idea .

[@NScaleDystopia]

These were old lifelike locomotives. They are notoriously poor quality

[@SmithOfGear92]

The versatility of Nuln Oil is remarkable. I see a lot of memes and jokes about that Citadel paint's usage in a lot of Warhammer 40000 circles and I'm pleasantly surprised to see it show up here being used for weathering model trains! When I build my own model railroad and my own Warhammer minatures (or figurines that I design and 3D print), I'll be sure to pick up a few bottles of it! As always, tremendous work Denny! I look forward to seeing what other types of custom locomotive liveries you design! 😄

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thanks! Believe it or not I found the nuln oil at a surplus store, which was the only reason I decided to buy it. Like you mentioned, the tabletop war gamers drink the stuff by the litre... And for good reason. It's great!

[@notmuch_23]

For anybody else watching this, a trick I heard from Luke Towan (Boulder Creek Railroad) is to paint some flat clear after you mask to help keep paint from bleeding under the tape.

[@TerranCmdr]

Those turned out excellent! Agreed, Nuln oil is amazing stuff! It's also known as "liquid talent" among miniature painters 😂. I'd also recommend Agrax Earth shade if you're looking for a great brown wash.

[@NScaleDystopia]

'liquid talent' - this term will never leave me... ((Thanks!)

[@staplessubrailfan7440]

Can i have a link to that wash you added for weathering.?

[@NScaleDystopia]

It's available at most tabletop game shops. I picked up mine in the craft store. Just Google Nuln Oil

[@gerdeguelle1967]

a very nice video great work

[@cuebj]

Don't you use clear paint/spray to seal the ultra-fine capillary holes between masking tape and locomotive body before using coloured paint?

[@NScaleDystopia]

I thought about it, but I worried that each coat of paint would erase some of the fine details.

[@georgegardei8074]

I learned not to use the blue painters tape on models. The yellow tape you get at the hobby is designed for painting models and works a lot better.

[@NScaleDystopia]

What was the reason for not using the blue tape - I'm confused with the differences.

[@pieroluciano3272]

A very professionally done video! Absolutely love the vintage video clips! 👍My only 'tiny' advice is perhaps do the background music at 1/3 or 1/2 of what you have it set at. I have to raise and lower my volume on my amp to get a consistent volume level. 😕Cheers! 😎👍

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you very much for the note. I'll be sure to be more careful with the music. Much appreciated.

[@trainfan1075]

After watching this i got that nuln oil stuff and tryed weathering one of my engines it turned out amazing

[@NScaleDystopia]

That's awesome!

[@True_NOON]

Only needs sleepers like cheese (New haven track) Also maybe 1 or 2 extra bilevels and grime on the stock

[@NScaleDystopia]

I need to ease-in to ruining new cars!

[@garysprandel1817]

Don't know if it's still a valid technique as it's been 25 30 years since I've done some model railroading but my paint stripping goto was any type of cheap Pinesol type pine cleaner. Worked on just about an redecorated shell save for some of the then newer Atlas shells.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I've also been told brake fluid... and to take great care!

[@lukestevens8735]

If after you mask the loco you give another coat of the base colour. Any minor bleed will then be the base colour not the top colour.

[@canadiantrainperson]

Hi there what green color did you use and can you brush paint it? Thanks

[@floppaeditz123]

Hi sir, big fan of your channel. Would you mind telling me what type of paint you used to paint the shells?

[@NScaleDystopia]

I primed the shells with generic automotive primer. As for the color, I used folk art brand acrylic paint purchased from Michaels.

[@floppaeditz123]

@@NScaleDystopia Thank you so much!!!!

[@sparky107107]

lots of first times in there, and that is the thing. Ya just have to give it a try and go from there. Go has never looked so good

[@rdgk1se3019]

White Lithium grease works wonders for lube and making mechanisms run quieter.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I thought so too, but I've been told it's a bad idea? Apparently it dries out over time and creates a skin?

[@rdgk1se3019]

@@NScaleDystopiaonly the grease made 50 years ago does that, newer formulations are fine.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I appreciate the clarification. To be fair, I still have a tube that my father gave me decades ago...

[@flakstruk-8481]

Sweet

[@neuparadigm]

I absolutely love that GO Transit's worst train is just a regular train for Amtrak. :)🤔

[@NScaleDystopia]

Amtrak only needs to pull those 'little' cars - not the big green monsters!

[@paulbrugge5243]

@@NScaleDystopia This is a normal Chicago Metra setup except the gallery cars are now stainless steel exterior. I do miss the old CNW green and yellow livery though.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Ah. METRA! This makes sense

[@neuparadigm]

Right down to the zombified locomotives and quirky mishmash of inherited rolling stock, Amtrak has been defining dystopian rail for over 40 years. Metra has a lot of oddball Ex-Amtrak artifacts and the very lovely Nippon Sharyo bilevel beauties. :) For dystopian freight you should check out the slag heaps CN runs in Wisconsin/Illinois ;D

[@NScaleDystopia]

@@neuparadigmand now I have a new research rabbit hole to run down!

[@Kardin900]

Tbh i like the f59 the frieght train models in go transit liverys with bi level cabcars

[@johngarven2125]

Thourly enjoyed yoyr video

[@DungeonMasterpiece]

I mix Windex and folkart 60/40 and it sprays LIKE GENGHIS KAHN SILK through an airbrush just saying

[@NScaleDystopia]

I will absolutely keep this in mind. Anything to keep my paint budget at an all-time low!

[@DungeonMasterpiece]

@@NScaleDystopia just DO NOT DO IT with apple barrel. The pigment isn't ground down enough to blow through a brush

[@onionhat9141]

ah yes the southwest of the rails

[@SkysTrains]

hey quick question, whats the best (and affordable with no power tools) way to cut track? also how do i put it together?

[@NScaleDystopia]

You can buy side cutters that have one flat edge - it makes more sense when you see them - and you can nip the rails to the link you need. As for joining them, you'll need rail joiners that slide over each end of the rail to connect them. Some people like to solder the joints. Good luck!

[@SkysTrains]

@@NScaleDystopia thank you so much!

[@StefanWithTrains]

The E7 should have been clean on top due to it not having any exhaust.

[@NScaleDystopia]

You are correct. Likewise, it shouldn't have a second headlight. This was less an exercise in accuracy, and more an exercise in trying some things I hadn't done before. Thanks!

[@MarsMullo1]

Next time. Try painting white first. Let dry. Then paint your green. Should stop any bleed.

[@Rene-y9d]

The models turned out very nice, but just one question. You good?

[@NScaleDystopia]

All good

[@Rene-y9d]

@@NScaleDystopia That is great!

[@jameshellam5683]

I have a original go train model locomotive missing some parts but the body has the number 513 on to my surprise I saw that Engine on here some tell if I have something cool or rare my dad collected model trains

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

This is by far the worst go transit train I’ve ever seen

[@NScaleDystopia]

That's saying something!

[@True_NOON]

Onpy going Alco is worse

[@amtrakp4242]

This train is horrible, crowded, loud, and other thing s that make it the worse!

[@amtrakp4242]

@@NScaleDystopiaalso, can you try making AMRoad 4070 and 4067 and it’s train from Silver Streak? (a movie from 1976)

[@dmann5938]

Like your mom

[@TheRobertSterling]

You are right, Go sure did use some ugly trains, I suppose for the time and budget they were trying. Good representation you did. Side bar, I had gotten a Turbo train passenger car in Via white,it looked like it was painted with a roller. I put it in brake fluid overnight and the paint just washed off back to the molded yellow plastic.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I've heard brake fluid is great for stripping paint. That said, I have a friend that left a shell soaking for a month... It 'melted' the shell...

[@TheRobertSterling]

@@NScaleDystopia yeah, a month maybe too long...lol

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

China?

[@NScaleDystopia]

Canada?

[@amtrakp4242]

What happened in this world?

[@NScaleDystopia]

We do not speak of the past!

[@petert9749]

Interesting video. Martin kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIDdemetaL6Na5o is worth a look: inexpensive artists oils with little work. The example he uses here is an earth works machine; he used the same techniques on a huge Mallet type loco but I couldn't find it for you. The video introduces the idea of using cheap 'Matchbox' cars for practice. Strip first. Can also be used for practising multi colour paint schemes. I have also practised on various sizes of threaded bolts: it forces you to develop technique so as to get coverage. You have found out matte paints cover better, probably because it is akin to plastering a form of 'Pebble Dash' over the model - a nuisance in N scale. Have been playing around with gloss paint as gloss varnish over matte does not convince. Am experimenting with gloss Tamiya over Humbrol no 1. enamel primer. From memory was promising. TheTamiya acrylic (shamefully) thinned with methylated spirits which came all the way from the local supermarket. Worked well; lays on beautifully; covers well; doesn't run; so far has not orange-peeled - but on metal does not adhere well without primer. The primer supplies the 'pebble dash'. With primer the Tamiya seems, in testing to date, to stick OK. Remember, I am painting brass. The biggest strength of Tamiya as I have tried it, it that Radiant washing machine powder mixed per instructions removes it without damaging the primer or the model. I don't know how long the paint stays soluble. Building my own stock the painting practise is sporadic at best, and that is why I can't be too specific. Still worth sharing ideas. None of us are incompetent, but we need research as we are pushing the limits of the products. If viewers don't have an airbrush, scrape up an old hand pump fly spray from somewhere and modify with K&S tubing. JUST USE BREATHING PROTECTION !!!! Practise; Practise; Practise.... That's as far as my research has had time to go; hopefully it will serve as a start for anyone else to build on, and maybe even disprove. Share anything you discover. Just protect your health and make sure any kids watching see you do it. A challenge for our presenter: you have the original paints and if more is needed replacements will be from the same batches. That means touch-up should be easy. Early in your video is a motion shot of an FP whatever in Amtrak. Look at the windscreens. See if you can flush-glaze with thin glazing material. My experimenting suggests replacing the steel 'windshields' with thinner material (10 thou) and laminating the glazing oversize behind so as to hide the edges of the glass (the world's worst sentence!). Working in brass furnishes us with lots of advantages and plenty of disadvantages. Martin's channel is 'Marklin of Sweden'. Enjoy.

[@KuntaKinteToby]

The American rail system is terrible

[@NScaleDystopia]

*Canadian