Fairmont Speeder

I wanted to include a Fairmont Speeder on my layout in my M.O.W. scene. Companies make operational 3-rail models but they don't look very realistic, and some of the 2-rail non-operational models appear too old-fashioned for the era I was modeling. I don't really know what type the Maine Central or B&M used in the 1970s-1980s, but more than likely they just used company pickup trucks. But that wasn't going to stop me.

Walthers originally released a built-up Speeder house kit, complete with nonoperational speeder to park outside on the ready track. Atlas later acquired the tooling and still offers the item today (item #W2701).
I didn't need the speeder barn (there really isn't place for it on my layout near the MOW siding) but I decided to buy the set anyway because I can store the building for the future, and the speeder looks like what I want.

I bought a used copy of the Atlas set, and for some odd reason the speeder was speckled with green paint all over. The seller fully disclosed this on the internet listing and priced it accordingly, and I figured I would just repaint it anyway so it was fine. The building looked in perfect condition.

After looking for prototypical pictures of a speeder painted for the Boston and Maine or Maine Central (and striking out), I decided to "proto-freelance" one. Is the Atlas kit even based on a real speeder? I dunno, but I was ready to have fun. 

I first painted everything with yellow, but it didn't look quite right. I later went to the store and bought a can of Rustoleum "Golden Sunset", which seemed to be a perfect match for construction equipment yellowish/orange. 

After letting it cure, I used brown and black and silver paints to pick out various details. I consulted online pictures but I can't quite say I got it all right. Or wrong, for that matter. Because of the current interest of operating speeders, many owners paint them up in fanciful paint schemes which are nice but make it hard to determine what an "original" looked like. 

Next, some extra details were added inside like a red toolbox and a can of something, perhaps grease. Some foliage was glued on to give the impression that it had been sitting outside for a while and the wind had carried debris onto it.

Finally, I installed window glazing on the front windows. I left the sides open for now, but it would be pretty easy to go back later and add it.

And there you have it. It was pretty simple to upgrade i and I am pleased with the result. Mine will be parked at the end of an abandoned siding, though if the crew ever need it they can easily dig it out and press it into service. Putt putt...