Model Railroading > UP 8321 SD70ACe Athearn Genesis [HO Scale]

I've been holding out on presenting this model to the TO community until the post-Bay Area Prototype Modeler's (BAPM) 2026 meet this past weekend. For those that missed out, this unit was featured in the afternoon weathering clinic. This was also my first time participating in a BAPM meet.

The model started out as a stock Athearn Genesis SD70ACe from a 2022 production run. It includes some nice factory details such as LED lighting, rotating bearing caps and unique non-flag repaint. Work completed includes generous coats of airbrushing along with Bragdon weathering powders and Tamiya Panel line accent colors. The unit was weathered to it's 2013 appearance from prototype photos. Additionally, the frame rail includes real reflective striping from Smokebox Graphics. 

Thanks again to Dave Maffei (TO: dmaffei) for encouraging me to put together the clinic this year.  

Thanks for looking and feedback is always appreciated.

Alex Wilson
Castro Valley, CA
ApproachAspect's Flickr Photos

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Here are some additional photos during the weathering process. 

Alex Wilson
Castro Valley, CA
ApproachAspect's Flickr Photos

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It's not that serious, I doubt there's much overlap between BAPM and TO. Nice work though.

east_bay_alex Wrote:
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> I've been holding out on presenting this model to
> the TO community until the post-Bay Area Prototype
> Modeler's (BAPM) 2026 meet this past weekend.

Great work!

Really looks great! Battle hardened between the desert heat and Wyoming winters! It is amazing what you see when you take close up photos versus what the naked eye didn't catch.

Wow. Great job!

Posted from Android

 That looks awesome. You should be very proud!

Alex,
Thanks for presenting at BAPM. Appreciate all your hard work and time setting up the presentation. It was great to hear your techniques, with the capability of asking you a question about the procedure. As you mentioned, the use of photos of the prototype, and taking photos of the model while you’re weathering it, is a good practice. Hope to see you again next year, you’re always welcome to suggest a presentation.
Thanks again,
Dave

Posted from iPhone