VIA Rail 6215, an RDC 2 moves out of the engine shop area following maintenance to resume duties on the branchline.

When models are not available of the items you want to include on your layout, customizing is the next option.

The inspiration for this RDC began with a trip to White River in Northern Ontario. This is the only area still serviced by RDC’s. VIA Rail operates a regular train from Sudbury to White River.

I began with a Kato -RDC2 and removed the body and windows. I then masked off the ends and painted them CN Yellow #18 from True Line Trains.

Once the paint was dry, I removed the masking and used a black marker to simulate the rubber around the end doors and windows.

VIA Rail’s RDC 6215 moves through the station at Sudbury, September 2011.

The blue line on the side of the body, numbers and VIA logos are from Microscale decals Via Rail Diesels (1979-1992) #60-667.

Highball Graphics -VIA Passenger Car “Canada” & Flags Set #ADN-25, provided the Canadian flag on the sides.

I weathered the roof exhaust by dry brushing Poly Scale Oily Black.

Before assembling the body, I upgraded the RDC to DCC, installing a Digitraxx Decoder -DN143K2.

This was a fairly easy project with minimal amount of painting and detailing. Later I will add some weathering to improve the overall appearance.

Below is a photo of VIA 6215 that I took in Sudbury, Ontario.