This model started out as a stripped Proto 2000 GP38-2. Obviously, Rock Island never had any GP38-2's in this scheme and this is a fantasy model. We theorized that had the Rock Island survived, in the mid 1990's they were in the need for more reliable four axle locomotives and remanufactured quite a few GP38's, GP38AC's and GP38-2's into "new" GP38-2's. Also, the bankruptcy blue era was over and the Rock Island reverted back to the yellow and red scheme. Of course, if this is all hypothetical.
The model itself had the classlights razed, the stock P2k fans were replaced with Cannon and Company parts. Various details like new cut bars, spare knuckles and lift rings, antennas and such were added to give the model a prototypical feel. The frame and weight were modified for operating ditchlights which are Overland Models castings. While in there, I cut the weight so I could fit a standard Train Control Systems A6X decoder in to power all of the miniature lamps, which replaced the stock Proto lighting.
After a thorough abrasive blasting, everything was washed and dried. Paint consisted of Floquil primer, Scalecoat II white, custom mixed RI yellow from part Floquil UP armor yellow and Scalecoat II reefer yellow. The red is Scalecoat II CP bright red that has been tinted a little more. The gray is Scalecoat II NYC dark gray. The walkways are painted antiskid black, which is a mix of Floquil engine black, grimy black and primer mixed until it looked right. The grilles were masked and backfilled with Floquil grimy black. The decals are a combination of Microscale and the clearcoat is part Testor's glosscoat and part Testors Dullcoat.