To model the 1503, I started with an undecorated Athearn F7B unit. I did my usual modification of the winterization hatch and glued it in the appropriate location. I painted the unit white, then Reefer Yellow and then masked off the middle to paint the Royal Blue. I finally painted the grill silver. Then I got direction from Curt Fortenberry and Pat Durand on the HEP Muffler. I picked up copper pipe (6 inch OD), plastic tubing (16" OD) and a pack of styrene plastic sheeting. I used a paper punch to get some round ends. I cut the plastic tubing to represent a 12" long muffler and glued the ends on it. Then I cut and bent the copper pipe for the connecting pipe for the HEP Muffler. After I had everything done, I super glued the pipes on the ends. I also fashioned the flapper for the end of the muffler using an exacto knife. I painted the muffler silver and the piping rust. Then glued it to the roof in the appropriate location using pictures.

I did some detail painting to a few areas to dress the unit up. I gathered all my decals using the Microscale ARR Loco Hood units set and the 75th Anniversary decal I had made. I was ready to decal. Using pictures Robert Krol provided of the #1503, I was able to finish the unit. Then I gloss coated the unit to seal the decals.