An easy way to enhance the look of any diesel locomotive is to blacken the grills and vents to provide more depth.  You can use a black wash to bring out the grill or vent details.  Weathering powders are extremely effective bringing out locomotive vent and grill details.

I've read lots of advice, howto, intro, and helpful things on the internet about modeling railroads.

But nowhere is there any information for the beginner, [ ... ]

 This is Micro trains Line SD40-2 Santa Fe model which I customized with working ditch lights.

So there I was..had my speeder all painted and glass in the window and everything dull coated and figure inside and..hunky-dory.
I went to LHS becasue [ ... ]