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.

It's said that people who live with a pet being to look like each other. I wonder if it's true with layouts?

After a little advice with where to start, [ ... ]

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

or why did I decide on Z-Scale model railroad.   

    I had been dabbling in N Gauge off and on since 1974, when I gave [ ... ]