ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
Meet the latest "critter" to fall out of my cranial cavity and onto the workbench. See, I wanted a small loco to serve as a switch engine for a large grain mill on the modular project, something that could handle 4 cars at most, and was not regular Railroad Property. This way I was free to detail it to MY level of comfort. A total freehand experience not bound by the prototype of any kind.
Meet switcher #69, employed by the Farmers CO-OP. In case you are wondering, It is NOT rubber band powered. It's an over detailed Hustler sitting on top of a 6 wheel Athearn truck with the center wheels removed, powered by a CD rom motor fed by an NCE decoder. I had to cut the allowable voltage WAY back .......it will easily do 200 scale mph otherwise! It's the 1st engine my wife ever called "cute" that didn't tick me off!
Does anyone else have any "Frankenstein" locos, created in your mind and not bought?
I've got several in the works, but here's 2 of my creations:
An F-60. Basically a GP-60 that was wrecked it's first week of revenue service. A quick fix was to drop a retired F-7's cab in place. The Model is currently waiting for paint.
And the newest crazy critter I've got is a proof-of-concept that brings a whole new meaning to the term "Cab Car". I'm making some F-40PH B units, and I have a few cabs laying around. Some glue and 5 minutes later, I have a car that is being tested to see if it is more cost effective than making a cab into a passenger car. (yea, it's gonna be painted, Amtramtrack is merely a coincidence of letters lining up on the cut lines.)
This cab car would have a small generator and air compressor for its own needs. It would be able to move itself, but nothing else.
I've got several in the works, but here's 2 of my creations:
An F-60. Basically a GP-60 that was wrecked it's first week of revenue service. A quick fix was to drop a retired F-7's cab in place. The Model is currently waiting for paint.
Funny you mention that. I have another "frankenstein" creation.
It's painted in the clubs "stillborn" new scheme (only 3 locos wore this paint) We like to tell the story that one of the old gray and black u-boads was involved in a very bad grade crossing wreck. The local shop forces sprang into action with the only parts they could muster from an old F7. It was reclassified by the railroad. Front of and F unit, Back of a U-boat, and on its 2nd build so we call it an FU-2. Whats really funny at shows is when spectators see it and say "Heck yea, I've seen them before, down in Mexico right?" Sometimes I can't help but laugh!
Here are couple of my creations. The small diesel critter was made from an old Penn Line shell that I shortened the cab and removed some of the details, added others. Scratched the chassis that fits over a PFM SPUD power truck.
The other is a pair of A and B Athearn Hustlers. Spliced two Hustler shells to make the B unit, added details here and there. Both are still powered with the rubber band drive. The plow on the A unit is an Athearn part made for the Hustler.
Here are couple of my creations. The small diesel critter was made from an old Penn Line shell that I shortened the cab and removed some of the details, added others. Scratched the chassis that fits over a PFM SPUD power truck.
The other is a pair of A and B Athearn Hustlers. Spliced two Hustler shells to make the B unit, added details here and there. Both are still powered with the rubber band drive. The plow on the A unit is an Athearn part made for the Hustler.
I've done a lot of RDCs, mostly using Athearn models. Here's one that's half an RDC-2. I call it an RDC-2.5 (two point five). It's mounted on an Athearn SW-7 power chassis.
I've done a lot of RDCs, mostly using Athearn models. Here's one that's half an RDC-2. I call it an RDC-2.5 (two point five). It's mounted on an Athearn SW-7 power chassis.
have been working on a project what uses a Proto 2000 SW switcher and Im converting it to a box car LOL. this way I can have my Mikes and Mountains pulling 60-70 cars with no prob and make people wonder a little!!
WoW, some great looking Critters. Gives me a lot of new idea's for my modern layout.
Next project for me is a modern Goose. I have all the parts, just not enough time.
Sometimes I can't help but laugh!
