CM-Fan
Well-Known Member
I bet you are thinking - wait a minute I don't remember any MDC Consolidations? You are right, this is a conversion project, back in 1987 "Model Railroading" magazine had an article on using Tyco/ Mantua boiler shells cut up to make a resemblance to the above mentioned locomotives. I model the Colorado Midland Railroad around 1900 (give or take) and can always use more locomotives for the roster. Here is my venture so far.
The tyco boiler shells before the "Purple Power" bath to strip the paint.
After a good cleaning, they went to the surgery table.
Several of the pieces have been shortened and the sand dome location will be changed upon reaasembly.
While the boiler sections are small this is the perfect time to remove all molded in detail and piping as aftermarket brass will be used.
First look at the new wagon top boiler alongside an original.
After some test fitting and a bit more modifacation this is the end result for now. Im very pleased the motor has ample clearance and the MDC boiler saddle still needs to be shortend.
*Workbench notes - One of the Tyco boiler shells was promptly tossed into the trash after the second cut. It was not real styrene plastic but more of a "rubbermaid" plastic. The plastic (?) plugged up the saw from being so soft and I had my doubts about putty ever sticking to it.
This is my progress so far, more to come. It is pretty much a full day for me cutting one shell, removing the detail, and assembling it back together. I came into this project thinking I could probably do four a day!
The tyco boiler shells before the "Purple Power" bath to strip the paint.
After a good cleaning, they went to the surgery table.
Several of the pieces have been shortened and the sand dome location will be changed upon reaasembly.
While the boiler sections are small this is the perfect time to remove all molded in detail and piping as aftermarket brass will be used.
First look at the new wagon top boiler alongside an original.
After some test fitting and a bit more modifacation this is the end result for now. Im very pleased the motor has ample clearance and the MDC boiler saddle still needs to be shortend.
*Workbench notes - One of the Tyco boiler shells was promptly tossed into the trash after the second cut. It was not real styrene plastic but more of a "rubbermaid" plastic. The plastic (?) plugged up the saw from being so soft and I had my doubts about putty ever sticking to it.
This is my progress so far, more to come. It is pretty much a full day for me cutting one shell, removing the detail, and assembling it back together. I came into this project thinking I could probably do four a day!
