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Did some trading with a gentleman via the net, A Hallmark Frisco 2-8-2 that I didnt like and a basket case Hallmark ICRR 2-8-0 for a United USRA light 2-8-2. I plan to redetail it to represent NKP 587. I have the flying numberboards and a more correct headlight on order directly from Bowser thru thier Cary line of detail parts. Finding a proper large tender to replace the small USRA one will take some time. I could just use a Rivarossi one, but putting a plastic tender with a brass engine just doesnt seem right. I had some clean up to do, there was some foam damage to the bottom cover plate and a little bit on some of the wheels and drivers. Nothing my dremel with a wire wheel on it couldnt fix. The previous owner replaced the incorrect PFM/United cab with a Mellor USRA brass cab with the proper rounded roof line. He also packed every conceivable nook and cranny with sheet lead. This thing weighs a ton! Its in total pieces on my bench at the moment waiting on details. I will get pics soon. Mike
These are the kind of projects that I just love! I currently have two SRR Ms4 2-8-2's that need similar work. They two are impported from PFM but both are made by Samhongsa. One has the Elesco FWH and the other has the Worthington. Just like the prototypes!
Both has some minor re-detailing needed and like you, I'm just waitin on the parts.
Another project I have is a model of Mann's Creek #5. Its a two truck HOn3 shay from David Hoffman, who bought up all the MDC shay pieces/parts from Horizon. He rebuilds the mechcanism, and runs smooth as silk. The kit consists mainly of the assembled mechcanism, and most of the detail parts needed to model the loco correctly. Good kit!
Man, that sounds like it will be a sweet engine when it's done. I haven't detailed and rebuilt a brass engine in a long time but I enjoyed the challenge when I did. As far as the tender goes, I wouldn't hesitate to use the Rivarossi tender. They have excellent rivet detail and no one but you will ever know that it's not brass. I found that brass tenders seemed to be where some manufacturers skimped on details, especially decent rivets.
I probably will use a Rivarossi tender for now, but if a brass one shows up I will get it. I am not a rivet counter personaly, I cant find the proper rear mount Pyle headlight with wings and a visor, so I will put one on a shelf that looks resonably correct. The pilot wont be totaly correct, but once painted, its good enough for me. Espicaly considing the new Division Point 2-8-2's wont be cheap! With thier diesels in the 1200+ range, I can only imagine what a steamer will go for. I think I have $75 invested in the model so far including shipping the two engines to him that I traded for this one. He had already heavily weighted it and put the Mellor USRA cab on it. Its much closer to 587 with this cab, the original PFM cab had way to flat of a roof. I have it as well. If anybody does know where to get a NKP slatted pilot and rear mounted Pyle headlight with wings and a visor, please post the brand and part number. Cheers Mike
Here are pics of how she stands right now. I repaired the loose walkways above the cylinders, cleaned the foam disease from the drivers and bottom cover plate. The NKP details including the flying numberboards, a more correct looking headlight and bell are on thier way to me now directly from Bowser from thier Cary line of detail parts. Along with them is a mars light and shelf for my PFM Berkshire. I will run 587 with the small tender for now, I am hunting for a proper large tender like she has today, preferable brass but will probably have to settle for a Rivarossi one for now. She runs like a watch, very smooth and quiet now, has a huge Pittman brand DC70x motor and is weighted to 1 1/2 pounds for just the locomotive! I wish someone offered the NKP style pilot in brass, havent found one yet. Mike
