Possum's Locomotive Works

[-Possum-]

Been seeing some real nice work here, figured I'd toss my hat into the ring and build some ideas I got. My first build thread was this TEBC6 slug that I'll eventually get back to, its on the backburner for now until I figure out how to make it "better".

As of right now I have no layout nor space for one, but that won't hinder me from tinkering on stuff.

Current project is this dirty SW7 shell what will be the unpowered calf unit in a cow/calf combo for a fictional shortline.

A quick wash in the sink and it cleaned up pretty good! Almost a shame its going under the knife

Speaking about cutting up... Bye bye footboards and tanks! I'm aware removing the tanks prevents the shell from clipping onto the frame, but I've got an idea later on to remedy that!

I wanted to do something different than just covering up the hole with the normal hood piece, so I decided to make a platform out of styrene that's similar to what the original cab base was like.

The dummy trucks with metal side frames. Had to cut the rear one down to fit under the platform.

Here's the reason I removed the side tanks: to make way for a MP15 fuel tank! Both the frame and tank needed some trimming to make them fit together snug.

And how it sits currently, just piled together. Next thing to do will be make steps for the front and rear of the platform, and finish the hood.

 

[-Possum-]

A couple in-progress pics and a couple "finished" pics.

I gave the short hood a ridge to match the rest of the hood, and set of steps front and rear of the platform. Most tedious thing so far was smoothing out the access door that's completely blocked by the step. Nothings glued down to the shell yet.

For those wondering why I'm building it like this, I'm kinda mimicking BNSF 3635, whose cab was damaged in a wreck and removed, but left the cab base.

 

[-Possum-]

Happy New Years y'all

Needed to make a repair to the shell, I noticed both corners on the rear steps were broken off, so I trimmed them down the rest of the way and remade them using a bit of styrene.

Also started working on the powered SW7 that will be paired up with this calf unit. Pretty much got all the main parts for it, I'll tinker on it while waiting for glue to dry.

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

Happy New Years y'all

Needed to make a repair to the shell, I noticed both corners on the rear steps were broken off, so I trimmed them down the rest of the way and remade them using a bit of styrene.

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Also started working on the powered SW7 that will be paired up with this calf unit. Pretty much got all the main parts for it, I'll tinker on it while waiting for glue to dry.

View attachment 253251

Great job with both projects! I think everyone showing off their locomotives is a great idea. So keep it up!

 

[Kusojiji]

Very nice work! What brand are those models? I've never seen a truck mount like that before as they are not the typical Athearn, Lifelike, Kato clip on with the worm gear retainer thingy.

 

[-Possum-]

Very nice work! What brand are those models? I've never seen a truck mount like that before as they are not the typical Athearn, Lifelike, Kato clip on with the worm gear retainer thingy.

Thanks! Both models are Athearn BBs. On these older switchers the trucks are made differently, they clip through the frame and are held on that way. They have the worm gear covers too, just without the little prongs.

 

[-Possum-]

Did some clearancing to the inside floor of the base to make room for the internal workings on the powered SW. With this being a SW1500/MP15 cab on a SW7 body, the cab and base ended up sitting a little farther forward than normal. Even with all the trimming done to the base, the worm gear cover was still making contact with the base. Sooo the cover was then trimmed down enough to give room, but left enough material to keep the brass bushing in place. I think it'll work!

After that, the new fuel tank was installed and had holes drilled through, I bought some 3D printed motor mounts that are held to the chassis with screws.

And how it sits mocked up! These fuel tanks I'm using are definitely overkill, but they look good.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Just discovered this thread, what a cool project! I look forward to seeing what your cow and calf set look like when they're completed.

 

[-Possum-]

Small update. I didn't like how the base lacked corners and left a bare spot against the sill, so I glued and stacked pieces of scrap styrene to fill in the corners then trimmed them to match.

And with that, this SW7 project is on pause while I wait for some 3D parts to hopefully arrive..

 

[-Possum-]

In the meantime, I started another project

This Athearn U28B was in a small lot I bought nearly 2 years ago. Its filthy, missing its cab, and was a powered unit until I pulled the motor and trucks for another loco. At first I was thinking to raise the short hood, fill the opening, and make a B-unit out of it...

But I decided to go a different way! I chopped the long hood down with plans to turn it into a slug.

More cutting, and smoothing out the long hood to make way for some new doors from Cannon & Co.

 

[-Possum-]

Got the hood and sill filled in with styrene. I have a tube of that Testors contour putty to cover the seams and imperfections, never used the stuff before so we'll see how it goes. The circle on top is where I'll cut a hole for a fan, I'll add some grilles on the sides beneath it.

I discovered on my phone I had older pics (March 2024) of this U28B when I first got it and when I tore the motor and trucks down to clean them. These were taken with my previous phone, didn't know they transferred over. That phone took much better pictures..

 

[-Possum-]

Some more work done on the powered SW7. I added a filler panel(?) to both pilots and a Detail Associates Pyle headlight, eventually I'd like to drill it out and install lights, but that'll be much later on.

To attach the shell to the frame I cut down the top of both coupler boxes then drilled a hole through them for a 2-56 screw. On the underside of the shell I glue styrene blocks to the pilots and drilled blind holes into those for the screws.

Next it received a coat of primer to reveal any imperfections. The cab is currently unprimered.

 

[migalyto]

Just finally got caught up with this thread.

Well done!

 

[westtexjohn]

Nice work.

John