Catnippertom's Locomotive Works

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.


For the last few days, I have been working on this:
20250826_233535.jpg


This has been re-branded as a Spokane Portland & Seattle locomotive, which is perfect for me. It doesn't have a smokebox, and it doesn't seem to want to run either, which is upsetting. It was listed as running, but I guess I have to figure it out.

I have it disassembled and am working on getting it up to snuff.

20250828_220043.jpg


I am planning on painting the smokebox a darker grey that more closely matches SP&S 700. I am working on creating a DIY smokebox from stuff I have lying around. I have machined down, using a poor-man's lathe(a Dremel), a washer I had, and added some plastic gears to fill in the gaps. Here is how it looks so far:

20250828_220059.jpg


I have to add some detail, like rivets, but I am not sure how to go about that. I am also going to have to figure out how to make it look like an SP&S unit because that is going to be a bit of a challenge. The firebox is wrong, and the smokebox is challenging, but we will see. Does anyone have any ideas for DIY rivets? I'd love to hear some thoughts.
 
Last edited:
catnippertom said:
I am starting this thread to be a place where I can put my custom or WIP locomotives/rolling stock. It might just be a showcase, or it might end up being a place where I can ask questions regarding builds I am working on. I figured this would be better than starting a ton of different threads.
Click to expand...
Yes, a few of us (Including myself) have done this on here and I think its a great idea. Cant wait to see your work!
 


catnippertom said:
View attachment 236530

I have to add some detail, like rivets, but I am not sure how to go about that. I am also going to have to figure out how to make it look like an SP&S unit because that is going to be a bit of a challenge. The firebox is wrong, and the smokebox is challenging, but we will see. Does anyone have any ideas for DIY rivets? I'd love to hear some thoughts.
Click to expand...
I like this, as I often have to fall back to making my own parts like this (Because I refuse to spend too much for them). I had just finished a scratch built headlight for my Berkshire I have been working on, and (On a older project) have even used the back of a small old speaker as a smokebox door on a 0-6-0 😅. I think you are on the right track (No pun intended), but I am not sure about rivets as I have never added details that small. But I want to get some of THESE rivet decals. They might be what you are looking for!
 
catnippertom said:
Man if those weren't $18 I'd get them. I got the loco for $10 so not sure those are worth it. But then again... I'm tempted for sure!
Click to expand...
Yeah, the only reason I haven't bought them is because of the price. But you get a lot for what you pay! So you could use it for more then one model.

"They're also economical...each package contains over 108 square inches (two HUGE 6 inch x 9 inch decal sheets) of several different rivet patterns in both straight lines and curves, plus bonus louvers and grillwork. Although described as for HO scale (typically for model railroad use), they are useful across various scales for the type and size of surface details needed for your model. Made in the USA."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top