From Diesel to Steam
A mate on the On30 Conspiracy offered an old working HO loco to anyone who wanted it. A few days later I had it in my sticky little fingers. The only thing was that it was a diesel and my main line is all steam.
Still, I thought, if I fit it with skirts, à la tramway locos, I could maybe get away with it
The loco contained a massive weight and for traction, I needed to retain this,. This obviously was not going to be as small as my other locos and I looked for a design that was bulky enough to to hide the entire chassis. Eventually I settled upon an “England” style loco - the tank being just the shape and size I needed.
As pictures speak louder etc., here are some step by step pics, with a few captions. It should make things clear but as always, if you have further questions, please Email me.
Original Loco
Chassis
Plastic card body, copper wire, brass
tube and bits from disposable lighters.
Wrightlines stack
Tender based on Dapol wagon chassis
Engine & tender prior to painting
Ship’s portholes for spectacles
The completed loco
Sand boxes from ball point pens
Cab in place plus scratchbuilt brass whistles
