Been a very long time since i've posted in these forums. A veeeeeeeeeeery long time. So I wanted to keep this project here instead of in my trainblog. So many are aware of the long exploits to get a motorized matching tender for my LGB Americanized Stains 0-4-0 Locomotive and her Original starter set. Many are also aware of having issues finding a replacement coupler for the tender so I can hook everything up. I found one. On a website that has connections to LGB Repair parts in germany. And it only cost me 8 bucks. And it finally arrived. So I screwed it in place and gave my units a go, for the first time, together. And they performed well. Was so happy about it. Then I got another brilliant idea. The 2-axle Bobber Caboose, that was an LGB Staple got a set of 4 axles put on it by the now defunct (owned by Silvergate Manufacturing last I heard) LGB of America. Off Center Cupola compared to the LGB Center Cupola. Same Size, and I figured the interior would swap over to my vintage caboose and fit. It did. Sort of. I ordered a lavitry/locker section off ebay and meant to mount it in the rear section of the caboose. It was too long. It would only fit the center sections (Something that I know the cupola seats/locker pieces will fit, but that's another story). So It was time to do some Bashing. Kitbashing that is. And while I have a lot of cleanup work to do, I did sacrifice part of the Locker door/detail to fit it in place. My plans are to add storage shelves as one of the caboose windows can see in. I also had to trim the top to fit the space so the roof could snap back in place. A tiny gap, yes, but unnoticeable. I will be cutting a corner so I can run wired US Style Lanterns (Of which the wires will run to a battery pack under the unit). Overall I'm pleased with how this came out, despite needing a bit of sanding. Now I also painted the premolded doors and roof walks brown to add a pop of color and realism, along with the Tender's toolbox. It's going to be about another 75 dollars to bring this interior and repair project to life, but well worth it as this is my original starter set. And speaking of the Tender, I am doing some modification work to her. Yes You've all seen her painted wooden slats around the coal bunker, but I saw a modified european stainz online that did a modification that got me thinking, "What's holding the wooden boards in place and keeping the coal from breaking them down?" The answer was as easy and FREE as it could be. I, like the original modifier, used steel beams to hold it in place, going from the wood down to the base of the steel sided tender. To do this I simply took one of my dead pieces of code 100 HO Scale track and cut them to length. Flat on the bottom, and beveled on a diagonal angle on the top. 4 on each side and two on the rear. They will be weathered with the standard rail weathering marker kit from Woodland Scenics and glued into place. This gives a more realistic touch to the motorized tender. As more projects get completed on this set, I will keep bringing this thread back to life. For now here's a few mockup photos:
