I started with the Marklin CB&Q Mikado, and wanted to make it more like a Northern Pacific W-3 Class Mike, so this is what I have so far: Here is a closeup of the tender, where again, the rivets are just holes burned into plastic. I followed diagrams from the Classic Steam Era published by Hundman: As you can see, lots needed to be modified. I had to scratchbuild all the details. Dual cross compound air pumps, number boards, Pyle steam generator, bell frame, cab roof vents, extended firebox, and custom pilot and more: Here is how the pilot turned out: I still need a few more details, but I'm outside in the backyard with my modules today running trains, so I took the photos and uploaded them real quick to share. -Robert [ April 27, 2005, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: pray59 ]
Wow! That looks fantastic! How did you make the number boards? And you got rid of that ugly bell that comes with it and replaced it with a very realistic looking one. That more than anything really makes an impression. [ April 18, 2005, 11:06 AM: Message edited by: JoeS ]
I made the number boards and the bell frame out of 1/64" plywood, and turned the original bell in my dremel against sandpaper to the shape of a real bell. The cab roof was also plywood, but the power reverser, generator, air pumps, pilot assembly, air reservoir, and extended firebox were made from .020" plastic. The condensation lines are copper wire from 12AWG THHN stranded wire, and there are other .008" wire grabs in places. I have not figured out what to do about the 2 long grab rods that should go down the length of the boiler yet. I also added a .020" shim inside to raise the shell up a little, so there will be enough room inside for the decoder to fit inside the cab, under the roof. I still have to take a few more pics, as I added the cab winter canvas curtain and cab sunshades last night. It's a work in progress. -Robert
Robert, what can I say that I didn't say before. Gorgeous looking loco, she turned out REALLY well. Love that bell One question, what do you use to burn those rivet holes?
Hi Dan, and welcome to Trainboard! I have a laser cutter in my garage, and made all the parts with it. The plan is to make all the NP based models I need, that I cannot buy anywhere. Whenever I make a model that lots of people say they want, I make them into a craftsman kit. It's fun, and allows me to have truely different models than everyone else. Browse the Z Scale forum here, find something that interests you, then post away! We are trying to build up the Z Scale forum so ther will always be something interesting to read and see. -Robert
Well, I know you do laser kits (Was talking to you in chat about ties the other night). Just wondered if there was some manual way you did it or if it was done via laser. Been watching the board for awhile, and finally decided to join. With the addition of other liZt members, the forum will grow. It's like Z itself, it'll grow, just give it time
I did not recognise you by your trainboard name, now I remember, dmackeller77 from the yahoo chat last Sunday! Yes, I remember you Dan. Haha, funny how get to remember people by there usernames online, but never think of their real names. Some of the guy's use the same name here as on the yahoo list, and some use their real names. You will recognise who. I have been real busy doing kits this week, as I got a big assorted order. I have to make some Z, N, and HO kits up for this one. They also want to commission a special run of SP&S Bay Window cabeese, so I might as well draw out the NP version at the same time, since the instructions would be the same. It's going to be HO, N, and Z Scales too. -Robert
I have enough trouble in N scale so I tip my hat to you! With stuff like that, I'd be tempted to try Z scale. And to think, it was only with in the last few years that we got decent running steam in N scale! Russ