It starts with the ubiquitous Bachmann N scale MDT Plymouth switcher. When you remove the body, it sort of resembles a brick. I am told that Commonwealth narrow gauge modelers actually refer to this as "The Brick". These come in three "generations". The "old" ones are easily identifiable by the Rapido couplers. The 2nd generations has the clunky Bachmann "knuckle" couplers, which work remarkably well with MT couplers, despite the lack of a moveable knuckle. The 2nd generation also has wipers on all three sets of drivers for electrical pickup. The 3rd generation pictured above has Bachmann's version of the McHenry couplers, and no visible wipers ... but it still picks up current from all of the drivers. The third generation is preferable, but the 2nd generations works nearly as well. Because all six drivers are gear-driven and because of the weight, these are VERY reliable runners and will pull the paint off the bulkhead with no modifications. And you don't even have to futz with couplers. There are a number of HOn30 bodies on Shapeways that will drop onto this chassis. The one below is by ZIA designs with just a weak coat of dark grey auto primer. It still needs a proper paint scheme and details such as headlight, stack, bell, handrails, window glazing, etc. Rich Brungard (AKA "Marsh Creek Miniatures") and Tom Bell (designer name "Tebee") also make drop-on bodies. I have both of these, but they are still "in the white" so they defy close-up photography ... until they have at least a coat of primer on them. The 3D printed bodies will run about $30 or so from Shapeways, and you might have to order them in separate pieces. If you can afford an upgraded material, do so. The FUD or FXD prints offer so much better detail and much less "texture" to deal with in finishing. A new material called HDA (High Definition Acrylic) should be available soon, and this is supposed to be a little less expensive, more durable and with equal or better detail fidelity. HOn30 is the Affordable Narrow Gauge. Respectfully, Bob S.
I have been looking at doing something on this chassis. The version Rich does is nice, but it only represents a two axle. I have seen the posts about HDA, so perhaps I will wait, save my pennies and try that. A couple of months ago I was at what was sort of a craft fair. A local school had a newer printer with produced a much, much nicer finish. I hope those are coming along soon, too.
Ken, I cut the "skirt" off of the Marsh Creek body so that the 3-axle detail on the chassis is visible. Rich will probably keel-haul me when he sees it The new reincarnations of the Sandy River &Rangely Lakes, and the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington each have one or more versions of this little critter for the everyday work chores. Edaville had two or three, and in the later days, they had a nice shiny cranberry red (what else???) paint scheme. Respectfully, Bob S.
I see that, and I like it. Looks just fine to me. My RR is going to be post-WWII, with the operation having bought some war surplus. No steam, unless I get one of the MinitrainS 0-6-0 Porter locos- I don't believe they are available as yet?
Ken, The little MinitrainS Porter 0-6-0 saddle tanker has been around for about a year. I have two, and they are nicely done. Caboose Hobbies shows them in stock, but I don't trust their online inventory, best to call to be sure. The Original Whistle Stop is the best bet for anything MinitrainS, but you have to call to see what's in stock and place your order. If you'd like a genuine surplus steam locomotive, look at the MinitrainS 2-6-2 Baldwin. These were built as "trench locomotives" in WW I, to British War Dept specs, hence the somewhat "European" appearance. Not all of these went to France before the Armistice; some were used at stateside Army installations through WW II, and then sold off. I'm reasonable sure there were a few at Ft Bragg. Respectfully, Bob S.
