Best Of The TP56/TP70 Kitbash thread N scale

[u18b]

Hi folks.

I'm posting this because if you have a desire to build one of these unique locomotives, now is the time.

Just yesterday, Kato updated the parts page and FINALLY (after years) is showing SD40-2 Mid version trucks now in stock. 
That is the key part to make this loco.

I just placed my order with Kato.  Get them while you can.

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=s-1078&keywords=NSD402MID&maxhits=100&go=List+Parts&bool=AND&bool=AND



Also... over the time of this thread, the shell pieces from Shapeways has moved.
They are no longer at Out of The Box models.

You can now find them back at the original author.
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/trains?facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B0%5D=141&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bfrom%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmax%5D=2500&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmin%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bto%5D=2500&q=Wasatch&sort=&s=0#more-products

You need:
Cab/hood:     https://www.shapeways.com/product/4WF4SUJE2/tpc-tp56-locomotive-shell-n-ho?optionId=66096176&li=marketplace
technically, this is a TP70 shell.  The TP56 only has a different headlight position.

Walkway:   https://www.shapeways.com/product/37URPWYY6/tp56-locomotive-sill-n-ho?optionId=66096185&li=marketplace

And fuel tank:   https://www.shapeways.com/product/GZYGVH9AP/tp56-fuel-tank-n-ho?optionId=66096186&li=marketplace

[railnerd]

Hi folks.

I'm posting this because if you have a desire to build one of these unique locomotives, now is the time.

Just yesterday, Kato updated the parts page and FINALLY (after years) is showing SD40-2 Mid version trucks now in stock. 
That is the key part to make this loco.

I just placed my order with Kato.  Get them while you can.

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=s-1078&keywords=NSD402MID&maxhits=100&go=List+Parts&bool=AND&bool=AND



Also... over the time of this thread, the shell pieces from Shapeways has moved.
They are no longer at Out of The Box models.

You can now find them back at the original author.
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/trains?facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B0%5D=141&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bfrom%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmax%5D=2500&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmin%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bto%5D=2500&q=Wasatch&sort=&s=0#more-products

You need:
Cab/hood:     https://www.shapeways.com/product/4WF4SUJE2/tpc-tp56-locomotive-shell-n-ho?optionId=66096176&li=marketplace
technically, this is a TP70 shell.  The TP56 only has a different headlight position.

Walkway:   https://www.shapeways.com/product/37URPWYY6/tp56-locomotive-sill-n-ho?optionId=66096185&li=marketplace

And fuel tank:   https://www.shapeways.com/product/GZYGVH9AP/tp56-fuel-tank-n-ho?optionId=66096186&li=marketplace

What motor is needed?

-Dave

[u18b]

The motor that worked for me is: k20 long shaft mini motor

There are currently some on ebay right now.   They are cheap, quiet and work well.  But they come from China, so it usually may take a month- maybe longer with COVID slowing down California shipping ports.

A complete parts list is found on page 36 of this thread-- about halfway down.

One thing to note about that motor is that it is rated at 3-6 volts.  I have not found it to be a problem if you are using DCC, but may be a problem on Analog with pulse power.

[keeper]

After some other decoder installation projects, I decided that it is now a good time to start again on my two unfinished critters.
So far they are both running which is nice.
Next up is adding some weight.

[u18b]

I'm looking forward to your progress.

Now that I have some new trucks from Kato, I'm hoping to start another one after I finish up a few projects.

[keeper]

Speaking of weight, I think mine will end up with 31/32 grams when finished which should be ok.
I compared it with an Arnold Köf III which is 25 grams.

Thomas

[u18b]

Mine came in at 41 grams.   
It will be interesting to see how many cars yours will pull.

[keeper]

Right now I'm undecided which color I will use for the body.
If I'm going by the photos in this thread I should use this greenish color because mine have silver trucks. I'm not sure I want that color.
Shiny black with silver trucks would be nice as well, I think.

I'm open for suggestions! 

Thomas

[u18b]

I guess it boils down to prototype or freelance.

Randy made the green one.


I made the black one.


There is now a blue one.  Some day I'll probably make this one- but for my private road.
I really like this scheme.


A red scheme (though in 4 axle).


And a blue/black  4-axle.


I think you could go with whatever you like.

[peteski]

I think I still have couple of the gray patch decals left for the black unit Ron modeled.

[keeper]

Well, I have the decals too. You sent me a set. 

Thomas

[keeper]

And now they have a red scheme (though in 4 axle).

That one is nice as well. Is there something available which could be used for the 4 axle version?

Thomas

[basementcalling]

What about 3d printing at least the fuel tank in metal to increase the weight? Doing the shall is probably prohibititively expensive, but the tank and maybe sill could be done in some metal to increase the weight?

[keeper]

That might be an idea.
Printing this as one piece in brass:



These are two printed parts.

[keeper]

Somehow I do like this color:

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/505273/