Really Old Skool FM Switcher Thread

[kiwi_al]

I have 3 old Minitrix FM H12-44 loco's, one is packed away and these two were rough but cheap. The blue one is damaged and the grey one is a resin shell I cast as I was building it before 3D Printing became a thing. I since have a 3D printed version so I thought I'd repurpose these into something a little different.

The motors on these really smell bad when they run, old motors are out and new ones are going in. They will both get decoders.

Here they are in all their glory 



Old Motor



New Motor

[kiwi_al]

These are the donors for a kitbash based on another FM model the H12-44TS.
I need to cut the existing mechanism and extend the truck centres to 31 feet.
Grab a short hood and walkway from another and it's done - sort of.

Prototype:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5353313



A long way to go but at least I have all the parts on hand if I can find them.

[kiwi_al]

The mechanism has now been cut so I can extend it. I'll be using styrene pinned into the metal frame and glued with ACC. So yes I'm using old fashioned techniques on this retro kitbash 

[kiwi_al]

This is how far I need to extend the frame to get the truck centres at 31 feet (n scale)

[kiwi_al]

Partly extended frame, bottom bit to do after top bit hardens for 24 hours

[SirTainly]

Good luck, I have one of these old clunkers to update someday

[kiwi_al]

Good luck, I have one of these old clunkers to update someday

You going to turn it into one of these?
http://espee.railfan.net/nonindex/h12-44_photos/1491_sp-h12-44-don_jewell.jpg

[SirTainly]

Possibly, but it's super far down the list of TODOs - first is buy a new place with space for trains, after I finish paying for our wedding

[kiwi_al]

Oh my ..... Simon is now a married man!!! or about to be.  Your care free bachelor days are gone!!  Still there are a lot of good things too.

[kiwi_al]

I meant to say Congratulations as well as the light ribbing 

[kiwi_al]

Tentative extension to the Minitrix frame

[SirTainly]

Thanks! Better yet, Kate has been down to the modular club, and enjoyed running a few trains - we're planning to get her a train to operate - MKT for her obviously!

[kiwi_al]

Excellent!!! good choice of wife  model train friendly. Mine doesn't like model trains  Once she has her own train you'll be quids in

[SirTainly]

Did I mention that legally she's a Kiwi?

[kiwi_al]

Oh mate!! I hope you are learning Kiwi colloquialisms and slang?
You might have to make a trip downunder after all this covid stuff settles