crap modelling from downunder

[kiwi_al]

It's going to be an ATSF FM 12-44 short style switcher (shunter). I've relocated the headlight (a little high)  added GMM louvres and the hand grabs along the side are thin piano wire located ala Iain (John D). The front and rear pilots were hacked off an Atlas FM16-44 or 15-44 or whatever that shell is they sell in spare parts (it's not the one I wanted, I wanted the other one to hack the louvres for the longer version of the 12-44 and 10-44 - those are other projects already started but not completed). This one will get Blue and Yellow paint. I have another one that will get Black and Silver or white paint similar to Randy's one that he built for John Sing. ;D

[SirTainly]

sounds good, think it'll be done before the FP45s ?

[kiwi_al]

It might actually cause I need to get air conditioners etc and on the H12-44 I just need to put on grab irons which I have but am procrastinating cause I hate putting those lil suckers on.  ;D ;D Must finish the F45's!!!

[Chris333]

I really like the FM.

Did you start with a Trix unit? How do they run?

[kiwi_al]

Hi Chris,
Yes it's the Trix FM modified a little, the mech just has its rapido's chopped off. I will be putting in a lenz decoder which should help with slow speed running. It does require a bit of voltage to get it going (it can be a road rocket - not too bad). I tried fitting the Kato NW2 mechanism under it , too wide - but possibly could be made to fit. I decided to try the mechanism it came with and convert that to DCC to see how it goes. I'd better put some NWSL wheels on it so it'll run on code 55.

[kiwi_al]

[SirTainly]

it lives!!!

Looks very good, other than couplers and a horn, what's left to do ?

[kiwi_al]

Oh not much - hmmm......... Fuel tank, trucks, aircon, flicky light and sinclair antenna, window glass and windscreen wipers and light weathering!! ;D ;D

[SirTainly]

Who makes the right aircon unit ? I seem to have a stack of different styles for various projects all from different suppliers!
Wipers are too much for me LOL..although maybe I should start adding them, they really make a difference to the finally model on macro shots.

[kiwi_al]

I think BLMA or Kel (Mocolova) makes correct vapour or prime units. Have to research this a bit better before I get some. I am not looking forward to the wipers but I'll give them a go. I have to cast the windows in clear resin first though. I've been experimenting with a low buck vacuum chamber that I made myself >> need more suck from the vacuum cleaner  ;D ;D

[SirTainly]

I may have some A/C units I don't need now as I'm not doing the FP45 as WC and thus ex ATSF, so if you can't get the ones you want elsewhere I may be able to help out. Cast resin windows sound very interesting, I was wondering how I might do windows for mine and that might be an answer. I was thinking of putting a piece of tape of the opening and then filling it from the inside with Krystal Klear, but resin sounds a superior approach.

Simon

[kiwi_al]

Thanks Simon I'll let you know if I'm having trouble getting them. Meanwhile for your viewing pleasure more western road torture  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Alco S2 / S4 shell ala Dan Crowley (where's Dan got to? )
Uses 90% Atlas bits so really you could call it the new Atlas S2 / S4 (Its numbered for an S4)



Pardon the paint, I did this over a year ago before I got my really excellent Iwata Revolution gun.

[SirTainly]

Niiiice!  ;D

I can't seem to look on the net or open a book without seeing another potential scratch builidng/kitbashing project at the moment!