PRR L1 project has begun

[glakedylan]

Today I started my next project, a L1 in PRR


The shell was acquired some time ago (do not remember exactly when) as a shapeways print.
I choose the 2nd of 2 versions. The 2nd version seemed to follow the PRR lines more closely.
No, it is not exact, or even all that correct. But it is close and will do for my purposes.


The shell is taking a Bestine bath.
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I have 2 Kato mechanisms, along with an MRC / Model Power one.
I will probably use the Kato, even though the MRC / Model Power is DCC ready
and I have a fairly good idea that the shell will fit leaving sufficient space for
the circuit board (plus plenty of room in tender).


Speaking of tender, I have an assortment of Bachmann's with excellent electrical
pickup, so I may go that route instead of using the Kato. Still undecided about
which tender shell. But, there will be plenty of time to think this through in the
coming weeks.


I am hoping that the shell will take paint and some light weathering well.




Thanks for looking...


Sincerely,
Gary

[mmagliaro]

I have to ask..
Even assuming that shell is an amazing rendition of a PRR L1, why not make use of the Kato/GHQ kit parts, plus your shell?  That would provide you with a tender shell (unless you already have one) and other detail parts you might want.

Or if, as you say, your shell isn't "all that correct", why not use the GHQ shell and get the advantage of the pewter weight?  People definitely have managed to put decoders into GHQ PRR converted Kato 2-8-2's

[glakedylan]

hey Max...I appreciate your questioning.


i had 2 GHQ complete sets and a partial of all the parts they had left when they stopped producing them.
in a lean time going back to april 2018 until just recently, i ended up selling what i had to make ends meet.
thus, no GHQ conversion kits/parts not available.


so, that is why i went with the shapeways 3D printed shell


it is a closer rendering of a PRR L1 than the Kato or MRC/Model Power shells.


i am thankful i am able to take a quick dip into the hobby again so at least a short time.
but, I am needing to use what I have on hand,
while still holding on to some stuff that I will probably end up selling in the near future.


thanks again.


sincerely
Gary

[mmagliaro]

Gary,
I fully empathize with that, and I wish you the best on this project.

[mike_lawyer]

If you need a brand new Kato Mikado tender and drawbar, send me a PM.  I have a couple spares.

[fire5506]

Have you looked at Republic Locomotive Works website? They show some of the parts as available. The complete kit and boiler are not available, but some of the others are. The tender shell shows as available.

https://www.republiclocomotiveworks.com/showPage.php?page=6

[Lemosteam]

@glakedylan , if you can obtain a GHQ tender shell from Republic, I can tell you that with some light modification, the shell fits perfectly on a Minitrix tender frame, of which I know you have some.  If not, I will send you a tender frame in the package I promised.

[mike_lawyer]

The GHQ tender shell also fits perfectly on a Bachmann USRA medium tender chassis. 

[Lemosteam]

Even better and I offer Kiesel truck s for those (and the Trix).

[glakedylan]

thanks @fire5506 ... that is a great idea, did not know it was possible. i knew the full kits and boiler detail parts were no longer available.


thanks @mike_lawyer ... that is helpful and good to know, i have a bunch of the bachmann tenders 👍


thanks @Lemosteam ... did not know the Republic still offering tender shells. i will definitely look into those.
and, i will be ordering the trucks, you mention from KD, when i get that far and $ available


i appreciate all the good suggestions and recommendations.
thank you all! your input is very appreciated!


sincerely
Gary

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The GHQ tender shell also fits perfectly on a Bachmann USRA medium tender chassis. 

Hmm... Anyone happen to have one hanging around that they could show behind a Bachman 2-8-0? I keep having crazy ideas about playing with mine to make it look more "PRR Subsidiary" like.

[glakedylan]

post-bath pix:


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for the most part, the print looks quite crisp
striations are minimal
details are sharp (some piping and all handrails
are actually 3D and not molded to the shell


next, primer coat
won't happen until I get to the store
fresh out due to last project


thanks for following


sincerely
Gary

[ns737]

mike_lawyer the kato tender and dawbar Iam  in need of both.

[dougnelson]

The separate handrails and piping may be very fragile.  It might be better to cut them off and replace with wire.  The Gold Metal Models steam loco details have etched metal stanchions.  It will also make sanding/smoothing easier.

[glakedylan]

The separate handrails and piping may be very fragile.  It might be better to cut them off and replace with wire.  The Gold Metal Models steam loco details have etched metal stanchions.  It will also make sanding/smoothing easier.

hey Doug...yes, i agree regarding the fragility and potential for damabge to such parts because of size and material.
my plan is not to have to do any changes to the shell inside or out, and then placing the shell on the frame without
doing them any harm.
since the shell will only call for decaled numbers and perhaps a keystone or brass face plate (and maybe a brass bell)
there is little need to touch the shell other than installation.


it could be that i am being naive. but. then, it is working with my first 3D printed shell.


thanks for your insight and sharing


sincerely
Gary