SP 401 in On30

[USAF_Andy]

Hi Group,
I have started a SP 401 in On30 using the Bachmann On30 combine like Mallory Hope Ferrel did in the October 2005 RMC. My version will be the as retired version with the boxcar roof. I have swapped out the factory trucks for archbar trucks. Currently they have a four foot wheel base, but don't quite look right, so I am considering the 5 foot versions. I will post some pictures coming up as I am able and will post updates as they develop.
Andy Gillette

[Andrew Brandon]

I'll been keeping an eye on your progress, I am planning on building a model of 401 this way myself, but in her Northern Railway days as #1009.

[Randy Hees]

I have a combine to rebuild as a CA car... I am looking at an overlay over the letter board and top of the windows, making it more like 1009. Alternately I might treat it like SP 24 and 25.

I have a set of the old V&T models 4' wheel base wood framed "Carter" passenger trucks for it.

I want to use it to test the concept of miller hooks on a model.

[Andrew Brandon]

I hadn't thought about 24 or 25, how do they compare to the model length wise?

[Randy Hees]

I haven't compared measurements yet, but thought of 24 and 24 as a better match for the windows (taller, smaller letter board) while generally the car looks like 1009... I believe the model is one window too short.

[USAF_Andy]

Here are my pics thus far...

This is my starting point.

[USAF_Andy]

In work...



The first donor car...



Using the bolsters and roof off the boxcar...

Still learning the quirks of the page, but I am sure you can figure out which picture goes with which...

[USAF_Andy]

Last one for now, seeing how the body looks with the freight car trucks underneath...

[Randy Hees]

Consider Wiesman's Thielson trucks, formerly Dale Darney's V&T models... at http://www.locopainter.com/store/product.php?id=140
They are close to what the car was on at the end.

Randy

[USAF_Andy]

I will look into it. In my pics, it looks like the trucks are too far in, which will probably necesitate more surgery. Luckliy, I have another donor car for another frame. I will probably turn the carbody into a shed or something then.