As many GAZETTE readers know, I like to kit bash On30 locomotives. The On30 Bachmann Mogul makes this fairly easy. These Moguls have a smooth running and reliable mechanism, and are made of plastic, so are easy to modify. When I saw the photo shown here of Al Judy’s #6, I decided to build a version of this chunky wood-burning locomotive for my layout. I had a spare Mogul, and I found that Scott Maze and Calvin Witt, who call themselves the “KitBash Brothers,” have 3D parts for a cab/fuel bunker, two rectangular water tanks, and a frame extension/end beam that extends the Mogul’s frame allowing room for the new cab and trailing truck. You can contact the Brothers at KitBash Brothers on Facebook, and see construction tips at KitBash Brothers/files/bash#3. Here are some tips on how I bashed my 2-6-2T using KitBash Brothers 3D parts/.
Scott Maze bashed this realistic model as a pilot model with the 3D parts described by the author in this article.The 3D parts have a series of fine grooves due to the nature of the printing process. So, I filed and sanded across these small grooves to eliminate any high spots. Then I sprayed the parts with a filler/primer paint. Auto accessory stores and Lowe’s Home Depot carry suitable spray cans of this paint. Then I sanded the paint coating down with strips of fine sandpaper, and polished their surface with fine jewelers files. I added the O scale Micro-Mark decal rivets included with the 3D parts, because I wanted to depict an older locomotive, rather than a newer one, with modern welds.This photo shows tanks and cab in place on the Mogul with the detail parts I used. I chose fluted plastic domes by Doug MacLeod (www.macleodwestern.com), a Precision Scale brass bell and Bachmann generator. A stock Mogul stack was retained, but I added a Lambert Loco Works printed spark arrestor. (www.lambertlocomotiveworks.com). Tichy hex head bolts were used on cab and roof to simulate bolted-on sheets rather than riveted ones.The crew is on board and the new running board that supports the side tank can be seen.The fuel bunker now has extension boards and wood load. The model has been lightly weathered and lettered with dry transfers.Here is Al Judy’s 2-6-2T hard at work on the lumber branch on his On30 layout. It was kit bashed using KitBash 3D parts.
Mar/Apr 2021
