Warbonnet

An awful man for starting many projects and taking a lifetime to finish them, I have reverted to type yet again. A trip to chez Bracken to buy something godawful (more on that in the future!) I came across a chassis unit of a Kato loco. We tested it to see if we could coax any life out of it but nothing doing. Dave threw it my way in a deal. Being a lover of Kato (nothing touches them when it comes to how they're made, so easy to take apart and work so beautifully) I was determined to get her moving again. Thankfully a wee clean was the answer and she was soon purring along nicely like a Kato loco should! The chassis belongs to an RSC2, the rarer 6 axle version of the venerable Alco RS2. Such a loco is a bit out of my timeframe, so instead of modelling her on a specific prototype I think she will be a freelance loco, handy for a bit of shunting as a private owner loco that's lived a long hard life. So I was off to Kato to get some parts which arrived this week. First things first, I don't like the look of the loco with 6 axles, so I decided to switch her to 4 axles and turn it into a normal RS2. New trucks were bought and fitted. Chip added and sill fitted The body itself has weights screwed in, so it's a tight squeeze for the decoder but fits well. Is very heavy for a loco of its size now so that's good news. I tested to see if it works before attaching the body and I'm delighted to say it's silky smooth. Now comes the detailing. I have some Kato parts to fit such as numberboards and handrails, but will need to get some aftermarket grab irons, cut bars, hoses and a new packet of Kadee couplers. Must say the little thing is growing on me already. Sorry about the poor pics btw. Will keep this updated as I progress. Just don't expect it to be swift!

Loksound for me. Mind you the EMD sounds on the tsunamis are miles ahead anyone else.

Yep, Wrenneire and The Train Man are worth trying.

Perfect! Thanks for getting back to me Dave. Happy to help with some instructional writing if needs be. If you do go down the road of A and C class in the distant future please please please go for a top notch drive system, ala like you did with the 2600s. No motor bogies

Fantastic news! Just wondering if the 461 kit will have the boiler pre rolled as per most UK brass steam kits?

Ever see the prices of the locos in the Toymaster off Jervis street? Eyewatering!

+1

Just spotted this on Youtube. Must say I can't wait to see her on the mainline. Getting ever closer!

Maybe the lads from D&M Models can set up a new thread inviting suggestions for a new model and we can then keep this for 461?

A and C classes that look like actual A and C classes. You know it makes sense! Now, how do I pay my deposit?

Okay lads lets get the thread back on track and keep it about interest in the 461 model.

Marks on Hawkins St had one the cabinet yesterday (orange roof I think) A tourist shop on Nassau st has a black roof one in the window. Wrenneire and The Train Man should have a few too I would imagine. All would be sold at a reasonable price I would imagine.

I'll put myself down for a kit.

Differences were are the classification lights on the ends of the locomotive, above the number board. The SD9's classification lights are on a small pod, canted outward and the step wells are slightly different.

I picked mine up in Marks on Hawkins St, may still have a few available. Very nice but could've done with some proof reading!

Very little externally. Something like the ladder and number boards, maybe a grill but it's minimal. I will consult my books when I get home to give you a more definitive answer. P.S working on something new which will get your thumbs up when it's finished, awaiting parts at the mo but keep an eye out!

Shoot them Seamus. Sitting in the barbors awaiting a chopping and Daft Punk are playing loud. Can't wait for their new album next month!

Very nice. Former Southern Pacific still earning its corn. I bought an old Athearn SD9 for the SSM sulzer but I won't be buying one of them now. She's now in the upgrade pile and this might be an idea. Mines a former SP Caddy too!

Have to agree with this. I've turned some of mine down but still gets on my nerves after a while. I have a couple of yank sound locos on order and they'll be my last sound fitted locos to complete a few lash ups I've been building up.

Never mind all that, what a place to watch trains!

Love 111 and 078, top notch! The older liveries like orange and NIR blue really are the best.

Correct, the Irish ones are for 45 foot containers. The British KQA are for 40 footers.