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On30 -- Boulder Valley Models -- On30
"Kitbasher's Delight" -- Cab conversion for Bachmann 44-ton Loco
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Bashing Ideas ...
Here's an overview of how I used the components of the KD-01 Centercab Bash, some extra materials and details to build PC&L #16 for my Phaedrus Coke & Lumber Railroad.
These ideas are presented to help kick-start your kitbashing project. You may want to copy some of the modifications and ignore others. The photo of Sam Barbose's bash shows how much variation there can be. Sam's treatment of radiator and headlight details is quite different from mine but equally effective. Have fun! -- Dallas Mallerich
(A list of the detail parts that I used is included under Detailing Ideas, along with some close-up photos.)
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Remove the stock pilots ...
Pry off the lift bar assembly shown. Use a razor saw (like the Atlas Snap Saw) to cut away the pilots, steps and coupler mounting pins from the underside of the Bachmann shell. This is the closest you'll get to "major surgery" in this project! Also cut away the fuel tank skirts flush with the bottom of sill.
The cut is made flush with the bottom of the side sills and sanded smooth. If it's slightly uneven, that will be covered by the materials added to widen the deck. Remove the various add-on pieces on the Bachmann shell (grab-irons, etc.)
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Widen the frame / deck ...
The materials shown here are included in kit KD-01, along with a more detailed description of their placement. Note that the dimensions for styrene strip stock are abbreviated: .010" x .100" strip is shown as 010x100. The kit also includes .005" styrene sheet to make an overlay for the deck -- this hides the rounded corners of the original frame and the joints between the original frame and added materials.
If you're using kit KD-02 or KD-03, you'll need the materials shown in photo and .005" styrene sheet (vary to suit your tastes). The deck was widened to approximately 7' scale.
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Idea #1 -- Replacing the hood latches ...
I used a chisel blade in a hobby knife to remove the cast-on latches from the stock hoods. If you haven't done this before, practice on the original cab or scrapbox items. Latches were formed from .020" wire -- bent 4" scale from end and cut 4" from bend. Install in #75 holes and glue from inside. This adds a nice free-standing detail suitable for On30 modeling.
Suggested materials: .020" wire; #75 drill.
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Idea #2 -- "Beef up" the radiator ...
The radiator detail on the original hoods is good, but I wanted a chunkier appearance. I cut lengths of 010x080 strip to match the length of the original louvers and glued one of these over every other original louver, starting from the top. Then I added 030x040 strip (on edge) over the original frame. Holes from the small metal grab-irons removed from the shell were filled with Squadron white putty and sanded smooth.
Suggested materials: 010x080 and 030x040 styrene strip.
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Try a different approach ...
Sam Barbose is a very creative kitbasher ... he used the KD-02 cab & pilots, half a 44-ton shell and parts from other BVM kits to make his "Anabolic Midget".
Sam used a different approach on the radiator -- he cut out the louvers, placed a piece of brass mesh behind the opening and added grill guards made from heavy wire. He also filled in the headlight opening in the original shell and added a casting from his parts box -- compare these ideas to the others presented & create your own!
We also like Sam's simple but effective placement of grab-irons.
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Idea #3 -- Alter or replace the headlights ...
You can simply remove the visors from the originals and keep those ... fill them in like Sam did ... or check through your parts bins for suitable castings. Headlights can be omitted on industrial locos or moved to various locations. I didn't have any suitable castings on hand, so I decided to see if I could scratchbuild new headlights and brackets from materials on hand ... I did have to go out and get the MV lenses, but it worked! Headlight tubes are 15" scale lengths with scraps of 010 styrene on the back.
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Suggested materials (if building as shown): 015x020, 020x156 and 020x250 styrene strip; 040 styrene triangle (Plastruct); 010 sheet scrap; 1/4" styrene tube; MV L-199 lenses. I also added a scrap of aluminum tube inside the headlights so the light wouldn't glow thru the styrene. Holes were drilled in the headlights & brackets to allow for the addition of a small bulb later.
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More bashing ideas on the next page ...
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Copyright (c) 2003 Dallas Mallerich III
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