Hi Y'all, Since this kit has been tossed (talked) around with the Frisco Modelers Group... Harold Mellor, who passed away in the mid-80's, produced a kit that converted the Mantua/Tyco Prairie to a Light Consolidation. The kit is number 432. I've been searching and searching for this kit. Apparently I just keep missing it. If anyone has one, please let me know. Thanks! Manny The kit helps make it look like this:
Hey Ken, I just did. Thank you. Doug, can you post up some pics of your #76 w/Mellor kit. I'd love to see it. Thanks, Manny
Nothing so far on HO YARD SALE. I'm thinking it is time to place an ad in Model Railroader. I really want this kit. On the flip side, I did discover that the Mantua 51" drivers will work on the MDC Roundhouse Old Timer 2-8-0 frame and the drive rods match up. The old Mantua cast boilers will accept the MDC Cab, so mounting it to the boiler in the rear isn't a problem. The boiler is a tad short, and needs to be extended. Coupling two cast boilers together shouldn't be a problem. The Mantua steam chest will work too. I just need to figure out how to hook up the valve gear since the brackets for MDC appear not to be compatible. Regardless, I still want the Mellor Kit. Thanks y'all!
