New #97 Project

I got my mojo working so I dived right into a new project. My first attempt at building my branchline 4-4-0 was fair but the boiler was humped instead of straight like the one in my prototype photo so I started over. I began with a new fresh Bachmann Old Timer. I disassembled it and cut the hump section out with a razor saw. I spliced a straight section on from the old model with CA. I removed all plastic detail parts and used the brass details from the first attempt. I even used the scratchbuilt cab from the old model. I removed the molded on plastic running boards with a sharp #11 blade and replaced them with wooden ones made from Northeastern Scale Lumber. I used Green Squadron Putty to fill holes and hide seems and airbrushed it. I added chains to the tender frame. My first attempt used a tender from an old Rivarossi Genoa 4-4-0 but that was a janky affair at best. I prefer to use the original Bachmann tender and dress it up. Here's some photos for those interested.

 

Looks great, Jim...again, it's making me consider backdating my steam modeling efforts! Can't wait to see more.

 

Thanks fellas. Terry, I've never tried the Testors but even with my Green Squadron I have to squeeze out enough till I see some wetter looking material then I stir it a bit. I don't squeeze any out until I'm ready to immediatly use it because of the short working time. Chris, you should try modeling an old retired steamer sitting on an abondoned siding with weeds and lots of rust. It would be a fun diversion.

 

Another progress photo. I gotta finish this so I can start my Cape Girardeau depot project. Too much to model, not enough time. After looking at photos of old Frisco 4-4-0s that were "modernized" enough to get by for a few more years I noticed that big ugly air tanks were added to the fireman's side on some locos. Although I have no photo of the left side of my prototype engine I do see an air pump with a pipe running over to the left side. I added this air tank feature to my trusty rusty old #97 which is depicted a few short years before her retirement. I still have further details to add such as a bell rope and stuff and other touch ups. My plan is to have Keith Robinson photograph old 97 sitting at the Zalma depot and try to get the photo into Trackside Photos......perhaps. Sorry for the crappy iphone image.

 

Nice looking 4-4-0, This earlier stuff is interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Myself, am in the middle of building a couple oil bunkers for a 2-10-0 and 2-8-0. And learning a little about steam engines while doing them.
Like i'm not sure will tackle this again. There is allot to them, and sometimes not much info to go on. On diesel's I understand what the detail parts function was, not so on the steam but learning.
Now I need a good reference source for detail parts for steam.
At $$18.00. Is the Precision scale steam detail parts catalog worth it? Is there a better or as good a illustrated source, cheaper?
Where can I come up with the hatches on top of the oil bunker's? I have sanded down some old manway covers but need a closer resemblance to the oil bunker filler hatches.
I did find some filler putty you might try. It's called Vallejo Model Putty.
Its comes out a little wetter, not as thick, with three times the working time of Squadron Putty. It is White dries hard and comes in a bottle shaped like a eye drops bottle, just squeeze on to the surface and away you go.
Tom