After a period of nothing happening, work has slowly restarted on the On30. 3 new locos have been ordered as well as a couple of flat cars. I'm happy with the purchases especially at the prices I paid. I've also started the first stage of a series of projects I really want to do!
Firstly, the new motive power. 2 Modern 4-4-0s have been ordered (1's already here) and another inside Framed Forney. That takes the Forney total to 6 with plans for another 2. The new arrival will take the identity of Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Number 8. However, this leaves an issue. I already have a Number 8. Not anymore I don't! With a quick headlight change as well as reattaching the steam generator, it's become Bridgton and Saco River Number 6! Why swap them over? Simple. The new engine has Air tanks. The current loco doesn't. A simple headlight and bunker swap will see a modern Sandy River Number 8 compared to the previous early version.
The entire existing Motive Power Fleet with the new 4-4-0.
However, the 4-4-0 won't be staying like it is for long. On Facebook, there is an amazing conversion for the Modern 4-4-0 to give it a Maine Two Foot Outline by cutting down the tender and changing the cab. With a suitable cab on the way (hopefully), I've started work on my own version! Doesn't look like much at the moment but it's a start. Not bad for someone who rarely chops up ready to run!
The overall Loco
The Cutdown Tender. Needs a new rear section on the coal bunker plus tidying up/painting but it's getting there! Maybe needs a tool box as well but I'll have to check the prototypes for that.
Rolling Stock wise, I've had two new flat cars, as well as 4 18ft Cars, arrive which now completes my rolling stock collection. I only ever wanted a small fleet of stock (If I try to have one of everything, it's going to get expensive and I just can't afford it!). In time, maybe I'll get some other items but there are only three items on the list that really appeal. A Bachmann Excursion Car, another Bachmann Pulpwood Wagon and a Mount Blue Models Excursion car.
The layout showing the entire rolling stock fleet.
The 3 Pulpwood/Flat Cars. In time, I want another pulpwood car but it's finding one at the right price!
The 6 18ft Cars. 3 Gondolas, 2 Box Cars and 1 Tank Car.
During a nice long Saturday not having to worry about work, I've also started getting bits for the next big project. Something you don't see very often in On30 is the bigger Sandy River 2-6-2+T tender engines they had. To my knowledge, there's only been one kit (a very good one at that), I think a couple of RTR and that's it. So I'm making my own! I will at this point point out, it's not my original idea. It's an idea myself and Max Brayne have been bouncing between the pair of us and I'm making happen! Using 3D printing as well as a range of other bits I'm planning to make 3 (if the budget allows), Sandy River Numbers 16, 18 and 23. I would do Sandy River Number 24 but that's the obvious choice!
For those who don't know what they look like, here are database entries of all 3 from the internet. Found through google and not my data!:-
- SR&RL No.16:- http://www.narrowgauge.iform.com.au/srrl-16.html
- SR&RL No.18:- http://www.narrowgauge.iform.com.au/srrl-18.html
- SR&RL No.23:- http://www.narrowgauge.iform.com.au/srrl-23.html
As long as they look fairly close, I'll be just fine with that. I've got 3 chassis on order for them based around the Hornby International HL2104 outside framed Diesel chassis (Thanks again to Max for pointing them out!) as well as 6 Forney Pony Trucks to help guide them around the corners. Tenders are undecided, I was going to use Bachmann RTR cut down appropriately but the cost rules that out! If I end up making my own, I'll need to get some suitable bogies although Number 23 already has some ex-coach bogies waiting for it!
Not a bad update really, just need to sort out the new locos when they arrive, paint as required as well as finish work on the first 4-4-0! Plenty to do. Then there's a second 4-4-0 to modify as well......
Cheers,
Jon
