| Saturday 15th March 2023, England. Registration of new members is closed. We'll open again soon. Check out the news at the top of the forum. |
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David Laughery Registered 
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I've been working in Gn15 for a while, but now in a wheelchair I need a project I can manage while siting. I hope I can share my experience in this forum. Back in 1972 the series of articles in RMC on Thatcher's Inlet got me into HOn30, but the running qualities of N scale steam in those days, made it difficult to adapt any engines for this scale. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The availability of the Minitrains passenger set, really caught my attention at a train show, and I was back in HOn30 again. Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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While thinking about what I would be able to do for a little layout, I started a simple project by installing interiors and passengers in some of the green cars I had bought, before splurging on the complete set (they come in brown and green). Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Over the years I have been stashing away HO buildings, figures, vehicles and other bits and pieces, knowing my interest in HO narrow gauge would someday surface again. I've worked on other little projects recently, and I hope to share those with you in this thread. Thanks for reading. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am thinking a small, seaside, steamboat landing town, as my theme for an HOn30 layout of about 2x3 feet, something I can work on sitting at the dining room table.  I think you can get the idea of what I would like. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've shared this photo on my Gn15 thread, but it is a scene that I have in mind for the little HOn30 layout.  |
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Michael M Registered 
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David, I've been very tempted by some of the Minitrains offerings. With the wealth of HO scale available, it would be very easy to put together a convincing layout. Personally I would opt for some kind of mining or mountain scene, with definitely continuous running, small and portable to take to train shows. Not that I need another project. And with the modeling budget already strained, don't know where the additional funds would come from, unless I gave up eating. But, it is tempting. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael There is a big train show this weekend, and it is probably good that I am not going, as the dealer with all the Minitrains is there. Because I was into N scale for many years, I have a good supply of material to convert to HOn30. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I found a bunch of these little loco shells, and tried cutting them down for use in HOn30. I shortened and sectioned them, and they will work well, I think. The finished cab is just sitting next to the boiler and is not attached. Original is on the right. Regards, Dave L.  |
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W C Greene Registered 
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Howdy David, do you happen to remember (back in the 1970's) the Sango brass HOn30 outside frame 2-6-0? I had a couple of them, wish I still did! They were cool little lokies which looked pretty much like the SR&RL 2-6-2's. I wonder if there are any still around and can imagine how much one might cost these days! Woodie |
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David Laughery Registered
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Woodie I sure do remember them. As a school teacher they were way out of my budget then. I found a photo of one on Google Images, and the price for it used was $300 (still out of my budget!). I am going to have fun converting some of my N scale steam engines to HOn30, using parts from Shapeways. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Because I will be using converted N scale engines with the Rapido couplers, I converted one of the passenger cars to a transition car. I had a lot of four wheel trucks from converting N scale to Micro Train couplers, so I used one of them on this combine. It was not a simple exchange, because I had to remove part of the new car to make it ride level. My big finger broke the truss rod, it'll get fixed some day. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is one of my planned projects, an N scale loco with a modified cab and boiler from a full sized HO shell behind it. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Jim Fl Registered
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Will be looking in on your progress, Dave. Your plans seem straight forward. Woodie, one of the Sango 2-6-2s sold recently on ebay for about $200. Said it was incomplete, needs work. The pony and trailing trucks were definitely missing. I've been wobbling between HOn30 and On30, leaning towards the small size, IF I can resolve that I can go simple RC for it. I know I can, for the On30. Looking at doing the 2-6-2 conversion of a Bachmann N scale mech, with kit from Marsh Creek, and a tender from Myner Models. Hopefully the tender will have the room for the RC components. Jim F |
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David Laughery Registered
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Jim, I happen to have one of those tender shells and took some quick measurements. I get (approximate) 1.5 x .5 inches and about 3/8 inches deep. It is deeper under the water bunker part of the shell. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I got out some of my projects today. Here are cabs in various combinations. The white one is a Shapeways, and the others are ones I have cut down from the original HO boiler. The cab in front needs finishing. The original shells are in back, left and right. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is a better shot of the Shapeways cab next to the HO boiler. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Another planned project is converting a MDC 2-8-0 to HOn30. I have a Shapways kit designed for this engine. A cab, stack and domes, and a front pilot (not in the photo), and a longer tender shell make up the kit. I will remove the boiler from the chassis, cut off the domes, and add the new parts and re-paint. Finished locos are shown on the Shapways web site. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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A while back I had the notion that I could convert my N scale layout to HOn30. But, being N scale, would the HO trains fit the tunnels ? Here is the result. I didn't actually run a train through the tunnel so I don't know how it will work. But they will fit through the portals. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Tileguy Registered 
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Your engineer just applied for a job with me... Said something about you being one dangerous crazy SOB. On a mission to get people killed.... I just humored him.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am guessing that there are not too many HOn30 kits out there, but a PA company has a few to offer to us. At a show last year I picked of two of the three kits they offer. The flat car kit has two models, and the tank car is a single kit. In following posts I'll show the kits and give a short review. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The flat car kit contains two complete models, less trucks and couplers. The kit is very complete with small detail parts, and includes decals. The resin castings are nicely detailed, and a separate frame and planked deck are provided. Thanks for looking Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The tank car kit is more elaborate and has quite a few small details in the bag. Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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There is an underframe, deck, sub-frame, and the tank casting. Three sheets of decals are included. I am impressed by these kits and hope to actually build them some day. A caboose is the third kit in the series. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Tileguy Registered
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Looks like Fun Briefcase Projects... Take 'em with you anywhere.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Todd, I only hope my old eyes and wobbly fingers are up to it. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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My fondness for water scenes, and the boats that would accompany them, have prompted my collecting boats. Kits of many scales has provided hulls and parts, for models I someday would like to scratch build. Here some old Lindburg kits gave me hulls. Notice that one of them has been cut to make a waterline hull. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Tileguy Registered
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You have a good start on outfitting a small port area. A Boat rental place and a fish company for sure.... I see a couple of trawlers with nets draped all over.... Or 1 trawler and a lobster boat. But that's just me. he he  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Todd, I can see it too.  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am still looking for the perfect hull for a little steamboat, to ferry passengers to a rail connection. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Jim Fl Registered
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Seaport Model Works makes a couple. http://seaportmodelworks.com And there is this one, a bit pricey, but makes up into a beautiful model. https://www.interactionhobbies.com/HO-7302-CR-LAMB-Sternwheeler-Ship_p_64.html Jim F |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Jim, for the links. Some of their models would make dandy little steamers. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here are some hulls in my "collection." They are from kits once made by Maritime Art. They are nice resin castings, but not exactly what I am looking for to make that little steamer. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Tileguy Registered
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That Link had some nice little ships, the great lakes fishing boat was spot on, for the ones used by Severtsons fisheries for Smelt in lake superior. ( don't ask how I know that, I was young once LOL ) Modified it might make a nice little ferry... |
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Tileguy Registered
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https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server3700/07c20/products/72/images/595/painted_port_front_quarter_reduced__88344.1420340981.235.250.jpg?c=2 O scale but a nice lil boat. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Todd, for sending the links. I modeled boats, before I crashed model airplanes, before I modeled trains. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Fifty years ago, my first project in HOn30, was to make some passenger cars. I started with MDC Overton cars, and cut a section out of the middle of the car to narrow it. This involved cutting the body, under frame, and roof. As I remember I used 'Grandt Line' trucks under them. I found a few of these Overton cars at a show a few years ago, and bought them, thinking I would try again. When the Mini-Trains cars became available, I put the project way on the back burner. I wish I had kept the originals. Regards, Dave L.  |
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oztrainz Super Moderator 
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Hi Dave For your ferry Google up the "Sabino". Deerfield Laser did one in HO - http://www.deerfieldriverlaser.com/DRL-H-614.html. It looks like their HO boat range is not showing in their catalogue at present. However, their S scale tug should give you a flying start - http://www.deerfieldriverlaser.com/DRL-S-701.html Ditch the towing bollards front and back, and extend the deck behind the bridge over the back deck, and you're almost done. |
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David Laughery Registered
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John That kit is still listed under their steam boats. I guess it is still available. I have a great book on the steamships of Maine's Cosco Bay, and I am familiar with the Sabino. Thanks for the links. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Because I would like to model the 1920s in HOn30, I am always on the lookout for suitable vehicles. There does not seem to be much available today. Jordan kits were nice, but they are no longer available. I found some strange, bagged kits at a show a few years ago, but don't know the manufacturer. Some trucks I found in England years ago are nice, but a bit oversize for HO. Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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This is one of those bagged kits. Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Although toys, with a little work these might work. Wheels are the problem. Again, I think they are a bit large for HO. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Wiseman has some 1929 Packards: https://wisemanmodelservices.com/HO-Scale-HOn3/HO-NATIONAL-MOTOR-COMPANY-PACKARDS |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Michael, for the link. I was not aware they were available. I will check them out. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Health problems prevent my continuing work in HOn30, until some time in the future. Best regards to all! Dave L. |
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2foot6 Moderator 
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Hello David Sorry to hear of your health problems.  Hope you have a quick return of health, and get back to doing what you enjoy.  .............Peter. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Peter. I've loved HOn30 for almost fifty years. Regards, Dave |
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David Laughery Registered
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Fifty years ago I made some HOn30 passenger cars, by cutting down HO scale Overton coaches. I found this photo of one of the Overtons, and one of the Mini-trainS coaches of today, side by side. I had to cut the roof, body, and underframe, down the middle, and take a little off each half. Glued back together it made a fairly credible narrow gauge car. Grandt Line had trucks to put under the new bodies. As I remember I had a three car set, combine and two coaches. I never did find a good running little steamer to pull them. N scale was just beginning, and good running steam mechanisms, did not exist (that I could afford). I wish I had kept those cars today. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've just discovered a new supplier on Ebay. He has a line of HOn30 3D-printed cars and kits, for converting N-scale engines to HOn30. His prices are very reasonable ($15 or less) and shipping is free. Search 'HOn30" and his stuff will come up. Here is my kit for converting a Bachmann 0-6-0 Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Dave, Interested in seeing your progress. Is the Bachmann 0-6-0 a decent runner ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael The latest version of Bachmann's 0-6-0 runs pretty well, I'm told. These have new can-motors, and can be identified by the automatic couplers, and not the Rapidos. The old versions were not good runners. Most on eBay are the old versions, listed at the new price.  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today three HOn30 kits arrived from eBay. These are from the dealer I mentioned above. I had ordered a boxcar, a tank car, and a boxcar with open doors. These are great little kits. There is no flash, and the 3D-printed detail is well executed. These little cars are tiny, I put a Q-tip in the photo for scale. It is hard to see...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The tank car is a wooden tank sitting on a bulkhead flat. A small detail is the hatch for above the filler neck.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The smaller of the boxcars has open doors, doors are included.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I especially like the underframes. I am hoping that eventually this dealer will make individual parts available. To see these, go to HOn30 on eBay, and scroll down the list. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Moderator
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Re. Bachmann 0-6-0 Do you refer to the USRA switcher ? I am not familiar with Bachmann N-scale, but remember there was a 0-6-0T type also. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold. Yes, it is the 0-6-0 switcher with the slope back tender. Be sure to get a new version, with the new motor. The old ones ran poorly. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I just discovered that you can go to the seller's store via eBay. All of his HOn30 and On30 items are offered. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Is there a way to tell the older version of Bachmann's 0-6-0 from the newer one ? Maybe a stock number ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I'm going by the fact that the latest versions have Micro-train style couplers instead of Rapidos. Also close looking on eBay on the engines with the new and old couplers, shows a big motor block sticking out back of the cab of engines with Rapidos. I am told the newer versions have a can motor. All this is determining how I tell the difference. Here is a photo with the motor sticking out the cab. Hopefully someone here can verify this. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Helmut Registered 
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A detailed description of the model and its internal changes can be found here |
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David Laughery Registered
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Helmut, Thanks !! This answers all my questions.  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Just discovered the trucks with Rapido couplers I've been saving for my HOn30 cars, extend way past the car underframes, and will separate the cars when coupled. The Microtrain truck with a medium extended coupler (on the left car) looks like the better choice. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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As it turns out, after forty years of putting Microtrains trucks on my N scale cars, I have a good supply of suitable HOn30 trucks. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Spacing seems to be about right with these trucks. I'm waiting for some small screws to arrive, so I can mount them. Regards. Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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My tiny screws arrived today, but I can't find my tiny drill bits. I'll have to wait until new ones arrive.  Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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With my new drill bits to pre-drill screw holes, and a few simple tools, I finally got my first pair of trucks mounted. With no depth perception and wobbly hands, it was quite an adventure.  Regards, Dave L. Update. The couplers seem to be catching on the end sills. I'll have to add Microtrains washers and do this all over again.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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There is no issue with the trucks rubbing on the new hopper cars from this supplier. One small problem is that there are no pilot holes on the truck bolsters, so one must drill them for the mounting screws. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is the link to this dealer's store. Regards, Dave L. https://www.ebay.com/str/jtstrainsandstuff?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563 |
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David Laughery Registered
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I solved the interference issue by trimming away the lip on the end of the underframe instead of adding the washer. Here is my roaster of HOn30 cars. I have two more pulpwood flats coming and now need to think about a locomotive to pull these. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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It turns out that even with the trucks attached these cars are so light that they have a hard time staying on the rails. I had to glue weights, quarter inch nuts, in them. The hoppers will have to have loads to cover the glue and nuts. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Two small bulkhead flats are ready to go. I'm trying to think how I can weight them. Some sort of metal load will have to do it. Regards, Dave L.    |
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corv8 Moderator
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David Laughery wrote:
How about a thin layer of lead sheet between the body parts ? The kind that roofers used until it was outlawed ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold It is a good idea, but sheet lead is pretty hard to find around here. Some kind of metal crates or barrels might work, but raise the C.o.G. too high on the car. I'll be on the lookout for something. Thanks, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Last night a friend and I dug out some of the HO buildings I've collected over many years and tried to place them on a proposed plan we had drawn out full size. We had room on the plan for only a fifth of the buildings stored in three cartons. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I was thinking of converting this Japanese steamer, into a credible HOn30 engine, to pull all the new little cars. I have the kit to convert the Bachmann 0-6-0, and was curious to see if it could be adapted to this engine. It is not apparent how the boiler is removed, and the tender is too short. I'm thinking I can't use this engine for a conversion, and will have to buy a Bachmann to use with the kit. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Dave What about that wooden tank car ? Did you have to add weight ? I've been thinking about picking up a few of those cars. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael, The car seems to have enough weight to track pretty well. Actually, all the cars, when coupled up and run on my N-scale layout, ran without derailing. That includes the little bulkhead cars without additional weight. I had put weights in the hoppers and boxcars. Go figure... Regards, Dave L.   Last edited on 19 Mar 2022 03:46 pm by David Laughery |
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David Laughery Registered
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I ran the lightweight bulkhead cars near the front of the train, with the heavier cars behind, and there was no problem...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I used a MDC N-scale 2-8-0 to pull the train. I have the Shapeways kit to convert it to HOn30, and with cars to pull, it is time to think about doing that. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here are the Shapeways parts for the engine conversion. Since the engine has tender drive I cannot use a larger tender, but would have to widen this one. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Dave, Those cars look good. Been toying with the idea of doing some small mining operation in HOn30. I even have one of those HO/HOn30 crossings put out by AHM tucked away. |
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David Laughery Registered
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That guy has small hoppers and gons, that would be good mine cars. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've found some cast resin crates I was going to use in this little boxcar. The bigger crates wouldn't fit through the door, so this might not be a good idea. I've glued metal nuts in the caboose. I am not sure I really need the extra weight, since the light cars ran well on my N-scale. I should mention that JT Trains and Stuff is the source of these cars and has a store on Ebay. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Si.archived Registered 
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 Hi Dave Your new HOn30 freight train looks ... ... T  C L on the river bridge ! No one would ever believe the town behind ... ... is populated by MUNCHKINS !!  The 3D-printed HOn30 cars are lookin' great. Those 3D-printed hoppers are amazingly intricate.  Your G-scale guys checking out their garden railway stock ... ... is pretty funny & amazing to see the HUGE scale difference.  I got the N-scale 'Bachmann' U.S.R.A. 0-6-0 tender loco ... ... way back in the late '70s or early '80s sometime.  Mine was the original, with the 'proper' straight tender ...  ... that came in the blue plastic box, with clear acrylic lid ! Its running was impaired a bit, by poor weight distribution ... ... & tendency to PULL WHEELIES ! due to cab-mounted motor. Also the drawbar linkage to the tender, could have been looser ... ... the drawbar encouraged the locos 'wheelieing' somewhat. Amazing difference, some lead in the boiler, over the drivers. Loosening the drawbar & some 'lecy pickup trucks, would ACE it. Nice 3D-printed HOn30 loco body & tender.    Si. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Si. I just can't seem to click the "buy now" box for the Bachmann 0-6-0 I keep putting it off.  I remember the one I had years ago. Yep, I am having a lot of fun with the HOn30 cars. I still love the Gn15, but this is a little break from the large scale models and vehicles. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I continue to run these little cars on the layout, to make sure the bulkhead cars don't need additional weight. So far there is no problem with derailing. Regards, Dave L.    |
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David Laughery Registered
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The proportions of the little caboose didn't seem right. I removed an eighth of an inch from the body, and it seems better to me. I placed an unbuilt kit next to my finished caboose for contrast. Regards, Dave L.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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With the cupola attached, the little caboose sits about right, and fits through my tunnels on the layout. (just barely) Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've added these little gons from JT Trains and Stuff, to the roster. He is always adding new styles, to the list of available HOn30 cars. Regards, Dave L.   |
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corv8 Moderator
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Dave There is a pitfall with those cabeese. When the cupola is occupied, the feet of the guys up in there, would be dangling behind the baggage door. I had this situation with an Ambroid combine, so shifted the cupola a little (well, a little more would have been better) toward the passenger compartment. Originally it was located over the door. Anyway, I like all your small freight cars !  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Gerold. I had to decide on which end to put the cupola. I reasoned that a ladder up to a sitting area in the cupola, could better be placed in the baggage area instead of sitting area. I wonder how it was in a real caboose ? I'm having a lot of fun with this HOn30, but it is SO TINY !! Regards, Dave L. P.S. That is a great model ! |
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corv8 Moderator
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave I have fallen in love with HOe again after 40 years too, and yes, this things are sooo small. I skip DCC and lighting for the moment, as my eyes are not up to the task. Here are some pics. of the area under the cupola of real cabooses. Caboose Photos Basically, underneath the cupola, shouldn't be a door or any accomodations. Most practical would be cabinets / lockers. You can cheat a little, as the occupants need only room for their feet in the center of the cupola. Like I did on my work caboose. |
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corv8 Moderator
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Afterthought: How about making the window next to the baggage door blind (or the middle window) and put the cupola over it ? This would be sufficient for leg room. Or, you simply tell the door was locked permanently, when the car was converted from a tiny combine, and the cupola was added. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I'll go with your last suggestion.  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've found that to make clearance for the coupler boxes, on these old Rapido coupler equipped N-scale trucks, I needed to remove the lips on the end of the underframe. I'm not sure if that would be necessary, if Micro-Trains trucks were used. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today I started to test fit the Shapeways kit for the MDC 2-8-0 I got the boiler off the chassis and removed the N scale cab. I can't get the new HO cab to seat completely down on the boiler, so I'll have to do some fiddling to get it right.  I was not expecting the boiler to be a metal casting, so the anticipated easy removal of the small domes, will now require cut off discs and grinding with the Dremel. This is not going to be as easy as I was hoping. Regards, Dave L. Update: The kit I have is for the Bachmann 2-8-0 and not the MDC. No wonder it is not a perfect fit !  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've finalized my plan for a 2'x6' HOn30 layout. I have the frame and Luan plywood top in the garage. The water area will need a lot of bridges. I have enough N-scale track, turnouts, and bridges to build this. There will be no tunnels or high mountains, so that I can reach all parts easily from my wheelchair. Wiring will be pretty simple... One black wire, and one red wire. As soon as the weather warms up, we can work on the deck, my son and I can begin the project. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I finally decided to buy a Bachmann 2-6-0 and this seller was offering one at a fair price. It was stated as new. His photo of the detached side rod one one side, suggested that it would be a simple repair. I've included his photo. Not only was it not one little side rod needing attached, BOTH sides of valve gear were totally apart hanging loose. This is not the first time I have been burned on eBay, by incomplete descriptions or misleading information. All I can say is buyer beware. The seller does not accept returns. Regards, Dave L.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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After being in touch with the seller he has offered to take back the engine. I'll be out $26 on shipping both ways.  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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My HOn30 modeling has not had a good week. My vision problems led to drilling the truck mounting holes slightly off center on the truck bolsters of the two hoppers. Efforts to fill the holes and re-drill were not too successful. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Nice Guy Eddie Registered 
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" This is not the first time I have been burned on eBay, by incomplete descriptions or misleading information. All I can say is buyer beware. The seller does not accept returns." Hi Dave I have made over 1800 buys on eBay. I don't recall EVER being "burned", as some say. If a description is incomplete or misleading, or if photos do not show items faults, the Seller HAS NOT followed 'The eBay Rules', & all bets ARE OFF as far as 'No Returns' ! 'Does Not Accept Returns' Is VOID straight away, in the case of such listings. It may take some effort to start an 'eBay Case', but you should NOT be out by a single Dime here. Anyone who gets "burned" IMHO is a bit daft, seeing as there are provisions to cover a buyer. Use them, that's what they're there for ! They work, IF you apply their rules & system. Eddie |
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David Laughery Registered
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Eddie The seller has offered to take the engine back, but I suspect he will not reimburse the almost $30 shipping both ways and sales tax. Just getting to the post office will be a difficulty. I have bought items that arrived with missing parts, and incorrect trucks (old Rapido couplers instead of the described MT ones). Once I bought an N-scale car with ruined paint on one side, that was not shown in the photos. And now this latest problem with the N-scale engine. We'll see how it all turns out. Regards, Dave L. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi Dave You have a private message with some suggestions. Good Luck. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today I started the conversion of the MDC 2-8-0 boiler by using two little holes to mount it to a piece of wood with little screws.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I was hoping that the Dremel 1.5 inch blade would make a quick job of cutting off the old domes.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The blade worked well and cut off the first dome quickly. I was surprised to find the second dome was hollow and was attached as a separate piece.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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After considerable grinding and hand filing, this is close to final shape. After taking this photo, I did a little more work with the file.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Some inside trimming of the cab enabled a preliminary trial fit. I'll have to fill the space between the cab front and boiler top. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Update: The seller will take back the engine, and refund all my expenses. I am very pleased that I do not even pay return postage. This is my first return on eBay, and I have to say it was a good experience. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today I glued parts together and primed. I have a lot of little areas to fill and smooth. The 3D-printed parts are not the best fitting, and have irregular surfaces. The final finish will be flat black, with a little weathering. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Moderator
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I know well about surface issues of 3D-printed parts, however the picture of the current status looks good. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I would have liked to add handrails to the boiler. I have some HO stanchions and wire. But drilling the hard metal boiler for them, was beyond my abilities right now. The surfaces of the parts are very rough, it really shows with the primer. I am hoping the final paint and weathering, will hide most of it. Regards, Dave L. |
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pipopak Registered
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The surfaces of the parts are very rough, it really shows with the primer. I usually put a thin coat of Bondo glazing & spot putty stage 2 before priming, then sand smooth. Works great on metal and plastic. Jose. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks for the tip, Jose. Regards, Dave L. |
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pipopak Registered
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It is 1 part (no mixing), can be used over paint, dries fast and sands easily. I love it. Jose. |
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David Laughery Registered
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The engine is about finished, and I am very disappointed with the results. Ill fitting, and rough texture of 3D-printed parts, detract from the nice proportions of the model. I've had the parts for a few years, maybe the technology has improved since then. I am considering scrapping the boiler and cab, and starting over. The tender and chassis is one unit, so I could fit a new superstructure easily, if I can find something suitable. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have these possible replacements, from some train show finds years ago. I need to think about this. Thanks for following along. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I spent a lot of today trying to reassemble the handrails on one of the engine shells. Looks like an easy job. You've heard of a one armed paper hanger... I'm a one eyed handrail hanger. I got one in and secured with super glue. Tomorrow I'll try the other side. Regards, Dave L. Update: I did get the second handrail in the next day.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is a mock-up of a new shell for the Roundhouse 2-8-0 using one boiler with the handrails, and another 3D-printed cab. The tender is from Bachmann, and I've started to widen it, to match the width of HOn30. I would not need it with the 2-8-0, as it has a tender drive. The cab will need work to smooth it, I think I'll try Jose's tip and use the spot-putty. I wish parts were available in styrene plastic. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Either cab will require work to make a complete shell. Thanks for following along. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Moderator
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I see you have mastered those pesky handrail stanchions, Congratulations ! Both boiler & cab combinations look good. Will you build two locomotives from them ? You can never have enough locos. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Gerold. I'm waiting until the financial department OKs funding a new Bachmann 2-6-2 with the hope these shells will work on that chassis. Steam engine chassis are hard to find, other than the Bachmanns. The little KATO diesel drives are available on eBay and Amazon and not too expensive. Shapeways has a number of shells for these drives. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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If I were to do another MDC 2-8-0 conversion... I would just remove the front dome, since I now know it will pop off, and hollow out the Shapeways rear dome, to fit over the original. I do really like the Shapeways cab, and would work to make it better. I'd be able to keep the handrails, too... Getting the cut-off disc in, to remove the rear dome messed them up, and I had to eliminate them from the final model. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Justtrainsandstuff has this little pickle car kit for the HOn30 modeler. Regards, Dave L.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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Over the years I've collected a lot of bottles of paint, and the contents have separated into pigments and liquid. Efforts to shake into usable paint were not too successful. Looking through the junk drawer, I found this double curtain rod holder. A minute spinning with a drill, stirred up the old bottle of paint pretty well, and I could paint my HOn30 boxcars. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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For now my final HOn30 additions, until I can start a small layout to run these tiny trains. It has been quite a change, from my Gn15 and large scale vehicle projects. Thanks for following along. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I was going to post this photo on April 1st, and show my new scale/gauge invention. Sadly, Amazon held up an on-time delivery, of my fake large penny, and I didn't get it done. So.... APRIL FOOLS !! Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Finding a photo of a small diesel, gave me ideas for a small loco for a layout. Digging through my HO bits and pieces, for two cabs and an old Canon cab kit, I was wondering if I could mate one of them, to an N-scale GP or switcher unit. Regards, Dave L.    |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today the loco shell arrived from Shapeways. It mates to a Kato 11-105 chassis. I had to remove part of the end frame to seat the chassis in the shell, and I'll have to remove more to enable the trucks to swing properly. It is a press fit, but I'll put a little Aileen's Tacky Glue inside at the final attachment. This will not be the simple shell on chassis project I was expecting. Regards, Dave L.   |
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Helmut Registered
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David The surface of the shell is looking quite grainy, is this only on the photo ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Helmut The piece is pretty grainy. I'm hoping a coat of paint will hide the grain. Some of the cars I've been sharing in this Thread, are remarkably smooth, especially the underframes, so I am not sure why this has to be a problem. Maybe someone can shed some light on this issue ? Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Helmut These pieces from Justtrainsandstuff show a lot less grain. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've trimmed away as much of the end sills as possible, without losing the steps. But it is not enough to have swing for the couplers on the trucks. I think this could have been better engineered. Narrower steps at the ends and a wider cut out for the couplers, would have made this a practical application. It doesn't look like the designer had a Kato 11-105 chassis on hand when the drawing was made. I'm disappointed with Shapeways on this one. The project is on hold while I decide to remove the steps, or to put the whole thing away for now. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I spent the day looking through all my N-scale trucks, thinking there may have been a pair with extended couplers, that would clear the steps on the engine shell. I was not successful. I think it's going to come down to losing the steps, if I want to make this work. After a closer look at the Kato chassis, I think it has only two axles powered, and one has a traction tire. I would have to figure a way to get some weight in the shell. Regards, Dave L.  |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi David Would it be possible to change the steps to side-mounted rather than end-mounted ? Under the cab end works OK because they line up under the cab doors. At the front under the radiator this shouldn't be a problem space wise. The steps could be as basic as a U-shaped piece of wire, bent up and glued to the running board. |
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David Laughery Registered
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John That's a terrific idea ! . Before I go any further with this project, I want to see how much the two axles can pull. I've decided to add a little weight under the roof and hood, and run the test on a section of straight track, so that no truck swing would be needed. I'll keep you posted. Regards, Dave L. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi David Glad I could help. I can usually solve everyone else's problems except my own. |
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David Laughery Registered
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There was just enough space, between the inside of the shell and the Kato chassis, to glue three one quarter nuts to add weight. A friend is going to give me a tire balancing weight, to put inside and glue to the inside cab roof. I'll then run tests to see what this little engine can pull. I'm leaning towards John's suggestion to remove the cast steps and replace with wire steps. Thanks again, John. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Helmut Registered
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I have used pieces (cut with an abrasive diamond wheel on the Dremel) of tungsten welding rod for those tiny 'Eggerbahn' locos that out of the box show an extremely bad weight distribution, pickup problems, and marginal pulling power. I glued and packed them into every free space reasonably available inside the hood. Cured a lot of inherent problems. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks for the idea, Helmut. Tiny engines always present problems. I'll have about US $100 in this little engine, that may only pull one or two cars. I wish there were more choices for HOn30 steam. The Minitrains engines are nice, but impossible to find here in the US. It is frustrating that I am having the same dilemmas now, that I had back in the 1970s ! Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I tested the little engine on straight track, and it pulled seven cars easily. I was surprised, but pleased. It probably won't do as well on curved track. I'll continue the project, and will remove the foot boards at each end, and make new steps per John's suggestion. I'm deciding between red or silver for the final color. Yeah, I know, I need to tidy up my work space just a little. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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With the steps removed, and a little more cut out of the end sills, the trucks are now free to swing. I think this would have been an easy thing to do, at Shapeways, during the design phase. Such an easy drop-in project this could be, if they had. Regards, Dave L.  |
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2foot6 Moderator
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Good to see you are making progress.... As for the bench clean up.... WHY ? It will only get cluttered again, and it looks OK to me. Looks like my bench, and most other modellers benches. ...........Peter. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi David Some red diesel inspiration for you on 2' gauge. Albany at Victoria Mill - an 0-4-0 diesel hydraulic.  Some bogie diesel hydraulic locos at Tully Mill #8  and #4  Enjoy |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, John. I see steps on the side, too. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Finally able to do a little work on the tiny locomotive after a long illness, I was able to secure a Cal-Scale headlight casting and a crooked stack. I need to finish with steps and then decide on the final color. I'm happy to be back at a limited work schedule for this project. Thanks for following along. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Si.archived Registered
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Hi David Lookin' good. That lil' ol' vintage Cal-Scale headlamp ... ... is what parts diggin' on eBay is all about !  NICE FIND !  I felt the pain BTW ! ... ... of no truck-mount pilot-holes !! It's good not to have full-holes, for screw choice ... ... but the lack of a centering indent, is a real PAIN.  Si. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Si. Still deciding on color for this loco. I have red and silver on hand. The manufacturer of the hopper cars, without indents for truck screws, now includes a tiny hole for the screws. One of the very few times my complaining, actually made a difference ! Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Sorry to say I've had to pack up all the tiny little HOn30 bits and pieces, rolling stock and loco projects, and continue with Large Scale projects in vehicles and Gn15. Failing eyesight and problems with fine motor skills make HOn30 just not possible now. Thanks to those who followed along as I tried to revive my interest in this great little scale, and share my experiences. Regards, Dave L. |
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