I need help making my next acquisition. I'm trying to figure out which of two Rail King engines I want to get.
The choices are either a Union Pacific FEF or a Mohawk of any road name. Here are some reference numbers for the FEF and Mohawk respectively, though I'm not tied between these two specifically.
Now I need to clarify my needs. Whichever one of these engines I get, I'm going to be doing funny things to the resale value. I'm looking to make a model of an NdeM (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México) Class QR1, a 4-8-4. Also known as a Niágra (note not Niagara.) Here's a photo of the prototype.
I've brought this topic to other forums and a lot of advice seems to be go for the FEF. I figured I'd ask the CTT forum too to get a second opinion though.
If I were to modify the FEF, I would remove the smoke deflectors, somehow cut or sand off the sand and steam dome, cut off the double smokestack, potentially modify the cab, somehow remove the headlights from the smokebox door and or remove the entire smokebox front, sand off or disguise the feedwater heater, and finally remove the toolbox and front shield mounted on the pilot. I would also add new stairs from the pilot to the walkways and add single smoke stack, sand dome, and steam domes in the correct place. Then I would need to acquire a six axle tender and transfer the electronics into it from the FEF tender. (MTH tenders are not swappable between locomotives.)
If I were to go with the mohawk I would cut or sand off the walkways and replace them so that they are level from the stairs all the way to the cab. I would fill in the extra cab window on the left side and either remove or disguise the feedwater heater. I would potentially modify the headlight and smokebox door as well. The Niágras had tiny smokebox doors so I'm thinking of cutting off the smokebox front and replacing it or sanding it. Alternatively I could maybe use putty to smooth out the smokebox front. I'm not sure exactly what to do but I know I want to capture the unique look of the QR1's face. I'm considering cutting off and replacing the cowcatcher with something closer to the real thing. It doesn't bother me that much though so I may just leave the cow catcher as is. Finally, I would remove the Mohawk's trailing truck and replace it with a 4 wheel truck.
The list is definitely longer for the FEF mods but I don't have experience with cutting diecast. I have no idea if how hard it is to remove walkways from a loco boiler vs. removing and relocating sand and steam domes.
So I ask you wise forum, having laid out the needed modifications, which locomotive/project seems more doable?
That's a question only you can answer
smokey1 That's a question only you can answer
If I were trying to pick a steam engine to start slicing and dicing on, I'd be more inclined to use a Williams product. I believe their bodies may be more "receptive" to modifications. Don't forget Bachman has their On30 line, especially since N de M had narrow gauge.
I look forward to watching your progress, since we just don't see a lot of modeling of that region in our circles.
fifedog I'd be more inclined to use a Williams product.
I'd be inclined to go with a Williams product myself, for no other reason than you could probably pick one up for less money than a RailKing engine.
The downsides would be Williams never made a 4-8-4 or a 4-8-2, at least to my knowledge. Hudsons (4-6-4's) and Berkshires (2-8-4's) yes.
Of course, since you're planning on some heavy chopping and channeling anyway you could possibly modify the Berkshire to a 4-8-4 configuration.
Anyway, with a Williams you wouldn't be out of a lot of money if the experiment turns into a disaster!
I believe Williams made a GS4 and a N&W J Class. Both those engine shells will be too streamlined to modify to look right. I've thought about transplanting their drive wheels and chassis and motor to a different shell. Definitely a rather complicated operation.
Also, I plan on getting plenty of practice in on some Post War/MPC era 2-4-2 shells. I feel bad making victims out of them but I've gotta practice surgery somewhere and they're essentially cadavers anyways. They've got those wheels and motors that aren't easily accessed and fixed unlike other post war stuff.
HCFI believe Williams made a GS4 and a N&W J Class.
Ah, you're right! Damn it, I'm getting a head like a sieve!
Do yourself a favor, don't get old!
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