hi guys, I have been wanting to build a On30 Garrett as of late. I would like it to be a 2 + 2 type, I have been looking around for locomotives to canabalise for the drivetrain. The only idea I can seem to reliably find are the mantoua switchers. I would very much prefer not to go that route as I have a personal vendeta against stamped siderods. Anybody have any idea On what I could use?
Lost in the snow
I don't understand your view on stamped siderods, but why not use them as patterns to fabricate new ones, using either sheet brass or perhaps modified nickel-silver rail. If you need fluted rods, strip stock in brass is available in several sizes, and could be soldered-on to the newly-created rods. For mounting bosses on the rods' ends, there are lots of brass or phosphor-bronze washers available in suitable sizes, or you could simply punch your own out of sheet stock.
Wayne
Hi there. Maybe it would help if you posted a picture (or a link) of what you are thinking of. I googled and found some pictures of Garratts - or Garrett? - and saw that there were many types built. Cool locos, I should say.
Simon
Here's one, a 2-6+6-2, originally from Rosebud-Kitmaster, later Airfix, a non-powered OO scale model of an LMS (London, Midland, & Scottish Railway) Beyer Garratt.
The kit was supplied by- and built for a now defunct LHS, and lettered for a former nearby railroad.
Looking at the pictures, I would use a Mehano mogul. They are often available on Ebay. But I think they have stamped siderods , as you say. The old Roundhouse moguls might meet your requirements, but the are rather rare. One of the members here (Casey I believe) has used Thomas the train components quite successfully for his transformation projects.