tender plans for a LGB Porter

[IRB Souther Engineer]

I just purcased a LGB Porter and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for a product, picture(s), or plans I could use to make/build a small tender for my Porter. I think it would make a good summer project for me. Eventully I would like to convert my Porter to DCC so the tender could provide a good place for the electronics if they don't fit in the engine.

[vsmith]

LGB Toytrain line had a small tender that was perfect for the Porter, but they are scarce since LGB did the Big Firework. Many have used HLW Minicar gondola as a base for a Porter tender, just cut one end off and add a water tank. Otherwise most commercially available are too large.

Try Hans at Gold Coast Station in Ventura Calif, (google them) he has a great selection and I have seen the Toytrain line tender there. Otherwise maybe Watts would have one

You can sorta see the Toytrain tender in this pic, so you have an idea what it looks like, sorry, best pic I have.

HLW Minicar gondola

[IRB Souther Engineer]

One thing I thought of would be to purcase a Birdwater and Raspberry Railroad ( http://www.birdwater.com/ )flatcar kit (wagon #1). Then just build up the rest of the tender on top of the car. Give my your thoughts.

[pimanjc]

For a very inexpensive tender, you could use a NewBright tender.  It is about the right size.  With a good paint job, some detail work, and some decals, it could be made to be credible.

JimC.

[IRB Souther Engineer]

pimanjc

For a very inexpensive tender, you could use a NewBright tender.  It is about the right size.  With a good paint job, some detail work, and some decals, it could be made to be credible.

JimC.

Where do I get a NewBright tender? Do you have any pictures?

[ttrigg]

IRB Souther Engineer

Where do I get a NewBright tender? Do you have any pictures?

You can get an entire set from Toys-R-Us for around $45~$50. They have them in some stores but also have them in their "web store". The entire set consists of Engine w/Tender and two cars, and an oval of track. I get all of mine in the first week of January at the Wal-Mart Christmas Clearance Sale; I wait until they are marked down to $10 or less. I use the few pieces of straight track for my display rack. Everything else is headed to the Junk Bin Treasured Items Chest as building material for other items of yard art. By "yard art" I mean dioramas such as; a box car split – bottom frame becoming a "parked" log car, Box car top becoming a small freight shed, Caboose make nice yard office, sub-frame becomes a parked (loaded) flatcar. I don’t care for them too much except for two reasons: Reason #1 – something for the 5-9 year olds to "drive" around the layout, and Reason #2 – as kit bashing materials.

Here’s a pic from their site;