I've been working on building an Aspenmodel Nn3 0-6-0 saddle tank engine kit. The kit is based on the Denver and Rio Grande Class 48 locomotives. For the scale, the model is a close approximation of the prototype with only minor deviations to adapt to the Marklin chassis. http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/DavidFletcher/ngdu/6-22-D-Class48.pdf I ordered the kit a few weeks back from RS Laser Kits and it was shipped promptly to me. I ordered the kit that included the Maklin Z scale 0-6-0 chassis. The included 5-pole chassis did not include the z scale locomotive shell, appeared new, un-oiled, and was in good condition. The chassis was modified sightly by removing the European bumper pins, and grinding down the front of the chassis slightly to make room for the coupler on the pilot. I also drilled a hole in the front of the gear cover plate to access the bodies screw hole without removing the cover plate. The saddle tank kit comes in 6 major parts. These are the smoke box, saddle tank, cab, front pilot, steam chests, and rear fuel bunker. The headlights, handrail stanchions, foot steps, and bell come as separately applied parts. It also included decals for D&RGW. I soldered the cab, saddle tank and smoke box together for added strength, while the rest of the parts were attached with CA glue. Because the saddle tank is hollow, there is plenty of room inside this locomotive for a decoder. Based on the models dimensions I drew up decals for a new freelance railroad. I sent the decals off to Stan at Cedarleaf Decals in Arizona to be printed in metallic gold and white. Upon receiving the artwork file, Stan shipped me the decals the same day. Once they arrived I went to painting the locomotive. I decided to only use the gold decals. I also printed some black decals on my laser printer for the cab roof plating and builder plate backgrounds. Once the model was painted and decaled, I added all the pipe and handrails. I also cut up some twigs I kept from last years Christmas tree to make a fuel load. Here is the finished model.
Very nice job on the build Matt it came out great. The gold decals real make it stand out. rich www.rslaserkits.com
What a difference to the unpainted model! I did not particularly like that, but I very much like the end result. Great job indeed!
