I'm building a switching layout as my first foray into On30 and due to space limitations, I'd like to use a small diesel switch engine (e.g., an SW-1) instead of a steam loco (I know it's probably not prototypical). How hard would it be to convert, say, an Atlas O 2-rail DC switcher to On30, and what work would that involve?
Most of the diesel chassis I see used, are adapted from HO scale. An SW being probably the most popular two truck version. Atlas, Athearn, Life Like. If you've not seen this web site, there might be an idea or two here: http://hometown.aol.com/on30resinkits/locos.html There are several others who do conversion kits and bodies. But the prices for some are getting up into a fair amount of dollars. Boxcab E50
Thanks very much for this link! I just bought an HO MDT and I think one of the cab conversion kits might just do the trick!
That engine, and the Bachmann gas mechanical side rod seem to be very popular for conversions. Inexpensive starting points, using realiable chassis. Personally, I like his little Climax. Although mine would end up being an oil bunker, electric head light style.... However, doing some prowling of that famous auction site, didn't even see one of the HO versions listed. Boxcab E50
Here is a great source of inspiration: http://www.12milestation.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/mode=brand/results.htm Set up by one of my fellow conspirators. Be patient and follow the links...GREAT deisel conversion shots!!
Some of the best modelers I have ever seen, and imaginations to go along with it. I miss the old On30 Conspiracy group, which for some unexplained reason was deleted from Yahoo, and that scattered everyone to the four winds. Bobber Gibbs is doing a regular article in O Scale Trains magazine now, but I seldom buy it as very little actually pertains to On30. Anyhow, there are some nice deisel conversions in there and really the projects look like they were fun to do!!
On30 switching locos on-the-cheap The HO Model Power Plymouth DDT is generally acknowledged to actually be an O scale low-cab (like they use in steel mills) body on an HO frame. That's a $20 street-priced piece and a well-made unit to-boot. All you need to do is swap out the horn-hook couplers. Historic Rail had selected roads on sale over the holidays for $15.
On30 Conspiracy There's always the new On30 Conspiracy on Yahoo. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/On30conspiracy
Just found this on the Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Frateschi-3501-...goryZ484QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Of course that one is sold... I did some knocking around the Frateschi site and found that they have two dealers in the U.S. Frateschi :::: Eletric Trains Maybe you can pick up that loco from one of them.
