Stepping outside my comfort zone

Today with the cold weather, I decided to start a project outside my comfort zone, and kitbash my Bachmann Mountain 4-8-2.

 

First step was to take all the excess piping and details off the extra shell I ordered. (I will say one thing....this model has ALOT of added parts.)

 

Santa Fe Mountains has two sand domes and that is the reason I got the extra shell.....for the sand dome. Here I have cut it off.

 

Next I took the sand dome and cut and filed it till it fit on the shell without looking out of place.

 

Once that was done, I glued it in place on the model.

 

I removed all the piping and air tanks off the model, and added a brass air tank and power reverse. I also added air lines more accurate for a Santa Fe version. One thing I have learned working on real steam engines and looking at photos during research is that piping changes with rebuilds and maintanence, so don't beat yourself up too bad trying to get lines 'perfect' on a steam engine! Once painted and weathered, it will all look right. (I hope! LOL)

 

You better believe it! It snowed here for almost 2 hrs today!

 

Engineers side look up to this point. 3303 will eventually say "ATSF" proudly.

 

Firemans side got new GHQ pump and airtank, and some piping removed from the model.

 

Bell and marker lights were removed from the smokebox front door and the holes filled with putty. Holes were drilled and markers relocated, as well as a new brass bell added in the proper location.

 

Feedwater heater was added under the smokebox.

 

Next was time to get back to the sand domes. There no good if the sand stays in there. Here's a look from the top at both of them. Added one is the rear one.

 

Looking down with the piping added.

 

Engineer side....

 

Firemans side.....

 

Thanks Tony! I hope the steam bug dont bite too bad and I have to sell all my diesels. :tb-tongue:

 

Thats all I got done today. Tomorrow I will add more piping to the feedwater heater and a few around the firebox. Then do some cab work and paint.