Hi guys. I'm Malcolm, from across the pond. Wales, UK.
Like, I guess, a lot of modelers, I've got thousands of ideas, hundreds of plans, tens of 'one day soons' and one actual project. In HO! NKP, Delphos. Long time starting it, but researching, collecting equipment and planning is very, very enjoyable.
Then, confusion.... P:48.... Wow!
I don't want to stray too far off the NKP/Delphos track, but this P:48 bug has bit hard. All that waffle has brought me to a question (or several!).
To make a simple P:48 project, at as low a cost as possible and as quickly as possible, would involve converting a cheap locomotive into something more accurate. Now I've read about Red Caboose GP9 body kits and using Atlas F9 chassis. I could try that and even upgrade the drivetrain later to get good running. That's fine as far as it goes. But are there any similar combinations around for other diesels? I've heard of cheap-ish RS3's and even GP35's and GP38-2's, (although my preference is for early 1st generation locos, RS-3, RS-11, GP-7, GP-9 and F3's - A's and B's). and the BIG question, what about steamers? Any 2-8-0 Consolidations or 2-8-2 Mikados that are cheap 3-rail that can be modified? Would the conversions be expensive?
Thanks for any replies.
Malcolmcelyn.