Mods feel free to move this if I posted in the wrong forum.
I've been looking around the internet and stumbled upon Stevenson Preservation Lines. The sell some kits based on old Lobaugh kits. I found one based on a Southern Pacific Mikado I'm interested in: http://stevensonpreservationli...0&products_id=64
Now I know 3rd Rail produced a model of this locomotive several years ago and the cost to buy one is similar if not cheaper than the unassembled kit. I'm interested in the challenge of building the kit. I'd like to build the locomotive, paint it, and install PS3. Before I contemplate blowing $850 on a kit what skill sets do I need to possess to assemble something like this? What tools are required? I have a soldering iron and am decent with it and electronic repairs. Most of my mechanical experience comes from working on cars (I've done heavy engine repair and suspension work). As far as kits go I've built many plastic kits, but that's nothing like a brass steam locomotive. Plus there is the issue of converting the locomotive to 3 rail operation on tubular track. So thoughts? Am I crazy for contemplating building something like this?
