Hello-
I'm new at model building but am trying to get back into it. Never really was a scratchbuilder specifically. Just wanted to try scabbing together some interesting pieces.
Has anyone here tried building an old Porter 2-8-0? I'm trying to do the 1910 D-2-T class Porter engine plinthed in Hardeeville, SC--Argent Lumber Co. #7. There are some Argent cars & all still available as model kits, and as I'd played on the prototype a little bit as a kid I wouldn't be satisfied building a small-scale model. This one has got to be large. I didn't think O scale would work--but that was because I thought O meant Lionel trains.
Then I discovered On3 and that sealed me in the decision.
The image from the 1908 catalog-
OK, so how to make this--I was thinking to use a Mehano 0-8-0 or 2-8-0 as a donor for the side rods, driving wheels, and motor/gears (may re-gear to slow her down.) The boiler is straight--I think I could almost take a piece of copper tubing and make the boiler; that'd add some weight. Guess sheet-brass will work to make the metal cab and tender--the wood parts would be fun to make with real wood.
Anybody ever tried doing one of these or something similar? I think I need to get that book "Last of the Swamp Rats" as I know people have modeled Argent stuff before. It'll be a fun railroad to model--couple different kinds of Lima, Porter, other steamers, different rolling stock, even a Model T railcar..
Anyway, that's that. Ideas? Criticism? Guesses or no? Go ahead.
