Jim R. posted:Besides, for such small locomotives, lightweight materials would require more weight to be added somewhere. And there isn’t much options on where to add weight other than the shell. It pretty much has to be diecast metal throughout.
The Porter's lower chassis is so heavy that it would benefit from the cab, upper chassis, smokestack, domes, and saddle tank being injection molded plastic. Boiler front and some domes are already plastic. I have a Marx loco with a plastic shell, and it's not bad. Take another look at the motors I posted above. That little motor simply cannot carry the weight of a die-cast Porter without failing prematurely. I wish it weren't so, but I have 4 motors in reserve for it so far. Replacing the motor is really a tedious job! You need 6 hands! Only expect a motor to last 2 seasons if you run it. I imagine it is a pricey repair from a shop. But it is one of my absolute favorites and worth the challenge!
