I remember the early '70's well- I was 27, trying to get established professionally, married just 4 years with a young family- saving for a house, renting an apartment, little money for anything but the necessities, 2 young sons. It was December 1972 and the Toy Train passion returned. Set up the first "floor" layout with my sons.
So- what to do about it (train fever) ? Improvise . Go on the hunt for "scarce" reasonable Postwar and have some "cheap" creative fun. I turned 75 in October 2020, so time to reflect and appreciate the past...
So-one of my first attempts.. a mangled 2046, no tender, broken off running lights and bent front headlamp- real dirtbag as well. First came the complete driveline overhaul/cleanup. Then came the fun part- kitbash. In my parts bin was some brass castings, and a plastic Rivarrossi O guage Indiana Harbor Belt kit. The casting was stripped(sandblasted) for a nice even surface... then headlamp removed with a dremel wheel. I went to work adding the details and paint.
Hope you enjoy the results...
