Skip to main content

I decided that I needed a model of the Southern Railway Ms-4 2-8-2, which was based on the USRA heavy mikado.  Of course Lionel has done a USRA heavy, but it would require extensive re-detailing and die-cast is rather difficult to work with.  The Williams brass mike has a superior drive train, plus the ease of working with brass.  Trouble is, it's not exactly a USRA heavy.  As others on this forum have noted, while it's definitely not a light, the boiler is too skinny (both in the middle course and at the smokebox) and it's a little too long for a heavy.  However, I believe that with some judicious re-detailing it can be made into a reasonable approximation of the Ms-4.

Meet the donor engine, in its last days lettered for the UP:

DSCN0108

Sorry, UP fans, the paint is gone.  It looks so nice this way, I kind of hate to change it:

DSCN0136
As you can see I've already removed the headlight, bracket, and marker lights.  All will be replaced with different parts.  I've amassed a pile of detail parts by PSC, Stevenson, Wiseman, and Lionel that will transform the look of this well-built locomotive.  I'll post updates periodically as progress allows.

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0108
  • DSCN0136
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I decided to start with the tender, as it will be a quicker job than the locomotive.  The Ms-4 tender was basically a stock USRA 10,000 gallon tender, as is the Williams model, to which they added a dog house flanked by walk boards, and over time an extended coal bunker.  I ended up cutting brass tube to get the curved shape of the raised bunker (after failing in my attempt to make them out of brass bar stock).  The dog house is a PSC D&RG K-27 kit (plastic!), modified to closer match my prototype.  The walk boards need to be cleaned up and painted, but the tender is more or less ready for the paint shop.

DSCN0152DSCN0153

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0152
  • DSCN0153
Last edited by 49Lionel

Cool idea.  And shapeways is a great source for unsual parts - I've got a few I'll use here.  Don't tell anybody, but those coal boards aren't soldered.  With a good quality CA, I attached a brass gusset strip to the inside of the curved piece (flattened on the bottom), and then glued the piece to the inside of the bunker.  It's strong enough to be handled, and like you said with coal you'll never see inside.

With the tender ready for the paint shop, I decided to turn my attention to the front end.  The smokebox is about 10 scale inches too slim, but the anemic look is worsened by the oversized headlight, smokestack (probably to accommodate the Seuthe smoke unit), and those googly marker lights.  Even the headlight bracket was too big to re-use.  Here's the cleaned up smokebox front with the new parts ready to install:

DSCN0221

Removing the stack was no easy task without a resistance soldering iron, but I got it off without dismantling the entire front end!  Here's the new stack in place:

DSCN0220

I also removed the air compressor, which will be relocated, and cleared the area in preparation for the Worthington feedwater heater:

DSCN0219

No turning back now!  There's a bit more deconstruction to do, and then parts will start to go back on.  All the while I'm consulting photos of Ms-4s, and in particular the one I'm modeling, 4813.  Until next time...

Attachments

Images (3)
  • DSCN0221
  • DSCN0220
  • DSCN0219

One of the most visible added details will be the Worthington BL-2 feedwater heater.  Here it is in place, with relocated piping and an extended rear running board.  Now I have to figure out how to re-mount the compressor in its new location below the extension.  I've done similar things with diecast engines and let me tell you, this is much easier!

DSCN0275

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0219
  • DSCN0275
Last edited by 49Lionel

I'm detailing this loco to represent #4813, which spent most of its life on the Southern's Washington Division.  As most fans of Southern steam power know, each division's shop added their own distinct touches.  Here you can see the completed Worthington feedwater heater with running boards that go up and over, and the handrails with bends characteristic of Alexandria shops.  I still have to add some piping and a few grab rails, but the fireman's side is getting close to done.

DSCN0403

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DSCN0403

More tiny details go on - piping to and from the compressor and stoker motor, and a characteristic Southern cab window awning made from coffee can bottom.  I find that medium roast works best.

DSCN0414

Up front, running board steps, a blower pipe, sand box grab iron, pipe connecting the two tanks, and an arm for the bell lanyard:

DSCN0417

Hoping to start painting next week!

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0414
  • DSCN0417
Last edited by 49Lionel

The final detail parts on the boiler shell went on, and in preparation for painting I test fitted the shell on the chassis.  So far so good - it looks more like an Ms-4!

DSCN0436DSCN0439

With good days for spray painting becoming less numerous, I'm trying to capitalize on a few days off - gave it a nice vinegar bath today, and now the boiler and tender shells have a coat of primer. No more bare brass!  I did sort of hate to cover it over, but this is going to be a runner, not a shelf piece.  I still have details/paint to add to the chassis, but that paint will be done by brush which I can do indoors, so I'll be happy to get the shells wrapped up soon.

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0436
  • DSCN0439

After a work-induced hiatus, progress is back.  Both of the shells have been primed and painted:

DSCN0453

Not bad for a rattle-can paint job.  The smokebox is still in primer, and will get "graphited" at the end.  Detail paint and decals are going on:

DSCN0501

I usually use dry transfers, but K4 Decals has a complete Southern set that I decided to try.  They're pretty easy to use.  It doesn't show up well in the photo, but I clearcoated the area where the decals go, as it helps to hide the film.  Once you put another clearcoat on top, it pretty much disappears (sort of).  I've already clearcoated the tender, and just have to put in the coal load and the dog house.  The loco has a new identity!

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0453
  • DSCN0501

Superb job.  Putting a successful project together for the (hopefully) last time is a rush and is truly satisfying - exciting, even.

I like K4 Decals, also. The "rattle can" paint is just fine - I use nothing else. (The current cans of thick "2X Coverage!" paint disease is becoming an issue for fine work. Not everyone wants to paint wicker patio furniture. The now-common non-clearable nozzles are also taking a toll.) 

The tender is done!  I had chipped the coal load out with an awl, and made sure all the chunks were broken back up.  I made a big blob of hot glue in the bunker to get the nice contour, covered it over with coal and glued it up like ballast.

DSCN0531DSCN0532

The clearcoat is Vallejo acrylic satin varnish.  My LHS recommended it for another project, and I really like how it works.  You have to put it on so it looks way too heavy, otherwise you get a flat, inconsistent finish.  But lay it on thick and as it dries - very slowly - it thins out, evens up, and you get this nice satin finish.  The wheels got toned down with NeoLube.

Attachments

Images (2)
  • DSCN0531
  • DSCN0532
@Will Ebbert posted:

Looks excellent! Any chance you plan on swapping that big coupler with a Kadee since you've already gone to so much trouble?

I was thinking the same thing, the lobster claw sticks out like a sore thumb.  Little by little I'm changing my cars over to Kadees - I'll take a look and see how tricky it would be to do this tender.

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments.

Last edited by 49Lionel

I've turned my attention now to adding details around the pilot, including air lines, flag holders, a platform, and a (hopefully) moving mechanical lubricator that really has me stumped at the moment.  But, here's a little teaser of how the boiler shell looks - done except for whistle and bell lanyards.  I was irked not to be able to find proper ALCO-Richmond plates, but the Schenectady ones will have to do. 

DSCN0538

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DSCN0538
Last edited by 49Lionel

Regarding ALCO Richmond builders plates. Did you contact the ALCO Historical Society, or the TN Valley Museum. They might have a photo of a builder's plate that you could then work from -- print on card stock or 3D print. You're doing a beautiful job.

That's not a bad idea, but I really like the look of brass builders plates.  Willing to live with the incorrect location!

@Dave Funk posted:

Super nice job on the redetailing project she really came out great!

I use rattle cans but buy them from an auto paints store. Its the rattle cans they use for autos

Its  finer pigmented and lays on nicer than 2X coverage stuff and doesn't clog nozzles like home use sprays!

Bad part its expensive but much better product

Yes.

One of my favorite "Eureka!" modeling moments came when, years ago, a wise old 2-rail O-scaler showed me a loco he was repainting. I asked about the "weathered black" color - assuming it was Floquil from an airbrush - and he said it was "Automotive Primer" from the auto parts store. From a can. Rust-O-Leum, I think.

It even comes in different shades of flat gray - light, medium and dark, depending on brand and such. Looks like weathered black to me. Goes on well, and can even be lightly buffed to give an old, formerly black, slightly oily look.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×