This blog will be slower than my previous two construction blogs, that of the Tyco/Mantua Pacific conversion to a  Southern Railway Ps-4, and the conversion of an MDC/Roundhouse 2-8-0 Consolidation into Tallullah Falls Railroad #78.  This is because I am very busy with work, and have a lot less time available.  Also because this will be my first DCC locomotive: in fact, #78 will also be converted to DCC operation.

This Blog is the natural continuation of the concluded one on the construction of a kitbashed TF RR #78 2-8-0, at http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/blog/19425  .

At the conclusion of the kitbash project I had done enough investigation to decide I will revise my previous layout plans and model the TF RR, with my big Southern equipment operating at the Cornelia Junction and beyond.  This is a natural extension of my plans, which I will draw up to show soon.

OK, This conversion began at the tail end of my blog on making a Southern Railways Crescent Limited Pacific out of an old Tyco/Mantua Pacific kit.  I had run into a cheap Roundhouse Old Timer 2-8-0, without tender and pilot wheel, most detailing broken off and a badly damaged kit cab.  The gearing and motor were flawless, though; once oiled and greased it ran absolutely beautifully.

I am beginning another conversion of an old Tyco Mantua 4-6-2 Pacific.  These locomotives are very good runners and very common at the big auction site, in unbuilt kit form (I've bought two for less than $30.00), built kit form, or factory-assembled form.  They are based on northern US prototypes, so a good deal of modifications are necessary to convert them to my "not-totally-prototype" Southern US layout's standards.