Hi all,

One of the main reasons I got into On30 was because I enjoy scratchbuilding and kitbashing, both structures and rolling stock.  Freelancing a logging railroad allows me to enjoy this aspect of the hobby, and I'd like to share some of the models I've built:

This is most of the rolling stock I've put together so far.  The two maroon boxcars and the yellow refrigerator are kits from Boulder Valley models, and the black water tank car is a kit I bought on Ebay.  The rest are scratchbuilt, using a Tichy Train Group boxcar chassis (available as a separate part) with some brass bar as a starting point.

BVLC #1 is a Boulder Valley Models Dunkirk kit, built onto the chassis of a Athearn SW7 model, which I obtained off Ebay.  I think it was from the late 1970s or early 1980s - the trucks are a split-chassis metal design.  I remotored it with a NWSL kit, and it's fitted for DCC and sound.  I trimmed the vertical boiler and replaced the top with a 1" speaker and baffle.  The wires were run down the side of the boiler, and body putty was used to match the diameter of the baffle with that of the boiler.  I also had to scratchbuild the deck, as the original resin casting ended up warped irreversably while I was waiting for the remotor kit - my bad, as I hadn't stored it properly.  Both front and rear headlights are functional.

Number 2 is a Bachmann Shay, with the original cab replaced by a Banta Modelworks laser-cut kit.  Aside from the lettering, that's the only real modification I've made to this loco.  I've also replaced the original gears with the slightly thicker replacement ones provided by Bachmann.

Number 3 originally started as a Bachmann Forney, but the rear end had a habit of derailing the trucks behind it.  I was able to locate a conversion kit to turn it into a 2-4-0 tender engine, and this is the result.  Unfortunately, the kit only had a casting for a coal load, however the original 'tender' body fit nicely, and I grafted the round half-columns from the kit casting onto it.

Number 4 originally started as a steel-cab climax (identical to number 5), but I replaced that with a wood one purchased from Bachmann's spare parts department.  I've added a few other details, as well as a wood load made from real twigs.

Number 5 is pretty much out of the box.  All I've done is letter it, and replace the plastic Bachmann couplers with Kadee No. 5s.

Number 6 is a modified Bachmann Heisler, which has had a larger fuel bunker/water tank added at the rear, along with truss rods on the sides, and some additional detailing.

Number 7 is a slightly-modified Bachmann 4-4-0, and the longest engine which will (just) fit on my layout.  I've replaced the original smokestack with a diamond stack, and added the lettering.

All engines have sound, and the Shay is the only one without Kadee couplers - I couldn't seem to get them to fit that model.

I'll be posting further updates on my rolling stock below.

Cheers,

Tbdanny