Instead of a K2, I will build this.

[Eman627]

A Norfolk and Western M2 4-8-0.

[Eman627]

Out of a Bachmann 2-10-0 mechanism. I've already removed the first driver, and ground out space for a pilot truck.

[ryeguyisme]

This is relevant to my interests, please post progress.

What do you plan to use for a boiler? The Russian decapod boiler is much too small for a N&W M-2

[Eman627]

I'll probably use a spectrum 2-8-0 boiler, or similar.

[ryeguyisme]

I was thinking that too, with a change of domes

[Eman627]

I've started tender work, too. I've started to cut up a spectrum auxiliary.

[ryeguyisme]

I've started tender work, too. I've started to cut up a spectrum auxiliary.

Oh please post pictures on this, I have two auxiliaries that are awaiting this modification, I'm trying to find the best way of doing this...

[Eman627]

Bear in mind, I am NOT a "rivet counter", "perfectionist", or a "professional modeler". I simply model by the "three foot rule". If it looks and sounds good from three feet away, you did a good job. I'm also only 15, so I cannot afford to purchase "the best" things to do a job with, so that's mainly why.

Anyway, here's some pictures. 

[ryeguyisme]

Well I'm really impressed you're 15 and able to do things like that, I'm 23. And our generation is mostly too spooked to pull such projects 

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,17818.30.html

If you notice I'm not a rivet counter either, but I model a freelance version of the DRGW and they had Norfolk and Western engines and tenders in their roster during the war and postwar which were really distinct, and I have to make a couple as I have a sunset brass N&W K3 4-8-2 with no tender and I have plans to make a N&W Z-1 2-6-6-2 from the bachmann spectrum H4 so I have 2 auxiliaries lined for mods.

Thank you for providing pictures bud!

Remember don't ever give up on your dreams and drop your fires because of girls and cars like fellow mirrored have done in the past and regretted it. But remember stay within your means, don't start spend money on brass when there's bills to be paid(from personal experience xD )

[Eman627]

Thank you very much! I get a lot of jeers from some of the members of my modular group, but we all get along. As for your tenders, here's an article that I found that may help as well.  http://www.trainlife.com/magazines/pages/379/27865/march-1995-page-23 It uses the old bachmann excursion tender, but the spectrum could be used as well. Also, here's the #1 resource for N&W info. http://www.nwhs.org/

[ryeguyisme]

That's the same article I was looking at, so you're not too far off from where I stand with this project. I was at the local club last night, and it was good to see them all again as well as some newer members which is really good to see

[rogertra]

Well done and you're only 15?

Great to see someone jumping in with both feet.  Kitbashing isn't that hard, it just tales the nerve to make that first cut.

[Eman627]

An update, of sorts. It seems that I have hit a stumbling block. The version of the decapod that I have started with, has the wrong type of crossheads. And, I don't want to have to fork up the $$$ for the other type of crossheads, guides, and cylinders.

[blwfish]

You might want to have a look at this: http://issuu.com/mr-hobbyist/docs/mrh12-06-jun2012-ol?viewMode=presentation&mode=embed (in one of the sections they discuss scratchbuilding crossheads and valve gear).

[Eman627]

Sorry for the late reply, but I already have that info. I don't think that I should try my hand at that just yet. I'll have to rummage about in the parts/junk locos that I have.