Quote from: TimR on December 30, 2012, 03:21:02 PM
How about an MK 48?

Guessing your not talking about the Mk48LVS...yeah, I still build models but not so much armor anymore- mostly semis, cars and sci-fi...not bad, but maybe a tad too euro for my current train cars.

Now, not to toot my own horn here, but I still remember...at least I hope I do!...which end of a scale ruler to hold....the "flanger" was a week long project of whatever I had on hand for the G scale modular group I was in my early 20s - we needed it for the wisconcin train show - MDC trucks and the rest is styrene and parts box...earned me the knickname "flangerboy"{lol} and the G scale SW was tossed together weeks before USA trains brought out they're SW's...dropped that project and ordered a CB&Q cow and calf when I could...pardon the eons worth of scale dust on her{I'm 47 now}- Aristo U25 power trucks- the rest is styrene.




So, I can and will follow thru on this new scale venture...at least my evergreen stock won't take such a big hit in this scale.

Well, I appreciate the thought...let's start with the chassis I have.
I carefully popped the fuel tank off and then removed the 2 body screws under that to get the bare rolling chassis as shown.
Truck centers come in at 18 1/2'

Inner frame and weight structure comes in at a scale 2 3/4'...3' would leave some breathing room...and the height of said structure is at 5' tall at the highest LED point. "That" point was measured from the horizontal flat of the top of the chassis for reference sake. Nice and tidy unit overall!

To use the horizontal flat of the chassis platform as a body base I'd have a minimum of 28 1/2' to work with, but that won't leave alot of free air room for breathing so I'll probably shoot for roughly 30' of body sans any step platforms yet. I'll shoot for a 7' wide body...maybe 8' tops...and the OA length will be whatever looks right and not to leave too much room outside of either truck.

Now here's a question...ok...another aside from "what" diesel to build- how does one hook up any sound chips to this dcc board as I don't see any means of a plug with which to do so...I'm planning for a sound chip and speaker while I'm at it.
Just a reminder for those who may have missed it- this is the bachmann GP40 dcc chassis I'm playing with and if may have missed it any measurements given are in 1/48th scale.

Common folks....don't be shy...60+ views and not one idea?

Well, we here are in need of an On30 diesel for the roster and I just got our donor chassis, a bachmann GP40 w/dcc...was only $38 so the price was right. I just contacted Mount blue about they're diesel body size{s} to see if they'll fit over the slightly longer chassis -  they suggest an S4 switch chassis and by looking at my modelrailroader vol2 diesel locomotive drawings the GP40 runs alittle longer than the sugggested SW/S4.
In the mean time I'm looking for ideas of what to scratch in case those bodies won't easily work...what's some good ideas folks....I'm not a rivet counter so prototype correct isn't a neccesity...we just want a decent looking diesel.
I do have a williams FM trainmaster O scale shell, but that would be alot of cutting to narrow and shorten her up...it'd probably be easier to just scratch a new body I'm thinking....

Is your track clean? DCC hates dirty track....if the track is good the engine is suspect.

Lee, I appreciate the help...wish there was a way to help you find what you need! As for the car...my glass and seals leak too, but thats because it's all origonal on my car....bet it's easier to find parts for yours than for a 40 plymouth sedan.
Happier holidays!

I'd second walthers....I'd even say if your not into the available packed goods out there that you could look into a modular concept- make a basic wall, front, back and roof or roof half{pitched} and make resin copies of those, then copy away to make what you want for buildings. Think "roundhouse" for such a project....I am!

Hey Lee, yes sir I did, but S scale engine shells just wasn't plentiful when I was hunting, so an O scale was nabbed for ease of acquisition.

LOL...My son just informed me he wants me to make a Rotory for the On30 too, like the one we have for the O scale. Hmmmm, now I've gotta go hunting boxcars...wooden would be nice, and a lone tender- if I'm building that it'll be a steam Rotory!

1st time attaching a pic...let's see if it works the same here-


...the black base at the bottom is what I'm questioning whether to thin it up alot or what....BTW, yes, I repainted the wood too.

Thanks Roger, that will help!

My son has requested that the 2-6-6-2 steamer be wood fired, so I removed the coal load {even though we're going to be pulling 6 "coal hoppers" behind it....hey, I'm just the hired help} and wondered if it's just supposed to sit on the bottom edge of that resin casting, or are we supposed to sand that thinner for a better look. I've just finished a black wash to add depth to the wood load stack or I'd toss up a pic of that bottom edge "step" all the way around the wood load casting.
Anyone?....

I'm on the same track...ok, maybe a side track next to yours....just got a williams O scale FM trainmaster shell and an HO DCC GP40 engine to make an On30 diesel- the price was right on both pieces. I know some cutting will be involved{and was planned} to get the shell to fit and as soon as I get a reply from mr bachmann as to what kind of plastic the shell is, I can then find the right glue for the job and proceed.
Your talking about prototypical engines and I'm playing with a whimsical concept but we're on the same track as to getting a diesel on On30 rails since ....cough....no manufacturer has yet to accommodate us....cough... {hint, hint- nudge, nudge- wink, wink- eh};D  

Maybe even a nice lil Mack 18 tonner or bigger?!........

I just acquired an O scale FM trainmaster shell which I plan on shortening to fit onto an HO scale DCC chassis for our On30 railroad...obviously a whimsical concept that my son and I came up with as he wants some diesel power for our roster aside from the On30 2-6-6-2 steamer and railbus we have.

What type of plastic is the shell made of so I can find the right bonding agent to glue the cut shell back together when done.
Styrene, ABS.....Anyone.....?

Lee, are you saying the Z4000 can do CV's?...or just minor resets?
I'm on a budget too my friend. Being only 47yrs old has its good and bad points...still got a while to go before retirement....too long!...but I've also got a few too many irons in the fire at the moment as well...got an old car to rehab, house repairs{are either ever done?!} and then other things added into the mix...I/we need a raise!