Engine
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NPC No 3 - A Baldwin 4-4-0 American
Superstructure Modifications

This is would be a level 1 kitbash, were it not for the installation of radio control battery power, which pushes it to a level 2 bash.  Aside from electronics, virtually all modifications needed are at the detail level, at least on the engine.  Work needed on the tender is more involved in that the tender will carry the batteries and radio control components.

Engine Modifications

The base engine for this bash is so close to the prototype that very few modifications are necessary to accurately represent the prototype.  

The undecorated Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 as shipped.

In comparing the two engines the only changes that are obvious are:

  1. Replacing the diamond stack shipped with the Bachmann engine with a Radley Hunter stack.
  2. Place a road number on the engine.
  3. Fit the boiler and steam dome with brass bands and brass dome covers.

Stack Modifications

This part was easy.  CSC Innovations makes a nice Radley Hunter stack in 1:20.3.  I popped the diamond stack off the Spectrum.  A dab of glue on the bottom of the CSC stack base (which fits perfectly) and the stack upgrade was complete.

The CSC stack installed on my unlettered Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0.

Brass Bands and Domes

No 3 of the NPC was dressed up with brass bands around the boiler and brass bands around the surface of the steam and sand dome.

The brass bands and domes were cut from .005" brass shim stock and applied with 5 minute epoxy.
The engine is getting close ...
 

Decals and She's Done!

The final step was applying the logos.  Here are some shots of the completed level 1 bash.

A side shot of No 3 sporting the NPC logo on her tender.

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This shot shows off her boiler bands and dome bands.

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The tender wood load is prototypical for this engine.

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The Radley Hunter stack gives her an entirely different front end look.

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(c) 2007 Iron Horse 1:29