I need help making my next acquisition. I’m trying to figure out which of two Rail King engines I want to get.
The choices are either a Union Pacific FEF or a Mohawk of any road name. Here are some reference numbers for the FEF and Mohawk respectively, though I’m not tied between these two specifically.
30-1804-1## 30-1652-1
Now I need to clarify my needs. Whichever one of these engines I get, I’m going to be doing funny things to the resale value. I’m looking to make a model of an NdeM (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México) Class QR1, a 4-8-4. Also known as a Niágra (note not Niagara.) Here’s a photo of the prototype.
I’ve brought this topic to other forums and a lot of advice seems to be go for the FEF. I figured I’d ask the CTT forum too to get a second opinion though.
If I were to modify the FEF, I would remove the smoke deflectors, somehow cut or sand off the sand and steam dome, cut off the double smokestack, potentially modify the cab, somehow remove the headlights from the smokebox door and or remove the entire smokebox front, sand off or disguise the feedwater heater, and finally remove the toolbox and front shield mounted on the pilot. I would also add new stairs from the pilot to the walkways and add single smoke stack, sand dome, and steam domes in the correct place. Then I would need to acquire a six axle tender and transfer the electronics into it from the FEF tender. (MTH tenders are not swappable between locomotives.)
If I were to go with the mohawk I would cut or sand off the walkways and replace them so that they are level from the stairs all the way to the cab. I
Honestly my instincts are telling me to go with the Mohawk. The modifcations needed are less drastic than the FEF. I’m not really sure how to go about removing and replacing the walkways though. A rotary tool I fear may be too strong and damage the boiler shell. Maybe a jeweler’s saw?
If I were trying to pick a steam engine to start slicing and dicing on, I’d be more inclined to use a Williams product. I believe their bodies may be more “receptive” to modifications. Don’t forget Bachman has their On30 line, especially since N de M had narrow gauge.
I look forward to watching your progress, since we just don’t see a lot of modeling of that region in our circles.
I believe Williams made a GS4 and a N&W J Class. Both those engine shells will be too streamlined to modify to look right. I’ve thought about transplanting their drive wheels and chassis and motor to a different shell. Definitely a rather complicated operation.
Also, I plan on getting plenty of practice in on some Post War/MPC era 2-4-2 shells. I feel bad making victims out of them but I’ve gotta practice surgery somewhere and they’re essentially cadavers anyways. They’ve got those wheels and motors that aren’t easily accessed and fixed unlike other post war stuff.
