Hello to everyone once again,
Haven’t been here in a very long time.
I just wanted to ask a few questions to see if anyone might have some answers.
Our program has several different sizes of locomotives and cars in our G scale kids model and train safety program.
Some of our trains are 1/32 scale MTH equipment.
One locomotive that was partially donated to the program back in February was an MTH Ontario Northland F3A. (Norhlande)
This locomotive was in a state of disrepair but the paint was excellent and it was actually a very nice looking locomotive.
The previous owner did not have the body attached to the frame, no headlights, no windshield wipers and had no fuel tank.
It did however have very professionally installed new USA motor blocks in it. (X2)
It ran beautifully but had no way to power the 6 volt lighting board.
Ray supplied the board necessary to reduce track voltage to 6 volts to power all the lights which worked perfect.
There was no lights in the rear, so we never installed them. The only real problem I faced was the lack of a mounting box for the rear coupler and the amount of space required to fill in to mount the Kadee was a huge challenge. We had to use wood and plastic combined and about 5 hours of work to get the height correct.
The other issue was the lack of all 4 access ladders/steps on the sides.
Adding access ladders to the sides was a challenge because USA Trains trucks are 1/29th scale and MTH had 1/32nd causing the trucks to hit the ladders. We had to install LGB ladders or steps that were slightly extended out to the side to allow proper truck manuverability.
Even with all these modifications, the locomotive still looked pretty descent and ran very well.
We also had to add weight which was fairly simple.
I thought I had everything ready to go and that’s when the biggest issue of all arose, no fuel tank.
With MTH kind of in limbo and parts, especially this type of part, not available, I had no way to find a correct fuel tank. I tried Ebay, forums, online shops and even looked for extra shells which I found for a couple other missing parts (like the windshield wipers) but no frame or fuel tank anywhere.
I thought I’d use a toy New Ray, GP35 fuel tank that was the correct width but it was way to long and cutting it down to correct length would leave noticeable modification marks or cuts on the side, so I left it on the original model.
I then thought Piko might have an option but they don’t manufacture a 1/32nd diesel that has a tank that size.
I then tried USA Trains and found a fuel tank that was 1/29th scale and the correct length but it was to wide by approximately 1/2 inch.
I bought it anyway because according to Butch, fuel tanks are not commonly stocked and hard to get your hands on. The only thing I didn’t think about is how I was to get an exact cut without damaging it because I don’t have equipment to do this.
I called TAP Plastics in Stockton, CA to try to have them do it but they were afraid to try it.
They said that their cutting machines operate at high speed which would melt the plastic and cause damage to the tank and speaker grates.
I finally decided to bring the fuel tank issue to you guys to see if someone had an original F3A, or F7A or possibly B fuel tank for trade or sale.
If not, maybe someone has more experience and is braver than us and can cut the roughly 1/2 inch lengthwise out of the center of the USA tank and glue it back together making it narrower.
This locomotive doesn’t have passenger cars yet but will be ready to go if we can solve this problem.
One other question, I have a Great Trains, F40-PH in VIA Rail Canada colors that we built. Del at G scale graphics helped supply the graphics and we added rear platform handrails, hoses, lift bars, a new detailed snow plow, L.E.D. lighting, (supplied by Ray) antenna, Kadee couplers and a complete overhaul.
We ordered 4 mm headlight lenses from American Scale Models to complete this model but haven’t received them yet. When we do, I would like to know what is best glue to hold them firmly in place without leaving residue on the lenses?
Appreciate this site and hope that wasn’t too much to ask but if I get the photos to post here, you can see what I am referring to. If not PM me and we’ll get them to you that way. You can also email my program at [email protected] anytime.
Thanks for your time and input.
Ken
Imagination Station Kids On Track Model Railroad And Train Safety Program
