Branchline Rotary Plow Part 1

[MasonJar]

I was inspired by the work of Bob Boudreau (Fundy Northern) and a drawing of an 1880s UP rotary plow to scratch/bash this version for my own layout.

Here we see the original Athearn CN rotary plow - as Bob said - far too big for the needs of a little branch line. All we will keep is the rotating blades/housing, and the underframe.

 

[MasonJar]

The next step is to shorten the underframe - I cut off about 10 feet. The cuts are between any "essential" parts to minimize the amount of rework required. In the third photo, you can see the sprue parts used to strengthen the joint.

 

[MasonJar]

I then turned back to the body... I used the front of the exisiting body to create a front for my wood body. I decided on a peaked roof, and used 1/8 scribed siding to cover the basswood frame.

 

[MasonJar]

Here you see the body sheathed in scribed siding, and the roof with a cutout for a cupola partly completed.

 

[MasonJar]

This photo shows all the major parts test fitted and ready for final assembly and paint.

The cupola is a spare part from a boxcab diesel track cleaner. The roof is styrene, and the white metal doors and windows are from a Jordan wood caboose.

Next up... roofing, assembly, and paint!

 

[Matthyro]

That's a neat bash job Andrew. I have been watching this thread and am enjoying the "how to"

 

[Will_annand]

Excellent work Andrew.

Hmm, when I get a little farther along with my layout, this is definately going to be on my "To Do" list.

Thanks.

 

[Glen Haasdyk]

Great Job andrew, looks like my sub will be needing one!