My first custom build was inspired by an old photo of a shortline switcher that never made it to mass production. I started with a cheap donor loco, chopped the shell, added styrene panels, and reworked the cab to match the prototype. It was messy, but so rewarding!
I used a mix of Evergreen styrene, brass wire for handrails, and a lot of trial and error. Painting and weathering were honestly the most fun—seeing it come to life with faded paint and grime made it feel real.
The biggest challenge? Getting the modified shell to fit snug on the original chassis without binding the motor. Took a few rebuilds and some creative dremel work
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