Swissboy,
There has been a lot of discussion on the K-37 tenders here on the NGDF for a long time.
Here is Bill M's discussion of a lot of the swapping that went on in later years, as various engines were retired, set aside, wrecked,or scrapped. [
ngdiscussion.net]
The picture you see of 497's tender really is 497's tender, as of 1960.
In the early 60's, #497 was wrecked, and when put back into service had #490's tender, which had the large offset Pyle headlight instead of the small one. It also had a few other differences, which is why you weren't sure about that being 497's tender in the picture.
As this is not a modeling board, I won't go into a long discussion of working on your MMI model, but if you or anyone else wishes to contact me off list at
mike_trent_476@hotmail.com I will share several things which could improve your model. I have several detail pictures that I'll be glad to send you.
The only comment I'll make about the MMI model here is that it is an extremely good model and value for the money.It is clear to me that they worked as hard as they could to get the model to represent the K-37 as was possible, given the constraints of using die-cast technology, and keeping the price well below todays brass.
I might suggest looking at John's picture again and taking note of the fact that the doghouse on not only this tender, but all K-37 tenders sits right on the tender deck, they were not and are not elevated on timbers, as PSC has always depicted them. The reason for this is that if at all elevated, they would not have fit into the Durango Roundhouse when backed in, as the tenders are so high.
If you don't have one, I'd reccommend a Dremel tool, and a bottle of Floquil Engine Black, which is a great color to touch up your improvements. Detailing models like this is a great way to learn about how they worked and even helps discover why some things were done the way they were.
Mike Trent
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/14/2009 03:20PM by Mike Trent.
