Re: Patco's kits - for modifying MDC HOn3 2-8-0s

I have two of these. The lowering is pretty straightforward. As mentioned it requires modifying the cylinder saddle. You can grind away at the top of it, or cut the whole saddle off, file an appropriate amount, then epoxy back together. I've done both. The stock motor absolutely will not work. You need a can motor. I've used can motors salvaged from old CD-ROM drives. You may have issues with interference from the "clip" that holds the gearing in place. This may need to be modified. The area under the cab will need filing, as will the spring rigging on the OSF 2-8-0.

As mentioned, the boilers look pretty big compared to other HOn3 2-8-0s. Lowering helps, but they sill would look big coupled to a Blackstone C-19 or a brass C-21. You can install the cab a little bit "rearward" to make the locomotive a bit longer, and make it as a 2-8-2. I'm considering doing this with my ISF 2-8-0.

-Kevin

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