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

Years ago, I built an OF MDC kit to model a relatively obscure Arizona loco. I started with the same method of lowering it, then put in the regear kit and a 1220 motor. I made a new motor mount from point with a nut goes in it to hold it to the frame.

Then I completely changed all the details, until the only things stock were the tender rivets, trucks and running gear. Even did an overly of the cab, and added a flared room to the tender.

It ran fine, if a bit underpowered, until the car knocked it to the floor from a shelf. Since it wasn't as strong as a Blackstone K-27, it still isn't running.

The hardest part, and not too hard actually, was talking the 1/8" out of the cylinder saddle. Easy to cut it off flush with the cylinders but not so easy to make that second cut very square.

So now that I have a few more of these to build for my fleet, I decided to go new school and have designed and 3D printed a replacement saddle. It fits great, and I added some nuts and bolts and a front flange to make it more detailed and to look better. That worked so well, I've been working on a complete replacement casting that will be plug & play. Then I'll start on a motor cradle.

If anybody is interested in the saddle, I can put it on my Shapeways store so you can get one. I tried a number of materials and the new black acrylate send to be the best for this: very good detail but not brittle like FUD.

Mike Conder