On the old website I posted my started chop to proper length Mantua Rdg I-8 Camelback. seeing Casey's rebuild I decided to pull it out of mothballs. Ahh so many projects so little time! Here's the last photo comparing it to a stock Mantua Camelback. I cut each section at the ribs and took out almost an 1/8 inch of each section following prints that came with the P&R book discussed at a previous post, of an I-8 and by chance the drivers ended up almost exactly where they should be under the fire box. The details have to be added and the drive, motor, etc. still have to be upgraded. This pic also shows some old castings by Cal scale I think. Now owned by Bowser and I don't think they are available.

The I-8 is coming along very well.
(Is that a "K-on-the-way" on the far track? It is taking shape nicely, too.)

George

Yes It is a K-1 Kitbashed from 2 old bachman I-10's. I spliced two bodies after removing the details that had to be moved. The holes were closed and the domes glued to the proper locations. The big sand dome should have been larger. Brass details were then added: power reverser, Larger stack, air tanks, front ladders, trail truck, brass wire was bent under the walkway and attached to Athearn diesel handrail stanchions. The frame was spliced and extended and another driver added. The main drive rod was extended. This turned out to be a bad idea. It didn't run well and occasionally would bind up. I should have used a bowser or other complete frame. The rear of the frame was made from plastic sheets cut out. The cab was too short so a new one was scratch built from sheet plastic from plans. The project came to a sudden halt when on display a candle burned down and started the tender on fire the heat melted the cab and it had to be removed. I started to make a new one but may re think the whole project. The moral of the story : don't let burning candles unattended!!! What was left of the tender was the axels and the weight. The boiler was untouched. It does look good. I may finish it for static display or dead line. chalk it up to experience.

What did you use for the engine chassis? A Bachmann?