It just occurred to me that I could swap out parts (boiler and tender shells) by buying them on Lionel half-price parts sale and then swap them on the same USRA Pacific that I have now, and other than any customized sound sets, I would have the preferred engine (Blue Mountain & Reading). Would there be any other customized parts to buy?
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I'm a bit surprised that Lionel has the shells. That is likely the main parts, though you'd have to go through the two listings to be sure. For one thing, if the paint color is different on the two, a new pilot would probably be needed. Also, is there any chance that one of the two have a different configuration of class lights or beam mounted markers?
You need to go through the listings and insure you're getting all the parts you need.
FWIW: I just priced the parts, boiler & tender shells, and frame w/wheels, half price comes to around $522. I suppose it'd be more feasible to find someone who can paint my Pacific, letter it, etc.
I think I read that someone named Christine Braden is doing custom painting. If you search the Forum you might find references to her. I've personally never painted anything-- not even a Plasticville building! But considering how much folks are willing to pay for certain rare schemes, I agree that it's a service that we could use more of!!
@Paul Kallus posted:FWIW: I just priced the parts, boiler & tender shells, and frame w/wheels, half price comes to around $522. I suppose it'd be more feasible to find someone who can paint my Pacific, letter it, etc.
I think you're right, you can surely get it painted for less than that! It's almost always way more expensive to build something from the parts list than to buy the factory unit.
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