This is one of MTH cabooses that have a great casting that can easily be super detailed. This one is about to be a ATSF caboose. I added many details and used as many of the stock parts that I could. The platforms are original with new steps added with a more scale appearance. The smoke stack was simply drilled out and wire supports added. The ladders are Precision Scale. Lovers on side panel are from Archer decals. I built a new underframe to replace the sheet metal frame.
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Excellent! Its surprising how many MTH and Lionel Cars have the basics right, and readily lend themselves to super detailing as you have done
I've read somewhere that some of these type products have great detail, that the paint obscures. There's a thing in O scale 3 rail about making things tougher, I believe? They have to stand up to abuse. So the railings and other add-ons have to be thicker sometimes so they don't bend or break off.
I also think that's why they started showing and even selling engines without paint.
@Engineer-Joe posted:I've read somewhere that some of these type products have great detail, that the paint obscures. There's a thing in O scale 3 rail about making things tougher, I believe? They have to stand up to abuse. So the railings and other add-ons have to be thicker sometimes so they don't bend or break off.
I also think that's why they started showing and even selling engines without paint.
If MTH and Lionel were to supply the fidelity of detail that Malcolm (Brother Love) supplies, they'd have to charge much higher prices.
Rusty
I just bought one of these to modify. Have you seen the louvers that Des Plaines Hobbies shot in plastic that were made to modify Red Caboose GP-9s? They are on a very thin almost film of plastic so you can cut them to what you need and glue on.
Add me to the group who saw potential in these. I needed a good representation from the immediate post-war era, albeit in 3 rail, and this was the perfect starting point
Bruce
@Engineer-Joe posted:I've read somewhere that some of these type products have great detail, that the paint obscures. There's a thing in O scale 3 rail about making things tougher, I believe? They have to stand up to abuse. So the railings and other add-ons have to be thicker sometimes so they don't bend or break off.
I also think that's why they started showing and even selling engines without paint.
If MTH and Lionel were to supply the fidelity of detail that Malcolm (Brother Love) supplies, they'd have to charge much higher prices.
Rusty
Lionel released several cars that had excellent detailing and most were overlooked (nose up in the air) at first, by the 2 rail crowd. I had a conversation with Ed R years ago how the ethanol tank cars were the "best kept secret in O scale". Those cars can be had for between $50 and 75 each! They sell in 3 packs and separately. Also come in other sets. They went up in price for a brief period and leveled back off.
There are many others that are better known now. The newer Lionel Auto racks, gondolas, etc. After becoming noticed, the prices have reflected the demand on some. Still a great deal for the level of detail. Yet some others, like the ethanol cars, still are a great low priced bargain.
I am not discounting the great work shown here by Brother Love. I feel that the big importers look at what's desired in the market, and sometimes respond on certain products for that market.
My point is keep your eyes open, and not clouded by the name or their past. I am also sorry to take this post of track so far once again. Brother Love noticed that a 3 rail car from MTH, was worthy of his work as a starting point. I think that speaks volumes.
Joe,
Yes, I have several of the Lionel 40’ PS-1 boxcars that I 2 railed. They are really nice cars.
Malcolm's work is always well beyond what MTH did on that basic casting. I am going to suggest that his window detail outdoes that casting by a mile!
However, it is indeed true that some of these mass-produced plastic models come with exquisite detail. I have only a handful of plastic cars, but I was impressed by the detail on a Lionel PS-1 box and a K-Line ATSF caboose, enough to 2-rail them and keep them around for locomotive break-in.
Wish I had the patience to do in brass what Malcolm does in plastic. I can do window mullions, but prefer to do one and reproduce it at someone else's foundry.
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