A recent discussion on 2457 cabeeses prompted me to see what was available on the Bay. This rather distressed shell spoke to me as a possible boxcab candidate...
A mockup with one of two MPC era switcher chasses I had knocking about and a large Lionel pan showed that this was going to work out dandily...
I briefly considered, then discarded, the idea of a jackshaft boxcab. Perhaps another time...
Since the motor would be up against the wall of the shell, a small bushing made of Plastruct tube was cemented in place to keep the shaft from rubbing.
The bashed up corner was straightened out somewhat.
A plastic patch panel to keep the rain out. I briefly considered balsa, but decided it was a bit too bulky.
Plastruct bosses JB Welded in place...
...and clamped to set overnight.
I JB Welded the roof patch in place...
...and put the balsa to work holding it in place overnight while the JB Weld cured.
ProTip: A piece of masking tape makes a good disposable mixing surface for epoxies et cetera.
Since Norma Bates Kitteh was napping, Assistant Shop Supervisor Sylvia S. Siamese approved the work in progress.
Since the chassis is an MPC era DC chassis, a vintage bridge rectifier salvaged from another project was put into play. I also replaced a mangled ground pickup.
The first test run was a smashing success!
To be continued...
Mitch