My trip to the hobby store was a success! I not only got the trucks, but the coupler as well. I found a nice set of Bettendorf trucks {no era date given}, by Athearr trains, for $4.98. these trucks are a plastic frame, with metal wheels, and boy.....did they ever tell me that my build table wasn't level! I put one on the table and it rolled into the box that the snow plow came in! the coupler was another matter.......here is where I got a lesson. I had chosen a pair of couplers from a card that you simply ripped off what you needed. when I got to the check-out counter, I made a mention about them and asked him if they were the right ones. he asked if I had the "box" to install them in, and the conversation grew. I told him what I was doing, and he suggested that I should perhaps buy a "kit". he rung up the person behind me and we then went over to where the train accessories were, so he could show me. from there, I decided on a package of #5 magne-matic couplers. they come in a kit, by Kaydee, and comes complete with the "box", as well as the couplers themselves. there is enough in the kit to do two cars......might have to do another one of these down the road. they sold for $3.75, not much of a cost difference than what I had chosen in the first place. the combination of what was left of my "Christmas cash" and three dollars that I had in my wallet covered the cost quite nicely. I saw a few other things that I want to get, but this will have to wait.......it's a surprise!
I got home as set to work, barely having time to put the bag down. I had left the rear bumper of the snow plow thicker than the plans suggested {I want to install a railing later}, meaning that I had to modify the coupler box a little. but it fit into the slot provided in the bumper snugly.
then I examined the trucks and the suspension bars that they will be fastened to. I would have to cut them down a bit, so they will fit in the undercarriage. they were trimmed, sanded smooth and the centers for the holes were drawn.
Once they were cut to fit, they were cemented into place. I had checked and made note as to where they were to go, so the trucks could swivel freely. I was a bit dismayed to find that the skirts along the front section prevented the truck from movement, but it's a static build anyway, and this movement will not be required........so I said to myself.....the heck with it, it's getting built. I continued on with the build.......
After they were dry, they were drilled and painted. as you can see, I have painted the ends of the bars, so that I won't have to touch up anything afterwards.
After the paint had dried, I installed the trucks. I looked in my "junk drawer" and found the screws to install them with. the rest is pure nirvana!
The only real labor intensive part to do now will be the front plow skin, which will be made from the aluminum sheet supplied in the kit. it has been cut already......I hope it has been done correctly. the headlight was next on the parts list.....already painted and the window maker is dry enough. it will take some time for it to completely dry, being as thick as it is. when it does though....it should show the silver of the metal, like I would like it to. there is a rectangular "placard" on both sides that will later be painted gray and embossed with numbers....as soon as I get the decals for it. for now though, it will be cemented onto the build.
Later, holes will be drilled into the front "feet" of the light. I want to cut down a couple of the small 7mm brad nails, supplied with the kit, and cement them in......like bolts of sorts. the next thing I did was the smoke jack and the brake wheel. they have been cleaned up and painted, the holes already drilled in the build for their placement. I installed them at this point.....no fear of losing them!
I ended the build with one more picture, as I will end this log......the train is really starting to take shape even more!
