15mm armoured train

[sukhe_bator]

After a further hour's work. The third driving wheel is now coupled and I have started modelling the cab panelling and positioning the steam domes. The running plates will be strips of plasticard, but I have to even up the casting in order to provide supports to key it onto first. The generic loco I am basing this on is a Russian As-60 class (1892 to 1907)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_steam_locomotive_classes#/media/File:As-60.jpg

[sukhe_bator]

Cab side detailing including steps to cab and sand box added

Rough shaping of boiler front and smoke box door work in progress

Looks rough and ready atm but bear in mind this is all in 15mm and the loco is only 3 inches long at present

[sukhe_bator]

After a weekend further work on cab, running plate and tender

[sukhe_bator]

After another couple of hours work, the basic form is nearly complete with chimney and smoke arrestor culled and adapted from an HO kit, PP headlamp and running plate with access steps to front and rear. Once cured the edges will be carved and sanded to a sharper profile. Atm it looks like a Mr Blobby version of a steam locomotive...
Then there's just the knotty problem of detailing the Walschaerts running gear  

[Michi]

That is quite an impressive effort you put into it. I wonder if one of those collectible 1/100 static resin engines wouldn´t been cheaper and easier to convert. Great work though!

[sukhe_bator]

Michi,
The problem with the commercially available static models is they tend to be famous types and generally too large for wargaming purposes. There appear to be a few that could potentially be used by WWII railway wargamers out there but most of the designs are 1930s or later.
The 4-4-0 US loco Peter Pig produce was closer in scale and proportions to the general size of Russian locos of the earlier period I wanted to model. There really isn't much else in 1:100 out there for wargamers. The cast resin kit (although brittle) is workable and has nice white metal detailing and accessories. It can be converted readily by adding green stuff / miliput or applied panels of plasticard. I agree it is a lot of work and the warts-n-all photos don't sell the conversion process very well, but I'm confident it will look quite presentable when it is finally painted up.

[Michi]

The problem with the commercially available static models is they tend to be famous types and generally too large for wargaming purposes. There appear to be a few that could potentially be used by WWII railway wargamers out there but most of the designs are 1930s or later.

I respect your efforts and pull my hat! I look forward to see it finished, I love railway stuff! I just thought you could have walked an easier path.
By the way, there was the Prussian P8 as a static model in 1/100. It is a 2-6-0 like your conversion too. Have a look here: http://www.nicospilt.com/index_Atlas.htm
Prussian locomotive manufacturers built many engines for Russia that looked typically Prussian, therefore it could be a good choice. The P8 was already built in large numbers before the Great War and therefore sports that period look of less modern typical continental European steam engines. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_P_8

[sukhe_bator]

Michi,
Thanks for the encouragement and good spot about the P8. It looks modern for its vintage design. I suppose its the smoke deflectors I usually associate with German locos of the 1930s-1940s. I'm thoroughly enjoying the conversion process and have spent another lunch hour modelling a basic representation of the walschaerts running gear on one side. I've also modelled a pair of front headlamps and just need to add a buffer beam and front buffers. I reckon I've got about 3hrs before I'll have completing the build.
I can't wait to get a spray undercoat on it to see what it looks like with a unified colour and to see if I've ironed out all the obvious blemishes.
 

[sukhe_bator]

The completed conversion before undercoating black


All that remains to do is to add broken up matchsticks in the tender to show stacked firewood

[sukhe_bator]

With a basic undercoat added for effect...

[von Lucky]

Definitely a labour of love that's also turned out pretty nice.

[Michi]

That locomotive looks excellent. You´ve concealed its origin very well by your brilliant conversion - splendid work!

[sukhe_bator]

Thanks guys
I'm pretty pleased with the outcome. Once I've detailed and weathered it and added some lettering it should really look the part. I'm always slightly apprehensive about such conversions because they look so scrappy for sooo long. I find it's always tricky sculpting in 15mm. A unifying paint job really helps...

[sukhe_bator]

After an hour highlighting and painting on appropriate insignia...

Some detailing and tidying up around the cab still to do yet and some weathering

[von Lucky]

Nice one.