An odd conversion...

[nkp_174]

Frequently I've seen ugly, odd conversions. These aren't like the nice On18 or On30 ones here...which are well done and believable. They are conversions such as using an HO Heisler for On30 (The smallest drivers Heisler used were 30"...which makes an HO mechanism look way too small)...or odd mason bogie type things which are really just ugly tank engines (a mason bogie's drivers pivot like a truck...hence the "bogie" in the name). And there are the HO GP-9s converted to HOn3 These aren't really free-lance to me, they are cartoon world creations. I'm sure their builders love them, much like the NPC shops whom built that hideous cab forward 4-4-0 (or is it 0-4-4?). It reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon in which a worker tells the boss that he's working them too hard. He'd like to be able to go home and kiss his daughter goodnight...and that he doubts he's the only person that feels that way. The boss then replies that he's seen that worker's daughter and can assure him that he's the only one whom feels that way.

Anyways, there currently is an On3 4-6-2 on ebay. At first I expected it to be an ill-conceived, ugly thing. It isn't...instead it's both well done and creative. There was a narrow gauge market for the fireboxes permitted by trailing trucks (EBT power, , and a market for the ride produced by a 4-wheel lead truck. The model was converted from a brass D&RGW 2-8-2. The builder altered the details so that it doesn't scream D&RGW (actually, it looks more like the ALCO 2-8-2s of the OR&L). It is not worth anywhere close to the asking price for me...but it is one of the best un-prototypical conversions I've seen in some time. A shame the the creator is not a member of our forum and posting pictures of his work.