So I got a wild hair up my arse about wanting some bigger NP steam. I acquired an A-4, which I love, but the fleet ain’t done! I decided to buind a GHQ NP Z-8 as my first real foray into modeling (not just paint & decal work). Let me just say, what a task! The instructions are….. dated. More images (or better ones) would clarify everything. Nevertheless, I persist!

An HO scale model here....

An HO scale model here….

Already found a half-dozen things I’d redo or do differently.

The key to making this a quality runner? Code-55 friendly filed-down drivers, replaced pilot & trailing truck wheels, and using an Athearn Challenger tender chassis! I’ll post pics of the tender/chassis line-up, but suffice it to say that with two small mods to the tender chassis, and some careful filing, the Rivarossi tender shell is the exact, perfect fit onto the Athearn’s frame! I can’t imagine an easier way to install DCC & sound (plug & play!). Wish me luck? If I fail at this, I’m switching to fingerpainting.

Partially built

Partially built, you can see the original parts amongst the modified and cast-pewter kit parts