I probably should have been making trees...

...but instead I worked on engines again today.

After a trip to Chesterfield Hobbies where they actually had everything I went for except one item I came back home and started back on the two Mantua engines.

First I painted the cab tops red. In the pictures below they have the first two of at least three coats. I also adjusted the platform between #33 and its tender so it would lay flat on the tender. (It is not present in the picture below.)


I then pulled the center drivers on #34 to get ready for the cam installation. Since this engine has both the left and right wheels insulated from the axles this will be a tricky installation. I plan to install the cam and then file it smooth with the flangeless center wheel. Then apply a small amount of wire glue to the edge and hope it doesn't bridge the insulation between the tire and the wheel. If all goes well it should work. Of course the only item Chesterfield Hobbies didn't have was the Soundtraxx cam kit so work on #34 and possibly #33 will be delayed jeopardizing their appearance at the next OPS session.

I also purchased Kadee couplers for #34 which I will install soon.