Hello list,

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You may ask why I would need to kitbash an HO scale PRR K4s 4-6-2 since there have been (amongst others) the Bowser, Bachmann, MTH, and Broadway Limited versions. ?As with many kitbashing questions, the answer is just a skosh complicated. ?

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I attached a couple of shots of what will become PRR K4s 5455. ?

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The first prototype photo shows the engine about 1947. ?

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The second shows the engine probably in the middle of WWII, but shows the main disc-type driver better.?

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A few years ago I purchased a Bowser "13,000 gallon" tender (really an early 130F82 that can stand in for a 130P75) and a Sunset/Samhongsa PRR K4s boiler from another modeling friend. Initially, I had no idea what I'd do with the pieces. ?Last year, I bought a used Mantua 4-6-2 that had (amongst other cosmetic flaws) a cracked cab. ?I had one remaining Alliance Mantua 4-6-2 reposer kit, so I fit it to the model ?

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Once I saw photos of K4s 5455 with the main disc-type driver, I thought the Mantua chassis (albeit with all disc-type drivers) could work with the Samhongsa K4s boiler. ?If I can get a supply of more Mantua spoked Pacific drivers, I could get closer to the prototype, but that's not the end of the world for me. ?

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I test fit the Samhongsa boiler to the Mantua chassis, and after a bit of grinding on the firebox front sheets, the boiler fit nicely onto the chassis. ?I'm still building up a pad of .030 styrene attached to the boiler so that it will eventually sit level on the Mantua chassis.

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I just got the engine running with a very basic decoder installation. ?So now I have a Mantua 4-6-2 with a Korean boiler and a Bowser tender....very American. :)

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I like the modernized front end appearance (relocated headlight and generator, along with front platform and drop coupler pilot). ?I plan on finishing the model to represent the prototype's general configuration in 1947.

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Doug Kisala