Tom Fassett's CMM #14 Boxcab

	Cougar Mountain Mining Boxcab #14 Tom Fassett
	This is a kitbashed boxcab I made out of a Lifelike "Hustler" switcher. I added an Athearn motor to make it run better (and slower) and also added an Atlas DCC module. With a little extra weight, the switcher can haul 3 or 4 ore cars.


Here is the original shell and bottom. I stripped the rather thick paint off the shell using brake fluid. I pretty much abandoned everything inside except the frame and axles. I did re-use the lead from the weights.	FIGURE 1

After stripping off the paint, I cut the hood off.	FIGURE 2

I began building up the box using the radiator base from an SD90MAC. It just happened to be the exact size I needed... Then I used sheet styrene to make the sides.	FIGURE 3

I covered the front two fan holes on the radiator base with styrene and added a smaller fan. I also fitted a piece between the cab and box. I also used sheet styrene to make the back.	FIGURE 4

Next, I added some detail parts. The railings are made out of brass wire. The snowplow on the front is not for snow but to knock rocks off the tracks before they go under the loco. I added air tanks, an exhaust port, a radiator intake grill from an SD40T-2 conversion kit, a body intake filter panel, an air conditioner and a radio antenna. I also added a thin strip of styrene between the body and the frame.	FIGURE 5

Here is another shot of the body with the details added.	FIGURE 6

Here is the switcher with a coat of primer.	FIGURE 7

Here is another shot of the primered shell.	FIGURE 8

And a shot showing the rear.	FIGURE 9

Here is the finished switcher after paint, decals and a little weathering. The paint is acrylic and I sealed the whole thing using Microscale Flat.	FIGURE 10

Here's a larger shot of the completed switcher.

Enjoy,
Tom Fassett