As outlined in Part I, imitating Alco, this conversion used overscale AHM HO S-1 models and reworked them as the basis of an OO gauge RS-1. It runs very well!

From the side the finished model looks quite nice. It is not very visible, but the (HO scale) truck sideframes are inset slightly, not quite centered on the wheelsets, to provide a bit of needed clearance.

Looking at it in action, I worked out a version of my Madison-Quincy-Southern lettering for the model. Years ago, I decorated my first Quincy Route Diesel using Pullman green paint, and this is a similar Tamiya military color (this paint it is a big step up from the Testors I had been using). Keeping with the military theme, if a real MQS had purchased Diesels they would have likely started doing so toward the end of WWII. The lettering is also a military lettering from Microscale, I’m thinking used to support the men overseas. With just a little splash of yellow on the ends for safety.

To the elephant in the room, it is underscale for OO. In this last photo it is between OO and HO scale RS-2 models, which would be the same length. While the model looks OK with full sized OO models, I have a group of models that are somewhat underscale (but over HO!) that this model will be run with.

Overall, I’m happy with the results. There are some detail issues, but I feel the essential ones are there. It was a fun build of the “Model Railroading is Fun” type. On the other hand, I doubt I’ll ever build another. As of right now I’m starting work on a correctly scaled 2-6-0 for the MQS that I’m optimistic will come out well, be watching for that one in future month, after it cools off so I can use my garage shop again.

Return to part I