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This Roundhouse MDC Climax has been build and kit bashed by many modelers, and most all changed out their motive power using the Bachmann 44 Ton Locomotive chassis, a good fit, and a much better running DCC friendly alternative. The first Climax had an old open frame type motor that sounded more like a bad running coffee grinder, or jet liner taking off. My Climax came with a newer dual-magnet motor, but still not the greatest of choices.
Articles from Dean Kershner - Geared Steam “Improving the MDC Climax” http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/mdc-boxcab.html , Alex Belida “Keeping The Dream Alive” and, an Article in the December 1982 Model Railroader called “A touch of realism for MDC’s Climax” by Gregory G. Keutzer are real inspirations, and excellent articles on how-to make these great looking, and running locomotives. Dean Kershner also has great information on a sound decoder installation.
Pictures of the Climax and MDC Body using the 44 Ton Chassis are pictured below (first picture) by Bob Boudreau, Forum member (railphotog) and (Second picture) by Alex Belida. The next two Climax pictures, 3 & 4, are of Dean Kershner’s – Geared Steam, and a Climax by Jack’s modelling.
I especially like Bob’s example for my project, because he lowered the locomotive boiler as per the Model Railroader article suggestion. Making it look so much more prototypical. Plus, it is hands down a great looking Climax build, weathered and super detailed.
Starting off with my project I have the Roundhouse MDC Climax Kit #02770 undecorated model, a DCC ready Bachmann 44 Ton chassis, and a Bachmann 44 Ton shell, that I had cleaned off the D&RGW lettering, and made it decaled with an L&R logo. The D&RGW original shell looked like the inset picture in the right lower corner. I thought if I was going to mutilate a 44 Ton shell, than this was the one to sacrifice.
Articles from Dean Kershner - Geared Steam “Improving the MDC Climax” http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/mdc-boxcab.html , Alex Belida “Keeping The Dream Alive” and, an Article in the December 1982 Model Railroader called “A touch of realism for MDC’s Climax” by Gregory G. Keutzer are real inspirations, and excellent articles on how-to make these great looking, and running locomotives. Dean Kershner also has great information on a sound decoder installation.
Pictures of the Climax and MDC Body using the 44 Ton Chassis are pictured below (first picture) by Bob Boudreau, Forum member (railphotog) and (Second picture) by Alex Belida. The next two Climax pictures, 3 & 4, are of Dean Kershner’s – Geared Steam, and a Climax by Jack’s modelling.
I especially like Bob’s example for my project, because he lowered the locomotive boiler as per the Model Railroader article suggestion. Making it look so much more prototypical. Plus, it is hands down a great looking Climax build, weathered and super detailed.
Starting off with my project I have the Roundhouse MDC Climax Kit #02770 undecorated model, a DCC ready Bachmann 44 Ton chassis, and a Bachmann 44 Ton shell, that I had cleaned off the D&RGW lettering, and made it decaled with an L&R logo. The D&RGW original shell looked like the inset picture in the right lower corner. I thought if I was going to mutilate a 44 Ton shell, than this was the one to sacrifice.
:up: 
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