A Look at “Mamodification”
When it comes to model railroading, I’ve always been a bit disappointed with the lack of customization with engines and rolling stock. This makes sense since most models are based on specific units with set liveries, but most models don’t even get basic weathering. A lot of model engines just stay standard and clean, which is a bit boring. This is a problem that is solved with live steam engines. Many live steam engines use freelance designs that aren’t modeled after anything in particular, which is great for customization. One model stands out above the rest for how malleable it’s design is; the Mamod SL1.
A stock MSS for reference.
The SL design has seen tons of variation over the last 40 years just in production models, not to mention what the modding community has been up to. Just through paintwork, trim, and accessories you can totally transform the look of the Mamod.
The bodywork can be pushed even further than that. Mamods have appeared as saddle tank engines and even trams.
MSR have even managed an American-styled Mamod.
It only gets crazier from here on. This design even lends itself well to other wheel configurations. To start, take this 0-4-2 tender engine as an introduction.
There are also plenty of 0-6-0 Mamod designs out there as well. Take a look at this War Department styled 0-6-0 model.
From here we start to see the genuinely bonkers builds. It’s one thing to change up some bodywork or add a wheel, making the next model is a completely different level. This is a Mamod Garratt K1.
The level of commitment needed for someone to put together an articulating framed engine is bonkers. The Garratt Mamods are always beautiful and diverse. This is not even the only type of articulated Mamod that people have made. There are quite a few examples on the web of Double-Fairlie Mamods. Here is one such model.
The level of customization possible with a Mamod or MSS locomotive is unlike anything else I have seen. Live steam in general is more open to customizing locomotives, but the Mamod is particularly well suited to it. Down below are links to the forums related to “Mamodification.” You can also click each image above to go to their respective origins.
Click here for the Double-Fairlie.
Click here for everything else.
Remember to leave a like if you enjoyed this post and leave a comment below. Subscribe for more content like this and remember to share this post with people who might enjoy it.