On-demand 3D printing accomplishes this. Once a 3D CAD creation is posted on a website like Shapeways.com, anyone can special-order the thing and have it delivered to their door. Likewise, instruction books can be written and on-demand printers like Lulu.com will print to order. 3D CAD artist Gerry Dykstra and master HO locomotive builder Alan Mueller had the foresight to see the value of these resources and used them to create a beautiful makeover for an old HO kit engine— giving new life to anybody's old General.
Somehow or another, I got involved with these talented individuals and ended up creating the engine's decals for them. You can read about the project and how to get the parts and instructions on your own in the next feature: Open Source Loco Kits.
This page features our first creation— the Civil War locomotive Lt. Gen'l Grant.
This engine was recorded in beautiful detail in a photo by one of the Civil War's most prominent photographers, Andrew J. Russell. The Lt. Gen'l Grant was a second-hand locomotive rebuilt by the Union army to deliver bullets and beans to the front line troops in northern Virginia. After the war, the engine was sold to the Baltimore & Ohio and ended its career in much more peaceful circumstances.
The elaborate tender painting, which feaured a portrait of General Grant, was possibly done by Russell himself, who was an artist when he wasn't taking photographs and is known to have helped out in decorating the Union army locomotives. Certainly, he gave the Grant a great deal of photographic attention.
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitors, up with the stars!
While we rally round the flag boys, rally once again
Shouting the battle cry of freeeeeeedom!
Thanks for visiting!