I was wondering if anyone might be able to tell me if it’s possible to make a Spectrum 2-8-0 into a 4-6-0. I’ve been trying to find an N scale ten wheeler of about the 1920s or 30s to pull a small passenger train but have had no luck so far, so I thought I might try and modify one - if it can be done…
TL [:D]
It depends which you’re trying to do. Many 2-6-0’s had the drivers spaced out unevenly - two pair of drivers up near the cylinders, then a space, then the last set of drivers. It shouldn’t be that hard to removed the 3rd set of drivers (from the front) from a 2-8-0 and fill it in and add a longer siderod. Mantua in HO did that with their 4-8-0 and 4-6-0 for example.
However, a “ten wheeler” is a 4-6-0 not a 2-6-0 (that’s a “mogul”). That would be possible but a bit harder, changing the 2 wheel pony truck to a four wheeler, and rearranging the drivers etc.
I stand corrected wjstix. In my own mind I knew (but failed to mention) that one would have to start with removing a set of rear drivers, but guess I figured I’d get around to the front truck issue later. In the end I’d like to have a not too bad looking SF 4-6-0…
TL
4-6-0 or 4-6-2 ?? [%-)]
I know, I know… I corrected it.
TL
Nobody makes an American prototype ten wheeler in N scale, but several are made for foreign prototypes. You can find models of Japanese, German, French and British engines. It shouldn’t be too hard to find the mechanism you like and either strip and redetail the shell, or add a whole new PVC or styrene boiler. Redetailing or scratyching a new boiler would be a whole mess easier than trying to cut & paste an N scale drive train!
BAD IDEA.
Railroads converted many old 2-6-0’s and 2-8-0’s into Switch duty by rebuilding the pilot sans trucks.
Removinge a driving wheel is more work , won’t look right, and will likely unbalance the engine.
Now if you’re a master mechanic with a milling machine …
Don is correct. Simply dropping out the third set of drivers on a 2-8-0 to make it a 2-6-0 (or a 4-6-0 by changing out the pilot wheels) will only result is a very strange and unprototypical looking machine. While many 19th century 2-6-0s and 4-6-0s had the last set of drivers separated from the first two sets by a significant spacing, this spacing was not usually nearly so dramatic on early 20th century ten-wheel locomotives. Better to run the 2-8-0 as is than attempt to morph it into something it definitely is not.
CNJ831
It was just a thought, but I’m inclined to agree with you CNJ831. I hacked up a Mikado one time, and though I did a not bad at all job, I’ve always regreted it.
Oh well. Thanks anyway guys.
TL
Atlas makes a 2-6-0 that might make a good starting point. You would have to modernize it a bit, but it is possible.
Thanks scoobster28, but I think I’ll just try and rally as many people as I can to write Bachmann/Spectrum and pester the hell out of them until they finally give in and produce one that’s equal in detal and quality to their current line of steam locos…
TL
Why not make a frame out of ABS plastic(check the shapes-not the flat sheet) for a 4-6-0 and use parts from a exsisting steam locomotive??
Youcould use the 2-8-0 frame by slicing the frame by one wheel set.
There are ways it can be done but,not by taking the easy way out.
Look into a 2-6-2 as well. That might be a starting point.
Thanks Brakie. Yes, I have considered modifying a 2-6-2, but the only ones available were Bachmanns so I backed away.
TL