Hello everyone, in the May 2002 MR there was a very good article on upgrading a Harriman MDC 2-8-0. The picture at the beginning of the article shows the loco with valve gear but there’s nothing in the body of the article that tells how this was done, on another forum it was suggested that the author used the Bowser H9 valve gear. It seems to me you would also have to use the Bowser valve gear hanger and crossheads. Any thoughts or advice are welcome as I have three MDC 2-8-0’s waiting for the same convention.
This is an interesting project. Apparently, there was a Precision scale kit that is adaptable to the Consolidation (Precision Scale Company 31528 MDC 0-6-0 & #6 Valve Gear). I found one here:
If you magnify the picture, you will see that Precision scale claims that it is adaptable. Maybe the Bowser folks can confirm.
As for merging both kits (Bowser and MDC), it is likely to be a challenge. They each used different systems to attach their side rods (screws vs. plastic pins), which is likely to complicate things. I would check the dimensions and see if the MDC boiler will accept a bowser frame and powertrain (motor, wheels etc.). I don’t have that Bowser model in particular, but I have the MDC and other Bowsers. They are quite different from many perspectives.
(Once again) Wayne’s recommendation is the best one, which is to check with Bowser. Please let us know what the advice is…