I recently acquired an old Balboa brass Southern Pacific S12 0-6-0. It has the old-style open frame motor and a Vanderbilt tender that’s completely soldered shut. I’d like this locomotive converted to DCC and sound with a Tsunami or something similar. I’m looking for someone reputable to do the conversion. I will, of course, be happy to pay for it.
I have checked with several outfits like Tony’s Train Exchange, but no luck. It was suggested that I post an inquiry here on the MR forums. Can anyone recommend or point me towards someone who does this sort of thing?
Thank you.
I have three Balboa,all brass,2-8-2’s,I replaced the motors,to less current draw motors and you will have to do the same,the older ones draw too much current for DCC operation…I only use DC,so they are fine for me and did not have to isolate the motor from the frame…The tenders,I have are oiler’s,the only way to get inside them,is to cut them open. If you can find someone to do all that cheap,good for you. I would not attempt it,just for sound,that I don’t want anyway,but that’s just my choice…Good Luck To You!!
Cheers,[D]
Frank
Dwight,
I hate to say this but you will probably be happier learning to do this yourself. Most of the guys I know who do this stuff (and are good) have long waiting lists and are expensive . The expense comes from the fact that this stuff is time consuming - not from a high hourly wage…
On the brass vanderbuilt tenders…My latest plan is to cut the top off of the box in front and see what kind of access I can get to the rest of the tender. Patching it is pretty painless. I have used that strategy successfully with spectrum vanderbuilts…
Guy