Does anyone know if it’s possible or feasible to turn a Bachmann USRA Heavy Mountain 4-8-2 into a NYC 4-8-2 Mohawk, as well as make it prototypical? Or, are they two entirely different animals. Thanks.
Tom
You’re in luck Tom; it’s possible.
It won’t be pretty, but I’ve got two sitting on my “to do” pile, to eventually turn into L-1a Mohawks (I’m actually modeling the P&E, not the NYC; they got older hand-me-downs). Basically, I’ll have to strip ALL of the detailing off the boiler, from the piling to the cab, and start over with all new parts. Thankfully, everything I need except the cab is available from Bowser, Greenway or Pre Scale. I’ll also have to change the tender trucks to three axle and build up the coal bunker extension. The cab will be a .020" styrene core with a .002" styrene rivet overlay.
I haven’t looked into modeling an L-2 with the USRA heavy, but modeling an L-3 IS possible as well. Basically, you’ll have to smu***wo engines into one, bu mating a J-1 boiler to the USRA chassis. The L-1 boiler will have to be lengthened slightly, so you might want to try using the Revell kit before you look around for a dead BLI or Rivarossi J.
It’d be nice of someone like BLI or Bachmann would come out with the standard NYC freight engine of the steam era (heck, I want an H-5 Mike too!). Until someone does, we’ll have to settle for kitbashing.
Ray,
Thanks for the info! [:)] Yes, it would be nice if BLI, Bachmann or even Proto 2000 came out with a Mohawk.
I actually e-mailed BLI to ask them if a 4-8-2 Mohawk was “on the horizon”. That was a couple of days ago so haven’t heard any word from them yet. If I do find out anything, I’ll let you know.
Tom