I’ve noticed that when model manufactures/importers like BLI, Bachmann, etc introduce a new steam locomotive, they will often refer to builders photographs, blue prints and drawings of an “as built” locomotive to base their model on. And then offer that locomotive, in it’s USRA configuration, lettered for a dozen or more roads. I can see this keeps production costs down.
Many of us can now take this locomotive and use it as a good starting point, to bash and detail into an engine closer resembling a prototype of our own choosing.
I have a Broadway Limited Heavy Mikado which BLI has modeled with a Hodges trailing truck. I would like to replace the Hodges with a Delta type. Have any of you tried this swap (with a BLI USRA Mikado) before? How successfull were you? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to do the same thing–I have a BLI Powerhouse Heavy Mikado that has a Hodges trailing truck, but the Frisco used Delta trailing trucks. It also needs a doghouse, but that’s another issue. Someone years ago told me to try and get the truck from a different BLI model, but I can’t remember what it was. I bought a Precision scale Delta truck, but that was too big.
I also have an Athearn Genesis Mikado, and the Delta truck from the Athearn Genesis Pacific will fit. I asked Athearn if I could buy one and they just sent me one for free (this was several years ago).
Since the Pennsy did everything their own way, I suspect that the trailing truck on these locomotives was not truly a Delta, but a Pennsy special creation.
John, I have installed Delta trailing trucks on two BLI USRA Mikes. Pretty sure I used the Delta trailing truck that came on the Athearn USRA light Pacific several decades ago.
I will take a look, and a few pictures, might take a day or two.
The PRR truck is not really a Delta, it is PRR’s own design, and in real life does not actually work like a Delta, even though it looks similar.
Bachmann may still have USRA 2-10-2 Delta trucks for sale. I have those as well and will look to see if that can also be a good swap.
Sometimes you have to modify the part and other times the locomotive itself, just to get things to fit.
I have a Bachmann USRA 2-6-6-2 that had an unusually wide-looking trailing truck. I’m uncertain as to what prototype it was intended to represent, but I had a plastic Delta trailing truck, of unknown origin, in my supply of locomotive stuff, and thought that it would look better.
Because I planned on adding a few details to the area under the cab, I had to create a new mounting point on the rear of the rear engine’s frame, in order that the new truck would clear those details on curves. A hole drilled in the frame and a piece of brass tubing did the trick…
Here it is installed, but with those details not yet in place…
Sheldon, thank you for your reply and the photos. The Athearn truck looks good with your BLI. Now the trick is finding one. I took a look at Athearn’s website and no trailing trucks, or any parts for steam, are listed. I will try contacting them. It has also been suggested that the Delta from a BLI ATSF 2-10-2 would work. I may try that option as well. Thanks again for all your help.
Every photo that I have posted has disappeared. Apparently trainboard.com website (where my photos are stored) is down. Hopefully, when the site is back up the photos will be restored. Please check back later.
