Swapping boilers on the Bachmann 4-6-0

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I model the Tonopah and Tidewater / Bullfrog Goldfield Railroad. If you are going to model a really obscure prototype you have to be willing to do some serious kitbashing. The Bachman Vanderbilt tender does not work with the 4-6-0 without major surgery. I’ve done that part and the Vanderbilt tender is re-wired and working quite well,

I’ve turned my attention to the Boiler of Bullfrog Goldfield #12. The data I have info shows that it had 63 inch drivers like the Spectrum “high-boiler” 4-6-0. Photos of BG #12 show it had straight running boards adn a single air pump that much more closely resemble the boiler on the "“low-bolier” 4-6-0. The high boiler model has a big tank on one side and two air pumps.

I’ve had the boiler off the “high-boiler” frame to replace the headlight bulb so I know it isn’t too difficult to remove or replace. Before I start taking things apart again I’d like to whether anyone tried to swap the boiler castings on the two Bachmann 4-6-0s and whether it is doable? - Thanks

2

I don’t know about swapping the Bachmann boilers, but I’ve got two of the so-called high boiler versions on which I’ve substituted modified Varney (more recently Bowser) boilers. The cab is from a Bachmann Consolidation, and I’ve rebuilt the cylinders as more modern piston valve types, but there’s still lots of work left to do. I’ve also narrowed the tenders, as they looked disproportionately wide to me.

Wayne