For my birthday this year, I was given an HO Hommer Climax kit by Ye Olde Huff N Puff.[:D] It’s a nice looking kit, and I’m going to have some fun making a running model out of it! But my one problem is that it doesn’t include trucks, and I can’t seem to find any that would fit a small Climax. Anyone have any idea what I should use, and who makes it? (they show regular old arch bar trucks in the picture, but I know that’s not right)
This is going to take a lot more than just trucks. You need running gear and motor, plus maybe a flywheel. Sounds like you must have done conversions if you are considering getting it to run.
Look at the Climax diagrams at the Bachmann site.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/references_2010.php
Also, look at the MDC/Roundhouse diagrams for the old MDC Climax.
http://www.hoseeker.net/mdcmiscellaneous.html
NWSL has Stanton drives that might work with an appropriate side frame.
http://shop.osorail.com/category.sc?categoryId=176
How much is the loco worth to you?
Whatever route you choose, it will be money and time.
I thought of this many years ago when I first saw the loco but gave up the idea very quickly.
Rich
You don’t know who you’re dealing with.[:)]
Keystone Shay
Bowser L-1 Mikado
Grandt Line box cab
Jordan Products 15-ton
Stewart/Lindsay F3A
Tyco Chattanooga
Athearn Hustler
Wiseman 15-ton
(and much, much more!)
In my case, powering the thing isn’t a problem.[:D] I mostly just need to know if anyone makes appropriate truck sideframes for a Class A Climax, or at least something close. I’ve already thought up an under-floor drive unit, so if I can get some trucks, I can make this project happen.[:)]
Your post did not give any indication of your experience. I answered the question as it was asked.
With the experience you mentioned, it looks like you already know what you need and want to do.
Rich
Darth
I’ve often wanted to create a reasonably scaled HOn3 Class A Climax. While the plans I looked at were for a Class B, I was struck by the 3.25ft wheel base trucks. Nothing else I know of used such a short wheel base for their trucks. It makes my MDC Climax conversion that much more ridiculous. I assume the short wheel base was to make the gearing to the axles more manageable. I’d be very interested in what the typical Class A truck wheel base was.
To me, the best starting point for the Climax drive/trucks would be the NWSL Keystone Shay drive. Perhaps the wheel base could be shortened by moving the worms closer together. For the truck side frames, I would make these cosmetic and “print” them to fit your drive using the Shapeways 3D printing system. Add a metal insert for the axle ends to turn in. There may be something suitable already in the Shapeways catalog of parts - I know there are trucks of various designs. See www.shapeways.com
Another path is to contact David Hoffman (no web address or e-mail, just phone and snail mail). He makes a 4 wheel Climax in HOn3 and HOn30. He also bought out NWSL’s supplies for the Keystone Shay drive, and makes Keystone Shay drives with new parts and a line-shaft drive (I have one on order). He specializes in Eastern narrow gauge in both HOn3 and HOn30 variants. He may have somethig suitable, or be willing to make up a casting for
So many of the Bachmann 2-truck Climax models from a couple years ago have failed due to split gears that you might be able to pick up one at “scrap” value. The sideframes could then be utilized with your gearing rather than the failed ones. Design of the side frames or wheel sets was similar between the Class A and the Class B, although the heavier locomotives did of necessity have heavier grade of side frames.
Bill
Hello Darth I found these they look close to what’s on your keystone shay.
hope this helps Frank
I don’t know if this will be helpful to you or not. But there was an article in the February 1996 issue of MR called “Building a Climax Geared Locomotive” by George Preston. The sub-heading in the table of contents says “convert an inexpensive HOn3 (or HO) Climax from an MDC Shay kit.”
I believe that all he uses from the Shay is the frame (modified) and the trucks. He also uses an On-Trak boiler (whoever they were), and NWSL gears. Plus some scratchbuilding.
Sounds like it might be right up your alley
Thanks everyone for the responses so far! The Grasse River trucks may be a little too small, but the 3D printing or using spare trucks from other models may be just what I need. If it’s too much trouble to find proper Climax sideframes though, I may try getting Shay parts instead and modifying them a bit to look more like Climax parts. This kit is tiny, so it’ll be interesting to make a running model from it!
Hello Darth I found this site and its looks like what you want to do. About a 1/4 way down he list side frames for sale. hope this helps Frank
Thank you for the link to the kit. That is exactly what I was looking for as a starting point for an HOn3 Climax (Class A).
Fred W
Perfect! That’s just what I need! Thanks for the link![:D]
I’ve now ordered the needed drive parts from NWSL. I’ll be using Flea gearboxes for the axles, and their 1220D-9 motor with a flywheel. I’ll use a belt drive to quietly slow it down, and the whole thing will be mounted under the floor, out of sight.[:)]
Darth:
Please keep us updated on your progress.
Joe
Darth, I have a brass Class A Climax, and the truck wheelbase is indeed 3.5’. The Grasse River trucks, however, are wood-beam, and therefore unsprung. The ones on my Climax look like sprung (not REALLY sprung, but look like) trucks, which would figure, since it’s cheaper to fix a log car than a locomotive if it jumps the track.
Bump for Darth
gmcrail, nice Climax! I’d look at the brass models myself too, but they always seem too expensive for me to seriously consider. So, I’ll just have to see what I can do with this wood and metal kit.[:)] It won’t be as heavy, but I think I can squeeze some lead in here and there for decent traction.
Mark Rollins still has his sideframes available, so I’ve ordered a set of those since they seem to be the best option. That’s all the parts I need now, so I’ll start another topic when I get to building it.[:D]
Hi
im at the same point with the hommer kit. ive fitted some spare trucks at moment to check movement ect…
if your running on around sharp corners then the side covers need changing to allow the wheels to clear.
im playing with the idea of using Hollywood foundry goes under system with a small motor mounted under the floor and keeping the interior clear for crews.
I’ll try and upload some picture when I work out how.
chris
chris86, the kit’s looking good! The custom mechanism I’ll be putting together with Flea components will be very similar to the Gozunder drive. The only real difference is that I’ll be mounting the motor off to the side, and it’ll have a reduction belt drive to a central shaft (did a lot of measuring to make sure it would all clear). I’m hoping to hit about 10 to 15 scale MPH at the top end.[:D]
thank you, hopefully finish weathering soon and add last bit of detail.
braver then me with a flea mod, looking forward to see some pictures when finished. should run like a champ when finished
happy modelling.