Hello, and does anyone know how to convert a cheap Stephenson type valve gear, with the more modern, and cooler Baker or Walshaerts valve gear (external) on locomotives in HO scale. I was reading an older book called something like " The complete guide to model railroading " or something like that, that was from 1964, and it talked about valve gear conversions, and I was wondering where I could find one of those, that would work for most smaller engines. Does anybody have an idea?
A lot has changed since 1964, back then most steam models on layouts were kitbuilt by the modeller so doing modifications was pretty common, like switching parts between Mantua, Bowser and Roundhouse kits.
The best case scenario would be if the manufacturer of the engine makes similar engines with outside valve gear. That might not be too hard to convert. There should still be some manufacturers in the Walthers catalogue (and website) who offer the materials. You’d have to do some drilling of holes (or slots) to insert connections into the cylinder castings.
You posted a similar question here. And you got some good answers.
There was a series of articles in Railroad Model Craftsman during the late 1970s - 1980s by John Swanson about building and kitbashing steam locomotive kits. Some of the articles describe how he modified valve gear for his locomotives.
The downside is that several of the major producers of this stuff are either out of business (Harold Mellor - who I believe is deceased) or out of the steam locomotive kit business (Mantua, Bowser, MDC/Roundhouse).
IIRC, Gordon Odegard decribed how to scrathcbuild valve gear parts in his series on building a brass 2-8-2. The series was published in the 1983 - 1986 period.
Just as wjstix says, there used to be several companies that offered various conversion valve gear “kits” tailored for various widely available locomotives, particularly the Mantua, MDC and Bowser lines. However, I am unaware of any still remaining in business today. The advent of the all RTR locos and the demise of locomotive kits essentially brought an end to these cottage industry firms.
CNJ831
Yardbird Classic Trains offers Mantua Valve Gear kits. http://www.yardbirdtrains.com/YBSMparts.htm
PSC also has a kit designed for the MDC 0-6-0 and which should be useable in other applications. It’s in their catalog. IIRC, they also have individual components (hangers, various rods etc.) as well. Unfortunately, I don’t have my PSC catalog handy to see what little bit/pieces they offer…
Not kits, but possibly useable in whole or in part elsewhere below.
Looks like you can get an assembly for the Bachmann 2-8-0 that includes the valve gear, hanger, main rods and crossheads. http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_68_86&products_id=646
Cylinders and valve gear for the USRA light 2-10-2 (could be useable elsewhere) http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_159
Cylinder and valve gear assembly SY Mikado. Might be able to use all or part (especially if converting slide valve engine to piston valves)
Andre,
Those links to Bachmann parts are very, very useful, I have mine bookmarked in “my favorites” as they are invaluable for any kitbashing or modifying a person wants to make on their engines or any others for that matter.
Thanks to you for posting them…my current project is to make some of those SY Class 2-8-2s look like they “belong” on American rails from the 40s-50s as they are a really great looking engine and a perfect size for a branchline or shortline railroad.
Thanks for posting them for everyone, Mark
You’re welcome.
I seem to recall a thread on The-Gauge Big Blue where someone did a kitbash involving a new scratchbuilt cab and the substitute of a Bacmann medum USRA tender. Unfortunately, I’m unable to locate it. The SY is apparently not in current production (but still appears at the Bachmann website) although the larger JS is. http://www.bachmann.co.uk/image_box.php?image=images1/china/CS00306.jpg&cat_no=CS00306&info=0&width=650&height=308
JS looks a bit like a sawed off QJ.
Andre
Andre,
Somehow I ended up wth 6 of the little buggers for my freelance, started out planning on using NWSL DM&N 2-8-2s as I picked up 3 of them cheap but I own all 6 of the SY’s for about what I gave for the NWSL engines so they’ll probably go back on the block and I’ll use the SY’s after modifying them. And yes, the only really “stinker” about those to me are the cab and the tenders, both of them “weird” looking to my eyes, otherwise great!
Just wish I could get those Bachmann 2-8-0 cabs “seperately”. Oh well, can’t have everything eh?
Mark
River City Railroad on EBay has MDC Harriman cabs for sale starting at $5.99.
Shipping will nearly double the cost if you buy one at a time, but I would think you could combine shippine shipping for multiples.
The MDC cab is the SP version of the Harriman (without the cinder deflector and only one roof hatch).
HTH.
Andre
Am grateful for this post! It reminded me that I still have my very first HO loco: Mantua 0-6-0T, which needs lot of TLC and on which I’d Love to install a valve gear kit. Thank You! TTFN… Old Tom aka papasmurf in NH
Just to add to this thread, Bowser still has valve gear and valve gear components available (at least according the site).
http://www.bowserorders.com/.sc/ms/cat/HO%20Bowser%20Parts--Valve%20Gear
Andre