Anyone attempted a conversion yet? It has a lot of potential. "Working" valve gear, wheel diameter scales well. I bet it runs better than a marklin.
I must admit I had never given any thought to doing conversions but when I do think about it, I believe you are onto something. I could definitely see the possibility of D&RGW 2-8-0s and 2-8-2s with an RLW or someone else's shell if it will fit.
Turns out the AZL mikado makes a fine starting point. I'm at the point where I have a "running" chassis now. Even without the weight of the boiler and tender electrical pickup it runs pretty nice! Obligatory "giant penny" pic: Starting to resemble a K-37:
Looks like the frame eliminates the tender drive. Where did you get the frame? On a side note, I wonder how a Rokuhan 2-8-2 in a similar application.