Hello Trainboard group, I would like to have a Winans Camel 0-8-0 N-scale model. Not seeing one in the catalogs, what engine might be best to use as a base (motor and wheels) so that I can add the Camel bits on top of? Alternately, would the 4-6-0 lend itself to an easier example for this type of creation? Thanks
I'd never heard in Winans and just researched the name. Interesting -- he's the father of the Camelback. Are you hoping to build a model of one of his from the 1800s or a more "modern" locomotive as from 100 years ago? I wouldn't know where to start. 0-8-0s were made in the '70s (?) in N Scale by Rivarossi (and sold by Atlas and Con-Cor) and by Life-Like perhaps 10 to 15 years ago. The only 4-6-0 I know of was Fleischmann's, imported probably 50 years ago. If you want a good starting point, Life-Like's model is probably the way to go. You could also study using a 2-8-0 perhaps.
After looking at several on the internet it would be a real pain to try and do one of the early ones because of the motor location in most steamers. However a more modern version is doable. I would suggest looking at Athearns 2-8-0 and Bachmanns 4-6-0 for mechanisms and body components.
Is this what you mean? CRAZY! Looks like fun. Though. But I definitely see motor issues unless you put it in the tender. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
I would suggest maybe a micro ace engine. But that is a really small boiler considering. The micro ace stuff usually has smaller drivers. And smaller tenders. But the boilers are to big. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Thanks all. Nice add on those phtos, I have not seen a couple of them. Yes, the early B&O version is where I was thinking of heading. And that does mean the boiler is difficult, so I appreciate the thought of putting part in the tender - an interesting possibility. I will go investigate the options that were offered as possible bodies. The possibility was to take the body off a actual model and then build or 3-d print a new body. But you can see the early 0-8-0 versions with the boiler might not allow that to occur.
The Athearn/MDC 2-8-0 would be the easiest starting point as far as a mechanism goes. You might have to increase the distance between tender and locomotive which would involve lengthening the drive shaft. This gives rise to an aesthetics problem. Can you live with that driveshaft's being prominent? Another possibility would be to use the power chassis from the B-mann 44 or 70 tonner, You could change the sideframes on the truck and build the tender structure around it. You could then build a free wheeling locomotive and have the tender push it. The advantage of the B-mann is that if you are a DCC boy, you have something with a built-in decoder. If you ain't no DCC boy, it is easy to take out the decoder and re-wire. The thing is a very good slow speed runner. Another possibility is to buy a power chassis that one of the Asian manufacturers, Kato and MicroAce especially sell. Those things ain't the easiest to find, but they can be had. You purchase a small one and build your tender around it. You then have it push the free-wheeling locomotive. A third possibility is to buy a power chassis and power a baggage car. It could then push locomotive and tender. The Athearn/MDC mechanism is very good at slow speed. If you are planning to build an 0-8-0, you would need that, as the prototype could go only fifteen to twenty miles per hour. It also has the two middle driver pairs blinded, which allows it to go around sharp curves.
I am trying to figure what kind of platform a d connection there is between the tender and loco. And what size of drivers they are. I will be very interested to see this build. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Thanks 'brokemoto', a great starting point for me. I look forward to investigating the options with the others. I plan to be DCC on the layout. On seeing a build, please don't expect it soon. This is a slow moving project for me but I am trying to make progress during 2019.