After the comments on my earlier "European HO Models" thread and visiting Wolfgang's website, I'm on the brink of purchasing an HO steam locomotive kit (or one to bash). Before I plunk down some hard earned cash, I have some questions. I want to have a smooth running, quiet, great low speed operating locomotive. I'm seriously considering Bowser's USRA 2-8-2 kit, but I've heard mixed comments about the motor that is included. How do I size a can motor for replacement? Do I get the measurements of the existing motor and try to find a size match? If I want good slow speed operation, will I have to regear (the driving wheels, the worm, or both)? Anyone have any experience with Alliance Locomotive Products remotoring kits? I know that I can spend less money and buy a very nice plastic RTR steamer. However, since I'm going to build a small layout (modules), I'll have the time to spend on kits and laying rail. BTW, I've never built a locomotive kit or laid rail, but no better time than now to try . Thanks
If I were you, I'd consider looking on eBay for an Athearn 2-8-2. They can be had for reasonable prices, run great straight out of the box, and being plastic, are much easier to super-detail. There have also been recent articles in MODEL RAILROADER magazine about detailing them, one as a a UP locomotive, and one as a MEC loco. Tom
I've paid someone for a good mechanism. I've no lathe, and I didn't want to invest time (and money) to learn it. Some people want to earn their money this way. And so I got a good running engine. Wolfgang
Chris: This is the best deal with respect to repowering: < http://www.micro-loco-motion.com > It is comparitively easy to fit their powerplants in a BOWSER loco, seconary to the fact that they are made of pewter/zamac and- are easily filed in the few instances where the motor won't fit as is. BOWSER gearing is fine and if you tell MICRO-LOCO-MOTION what you want the motor for, they can assist you. In any event, it is a worthwhile experience to build a kit loco for the skill learning experience. Also, the end product will outpull any plastic loco because of the engine mass coupled with the torque generated by this powerplant combo. Good Luck, PJB
After doing a bit more research, I'm going to press ahead and make an attempt on building a locomotive kit. Thanks pjb for the site. I'll email or call them to see what I can find out about their motors. Tom, I've looked at available plastic models and considered what you recommend. The odd thing is, I'm reluctant to slice into a nicely done RTR model . I'm more willing to butcher a kit (which I've done in the case of freight cars and buildings) . Thanks again for the info!
