I completed a little Consolidation project last week, converting a Bachmann 2-8-0 into a PRR H 10s. I relocated the headlight, reworked the boilerplate, scratchbuilt some boiler and smokebox details, and did a rebuild and upgrade to the drivetrain. I did not add the flat-cornered Belpaire firebox, because I offered it up on eBay and I figure it will probably go for less than my time was worth. So no use putting even MORE time into it! Anyway my hope is that with the proceeds from the auction I can buy a few more engines and do it again for my own collection. I might do it one more time for eBay if it goes well enough. I was pretty thrilled to get this Bachmann running as well as it does now. It took some doing, including adding a molded lead weight to the front truck and reworking the truck faces. After seeing the difference, I now highly recommend this procedure for Bachmann steam, and I can give details if anyone is interested. More images and a full description of the work are available here:Ebay Auction Link. Just ignore the salesy stuff. If any of you guys do actually bid and win and you want the prototypical firebox added, I would do it for only $45. Just let me know you're a trainboard member if I don't know you by name. My next project (after delivering the last of some modern Kenworths I'm painting up - check out Showcase miniatures, they're awesome!) will be a custom PRR M1a Mountain (4-8-2). This one is going to be a long project, but well worth it for a classic engine that isn't avaiable on the market. Regards, David [ 30. July 2003, 18:15: Message edited by: David Chong ]
Looks real good David! I have one of these older Bachmanns and have wanted to do a similar project. Most interesting is the relocation of the headlight. Perhaps you can share that with me? Thanks! Russ
Thanks Russ! The headlight was a pretty big project. I started out by slicing it off with an Xacto blade, scoring all sides before cutting it cleanly through. This left a hole in the boilerplate, and a shortened headlight housing. Also, the front plate itself was out of round, to accomodate the headlight. So I filed and cut down the plate to make it round, then used putty to fill in the hole. After the putty set, I sanded it smooth. Lastly, I added a brass number plate to the front to match the prototype. To relocate the headlight, I drilled a hole through the top front of the plate, angled down towards the light in the smokebox. Then I drilled a similar hole through the bottom rear of the headlight piece. I glued a half-round piece of styrene to the back of the headlight to form the rear of the housing that sticks up above the boiler. After painting the interior while, I attached it in position, lining up the holes to allow light through. Lastly, a lens made of Crystal Clear finished the job! Also, use putty from the inside to fill in any light leaks in the new position. David
Thanks for the info Dave! Seems like a lot of work went into that project and Yes, I would love to see it with a Belpaire boiler Happy railroading! Russ
