Hello all! This is a simple, one-afternoon sort of modification for those who want to do so. I have a Bachmann 2-6-6-2, one of the earlier ones which depicts the USRA H-5 type. This is a great model with loads of detail, and mine runs quite well to boot (some don't, I suppose) but the original USRA cab did not remain past 1930 or so. As I am shooting for a layout date of 1952, I needed the standard C&O sport-model cab with the notched forward corner and the longer roof. I just happened to have one. I bought an H4 shell a while ago to donate detail parts for my K3 build, and lo and behold, the cab is a direct swap! I simply renumbered it to 1534 on the cab sides and tender rear, trimmed the white-edged detail bit beneath the cab to end at the forward edge of the notch, and here it is! A great, simple little project for anyone who wants to make their H5 model a bit more "Prototypey."
The next project will be to change the incorrect sand domes and a few other details on an H4 to correctly depict an H4... if i can just get hold of one! Amanda