Ok, so's I got the steam bug! I want to run a steamer on my GN layout, I am building the Vandy tender, which engine do I go with that run's better? The 4-6-2 Pacific, or the 2-8-2 Mikado? The GN ran both, and except for the Belpair boilers, they are both pretty close.
The Pacific's run way better than the Mike's. I have 3 Pacific's and 7 Mikes, as NP ran Mikes for freight and Pacific's for passenger mostly. So I want a lot of Mikes, but they really don't pull that well. -Robert
Hey Robert, do you have any pics of your Pacific's for some inspiration? I didn't see any on your site.
I have not midified a Pacific yet, as the Marklin one looks just like the NP Q-5 and Q-6 Class, but I did modify a Mikado: I also put a Lenz Mini Gold decoder in it: I plan on putting a Lenz Power 1 module in the tender when my LHS gets them in stock. That should solve all the power pickup problems, but still does little for pulling power. Fortunately, I have modified the pilot for MTL couplers, and will be able to double head this loco with another Mike, so I can still reliably run freight trains at shows with this loco. -Robert
I will say that the pacific is a better runner. No doubt. You can pick on up on the action site as they seem to have them, or you can get an american starter set with it from AJCKIDS.com set # 81353. It's not bad for 160 bucks.
Ok, so's I went against the grain on this one. I just didn't like the looks of the pacific. Besides, I'm gonna' be runnin' freights with it. I'll just have to work on her a little bit for pulling! Is there a way to add a little more weight to her for traction? And how do you get a Micro-Trains coupler on the front? I sometimes will put an F-unit or two on the head-end for helpers.
I had to do surgery on the pilot to cut a channel for the MTL coupler, but with a dremel on slow, and an fresh exacto blade, I was able to get a pilot coupler. I had to cut the metal bumpout off the pilot trucks to get the coupler to fit back as far as it is, and I also had to cut the backside of the coupler housing to get enough room. -Robert
Robert: Very nicely done with that decoder installation on the Mikado. I also like your detailing of the loco. Stay cool and run steam.....
Is there a way to blacken out the side-rods and drivers? I've heard of people using like gun products and such. I had some stuff years ago for my N-scale, used to be called "Blacken-it", but don't see it no more.
Blacken-It is still around from A-west, i think. i got it at Caboose hobbies in Denver last year. if you don't find any, i'll send you some in a small bottle. dave f.
You can also use Polly Scale Grimy Black to balcken the side rods of the steamers. Stay cool and run steam......
I 2nd that with the grimey black. Most of the steamers by marklin made today are already blackened. But the ones that don't you can paint the rods and the wheels (just not the treads) with grimey black and it makes it look much much better.
Joe: I like the way you finished the rods and wheels with Grimy black. That's the best and easiest way in the long run. Stay cool and run steam....
Thanks Bob, it really does take the toylike features away from the loco. Just got to be careful not to get it on the treads! Now my Pacific was already blackened so I didn't have to do anything.
Joe: I'm glad I'm in N scale. I have a few MT Z scale cars that I bought some time ago. They really are so very small. STay cool and run steam....
That really is a great weathering job Joe. I did my side rods, but I did not do any weathering other than dipping my dirty paintbrush in brush cleaner, and painting that diluted paint on the smokebox and firebox sides as a wash. I am trying to get the nerve up to weather the rest of the locomotive like yours, but I am afraid I might mess up the finish. -Robert
