RAPIDO to Knuckle couplers...N Scale Loco conversion to HOn30 Narrow gauge locos


ckj6900

Member
Hi guys....
am fairly new here and I live in Berlin Germany.....
But here is my question..
I bought 4 used ATLAS engines..the older ones with the couplers attached to the trucks.
But they are the RAPIDO style and I am trying to find a replacement knuckle coupler that can be installed in the same pocket.
so any help is highly appreciated.Also looking for a reliable source / Train Supply House. They have them here but US stuff is
either not available or only parts there of. And new engines etc are extremely expensive...like US manufacturers List Price.....
So any help is greatly appreciated.
Oh and I actually model in HOn2 1/2 but I use N Scale Engines and convert them.
here is a Arnold US engine now converted. I kept the original body..Hood Elements and built around it...it still needs some more detail.
I thank you all and have a great weekend
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1337.jpg
    IMG_1337.jpg
    291.7 KB · Views: 504
Hi, went a bit further with my conversions.....
Here are some in the works.
I love the Rio Grande Logo...so I will keep it. Is there a prototype...I would say no...but who cares...narrow gauge mining ...everything is possible....
also converted one in all black....
All of them need more details. Already on order from Shapeways.
For the cars, I converted the long HOe LILLIPUT cars. They where shortened, distressed and weathered. I bought 6 of them quite reasonably on E Bay. # had the Break Stage left on, 3 where converted without.
Here is a picture of the original car body and for comparison, the shortened one.
then the distressed, weathered ones.
I will post more pictures of the Loco conversions as I go along
Cheers to all....stay healthy !
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1446.jpg
    IMG_1446.jpg
    357.9 KB · Views: 313
  • IMG_1546.jpg
    IMG_1546.jpg
    69.5 KB · Views: 270
  • IMG_1503 2.JPG
    IMG_1503 2.JPG
    72.8 KB · Views: 228
  • IMG_1547.jpg
    IMG_1547.jpg
    72.4 KB · Views: 212
  • IMG_1548.jpg
    IMG_1548.jpg
    77 KB · Views: 212
Last edited:
Hi there,
some more pictures of the Black One.....
No details and without walkways...and the first layer of weathering applied....
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1571.jpg
    IMG_1571.jpg
    369.8 KB · Views: 286
  • IMG_1573.jpg
    IMG_1573.jpg
    415 KB · Views: 264
  • IMG_1574.jpg
    IMG_1574.jpg
    295.7 KB · Views: 236
Hi,
now I like to introduce the layout.
The first 4 pictures are of the one that inspired me.
The last one is the current stage of mine....
It is 100 X 61 CM wit an elevation change of 0 to 5.5 CM . The upper siding will service the planned quarry are. The lower siding with a 30 degree switch will go to the office / oil facility and an eventual extension.But to guarantee good reliable operation I would have to use a 15 degree switch moved back to the area under the bridge.The idea is a Crusher facility with a return loop...but at this stage just an idea.....
I have started on the Face shovels for the quarry.
I did want one of a bit of SUBSTANCE, but due to the space limitations I came up with a compromise.
I started with a 1 : 60 scale WIKING model as seen in the first picture. Then I changed the cab to match 1:87...with some other changes it will be small enough to fit but look large enough to show substance.
The last picture shows a UB 80 shovel. A bit smaller and it will be ,after some changes, parked as a comparison.....
Anyone looking for a great mining shove in HO scale,, SHAPEWAYS has on I fell in love with. Unfortunately a bit too big for my space.
The designer made 3 versions of the same machine as used in different times/areas. And the price is not too bad either $ 120,00
I know i am bouncing around but that keeps me from getting bored. We all have some things we totally LOVE doing and then there are the things we NEED to do.....so a bit of variety helps.
On this note enjoy and a HAPPY NEW YEAR filed with GREAT PROJECTS
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6195.jpg
    IMG_6195.jpg
    129.7 KB · Views: 313
  • IMG_6205.jpg
    IMG_6205.jpg
    153.6 KB · Views: 369
  • IMG_0406.jpg
    IMG_0406.jpg
    132 KB · Views: 220
  • IMG_0504.jpg
    IMG_0504.jpg
    191.1 KB · Views: 213
  • IMG_1200.jpg
    IMG_1200.jpg
    611.9 KB · Views: 216
  • IMG_0818.jpg
    IMG_0818.jpg
    291.3 KB · Views: 216
  • IMG_0887.jpg
    IMG_0887.jpg
    277.7 KB · Views: 221
  • IMG_0889.jpg
    IMG_0889.jpg
    259.4 KB · Views: 221
  • 710x528_31550377_16705592_1604773171.png
    710x528_31550377_16705592_1604773171.png
    280.7 KB · Views: 231
Hi,
First of...A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to all !
Ok...went a bit further on the Shovels.....Now the finer work begins...
And for the Locos, the parts I ordered in the States came the last day of the year...
And I attached the Air Tanks to the 2 black ones.....now they need the air lines etc and some other details.
Until soon.....
Cheers
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1606.jpg
    IMG_1606.jpg
    227.8 KB · Views: 175
  • IMG_1608.jpg
    IMG_1608.jpg
    296.7 KB · Views: 221
  • IMG_1609.jpg
    IMG_1609.jpg
    255.7 KB · Views: 189
  • IMG_1610.jpg
    IMG_1610.jpg
    316.6 KB · Views: 218
  • IMG_1611.jpg
    IMG_1611.jpg
    310.4 KB · Views: 258
  • IMG_1613.jpg
    IMG_1613.jpg
    273.1 KB · Views: 176
Wow how did I miss this?
Very nice Chris, quite inspiring!
Oh, and welcome aboard, looking forward to seeing more...
 
Hi Rico,
appreciate it ! I went a bit further along. I got my Decal Sheet from MICROSCALE for the TEXAS MEXICAN RR.
The primary reason for the Decals, It had enough Logos for quite a few Engines and it loosely fit my Layout idea.
A South Western Mining RR on border, that works both sides and thus would allow foe modified European rolling stock....
So here we are.....
Now more detail is needed...like Railings etc.....and of course weathering and heavy use distress.....
enjoy
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1662.jpg
    IMG_1662.jpg
    427 KB · Views: 264
  • IMG_1663.jpg
    IMG_1663.jpg
    281.5 KB · Views: 173
  • IMG_1665.jpg
    IMG_1665.jpg
    289.2 KB · Views: 189
  • IMG_1664.jpg
    IMG_1664.jpg
    287 KB · Views: 196
  • IMG_1666.jpg
    IMG_1666.jpg
    341.5 KB · Views: 215
  • IMG_1669.jpg
    IMG_1669.jpg
    300.1 KB · Views: 170
Hi guys,
well corona has a good side...LOTS of TIME......
I just got my new loco, an older KATO SD-9 a great runner and just made to convert.

So by now, she got a cut down US HO cab, Air tanks and piping and the first Running Boards....
Next are the Pilots and front and back Running boards.
i already ordered railings from the US......
I also found something interesting in the world of TT Scale...a Side dump car....
For the guys in HOn3 all you guys have to do is change the couplers, remove the buffers and redo the platform and railing at one end..PROVIDING you do not run on tight radius curves like I do...For HOn30/HOe I has to rebuilt the mounting for the Trucks and change the trucks to Lilliput HOe ones....It looks really good so far. Once all the bugs are worked out I will build a 5 car train.
Well, be SAFE guys
Cheers
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1680.jpg
    IMG_1680.jpg
    305.4 KB · Views: 161
  • IMG_1691.jpg
    IMG_1691.jpg
    370.5 KB · Views: 183
  • IMG_1693.jpg
    IMG_1693.jpg
    349.7 KB · Views: 273
  • IMG_1694.jpg
    IMG_1694.jpg
    330.5 KB · Views: 162
Hi,
thanks guys, will keep you all posted on the progress.
And RICO...go for it !
At the moment I am a bit stuck on the layout, all the HOMEDEPOT style stores are closed, so I can't get any more of the blue foam boards. I could order them but the shipping is about 4 times the cost of the material...so NO.....On a good note, I ordered a 15 degree switch from Japan and it should be here in few days, allowing me to add a siding and possibility for an extension at a later date.
Cheers
Chris
 
Hi,
so the switch from Japan is here.....( funny that I can get something from Japan to Germany in 10 days....but from Austria to here 8 weeks...)
I test fitted it and LOVE it.....
The wood for the Trestle and Cribbing is also in the mail......
And I got some GREAT scale Stones from Hungary. Look at the picture. 100 pieces in a bag and the seller will give you a good discount if you order more than one bag !

My Trestle and Tunnel entrances will look somewhat like the pictures attached...at least that is the general idea.

Have a Great weekend guys
Stay SAFE and HEALTHY
Chris
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1742.jpg
    IMG_1742.jpg
    621.1 KB · Views: 149
  • Screenshot_2021-01-30 100 Miniatur weiße Stein Blöcke O HO Maßstab 1 43 1 35 Diorama Modell f...png
    Screenshot_2021-01-30 100 Miniatur weiße Stein Blöcke O HO Maßstab 1 43 1 35 Diorama Modell f...png
    253 KB · Views: 219
  • 201699174639_trestle with tracks small.jpg
    201699174639_trestle with tracks small.jpg
    184.7 KB · Views: 160
  • IMG_0473.jpg
    IMG_0473.jpg
    125.4 KB · Views: 169
Hi,
well....the position of the switch had to change. Once the track was put down trains started to derail at the beginning of the switch.
It must have been the fact that it was right at the beginning of the incline. I moved the switch forward to the new location and now all is well in the track world.
And, I am working on a cheaper version of SCULPTAMOLD.....not the mix you find on line... a bit different!
And easier.....It is based on Cellulose Blow in Insulation...already shredded to the right consistency. The mix is 2/3 Cellulose, 1/3 Plaster of Paris.....
once thoroughly mixed add water till you get the wanted consistency...then add some white glue to it !
The best part...it is even cheaper than the TP cellulose..... The Blow in Insulation Cellulose is about $18 for 20 lbs ...lots of material....

Once I have some installed...pictures....
Cheers
Chris
 

Attachments

  • unnamed switch .jpg
    unnamed switch .jpg
    562 KB · Views: 176
Hi,
I always had bad luck weathering my track, or getting the track in good running order, except for my Large Scale Garden layout.....
This time I took more than great care to lay down the track and I am very satisfied with the result.
So looking at the layout the shine of the track still bothered me but the fear of screwing all up again...well it lingered....
Then a friend of mine told me about the Woodland Scenics Track Painter.
I took some and tried it....a few inches at the time always making sure the top of the track was cleaned off right away.....
I am a convert of the the Track Pen ....I rusted the track, not only does it look great but also NO PROBLEM with the running of the trains!
Now to the ballasting and further detailing of track and finishing the rough terrain....
cheers
Chris
 
Thanks for the tip Chris.I am about to embark on a small N layout, and the use of track weathering visually reduces the height of the rail. I will be using code 80 track as I have purchased a number of cartons of this over a period of time. I am going to presume it is easiest to do the weathering prior to laying the track - 4 edges to be treated !
Time to crack the track out of the cartons is close !
 
Thanks for the tip Chris.I am about to embark on a small N layout, and the use of track weathering visually reduces the height of the rail. I will be using code 80 track as I have purchased a number of cartons of this over a period of time. I am going to presume it is easiest to do the weathering prior to laying the track - 4 edges to be treated !
Time to crack the track out of the cartons is close !
Hi,
have fun weathering your track! I found the primary benefit is that no paint gets in to the joints when using sectional rack.Thus not interfering with operation.
The joints can be touched up when the track is in place. Plus, if you know where the rack goes, only the visible part needs to be colored in!
Have fun and keep us posted,
cheers
Chris
 
Hi,
since I am a bit stuck with the Terrain building...lack of material.....
I continued with an other Mining Shovel.
Then I found this servo unit on E bay.....

I already contacted the designer/builder, I can get a plain one to power my shovel.
In the meantime I am trying to find a way to raise the bucket through the swing motion....
This coupled with a sound chip of a quarry excavator loading should add some interest....
here it is
Cheers
Chris
 

Attachments

  • 0-6.jpg
    0-6.jpg
    116.7 KB · Views: 173
  • 0-7.jpg
    0-7.jpg
    104.3 KB · Views: 175
  • Screenshot_2021-03-14 Wiking O K Raupenbagger mit Servosteuerung Fertigmodell Funktionsmodell ...png
    Screenshot_2021-03-14 Wiking O K Raupenbagger mit Servosteuerung Fertigmodell Funktionsmodell ...png
    1.8 MB · Views: 218
Last edited:



Back
Top