4-4-2 From an 0-6-0?

[CharlesH.]

Many years ago, when they still made good movies and the SP still existed, I got a Tyco 0-6-0 that kicked the bucket less than a year after buying it, as it must to all Tyco engines, and it's been taking up space in shelves ever since.

Not too long ago I was contemplating its rusted remains and I thought I could turn it into something useful, after all, the shell isn't that bad, I need a new engine and I'd like a bit of steam kitbashing practice. Being a passenger train fan I thought of something small but speedy, so I settled for a 4-4-2 Atlantic... and I've run into a few little issues.

First- What was relative size of these engines? I'm talking about a pre-WWI steamer that was upgraded sometime in the 20's. I put it next to my Spectrum 2-8-0 and it almost looks like a tootsie toy (actually about 3/4 the length). I understand that it's supposed to be a switcher (or is it?) so maybe I could stretch the boiler a bit or perch it high above the frame for a high and mighty look. Any thoughts here?

Then- The motor. As you can see in the attached sketch, I intend to use a worm gear drive... problem is that the firebox area is little more than 3/4" long and just about that wide. What kind of motor do you use on a small HO steamer?

Finally- The valve gear (Walschaerts, of course!). I'm no good at exacting metalwork (yet) so, would a Bowser or Mantua switcher valve gear kit work on a pair of 70- 80 inch drivers? (Who makes those, anyway?).

So? Am I nuts or is this a potentially interesting project? This is a long term job, and I won't be starting right away but still, any words of advice (or discouragement) would be appreciated.

 

[lmackattack]

I think it would be a cool project. Many railroads such as the IC would take larger units and turn them into smaller. IC built many in house 4-8-2 from old 2-10-2. and built a 4-6-4 out of a 4-8-2. In those days it was fairly common for larger railroads to build their own engines out of old worn out engines at the time of there overhaul. I say go for it...

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

I have an extra Mantua valve gear kit, PM me.

 

[NYW&B]

Ah...I really don't think this is a very good idea, Charles.

First off, the Tyco's boiler is that of a small switcher. Short of a total re-build you really can't make a believable 4-4-2 out of it.

Secondly, the present drive wheels are, I believe, about 53", way too small for an Atlantic. As well, there is very little clearance between adjacent wheels on the 0-6-0 as it is, so without creating a new frame with a wider wheel spacing, you can't fit a pair of 70" or 80" wheels into the available space. Simply using the first and third axle slots in the existing frame will displace the larger wheels too far forward and rearward.

Valve gear to match would present an additional set of problems.

NYW&B

 

[CharlesH.]

Well, I recently happened upon plans for PRR's E6 class, and lo and behold, the dimensions are only a few feet off. The shell is about 3 feet too short, so an extension doesn't seem to impossible. I also figured that 80" drivers are a little too much, so I suppose it won't be much of a high-stepper. As for the frame, I guess I could try to build one out of brass stock (if I can find some), so if anyone has ever done something of the kind, I'd appreciate a few tips.

And, thaddeus... hold on to that kit please!

 

[cripete]

Pennsylvania E-6 used same boiler as H-9

The Pennsy 'E-6' used same boiler as 'H-9' consolidations.
As did some burly 0-8-0s. BOWSER makes both locos in
their line and you can buy one or both (and/ or components of
them) before they are all gone.
Since BOWSER has announced they will cease making steam
locomotive kits, that means purchasing them soon is
recommended.
MDC(now ATHEARN) also made a Pennsy plastic 'E-6'. None of
these are compatiblly convertible from Mantua/TYCO 0-6-0
for reasons indicated by others already .

There were Rara Avis -"Atlantics" -
built for non North American narrow gauge lines that are
convertible, but that does not serve your purpose.

Turn it into an operable 0-6-0 by replacing components
where needed is best use for it .
Good- Luck, PJB