swapping steam locomotive shells

[gregc]

i have a bachmann plus 2-8-0 that wobbles. bowser had sold replacement mechanisms, but don't any longer (http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoemrrs/mechanisms/mechanisms.htm).

how difficult would it be to move the bachmann shell to a different 2-8-0 mechanism from bowser, mantua or even bachman spectrum? what are the likely problems?

 

[UP2CSX]

You should be able to swap the shell on a Bachmann Spectrum without any problem since they are basically the same engine. Other models might not be so easy unless the motor is the same size and placement is the same as the Bachmann. I'm not clear why you don't just buy the Bachmann Spectrum if you want another 2-8-0 and fix the problem with the existing engine. Wobbles with steam locomotives are almost always related to valve gear binding and can be tracked down and fixed.

 

[gregc]

thanks, i didn't know wobbles were related to valve gear binding. i've only recently read about the nwsl quaterer, and how manufacturers don't always do a good job.

i could get another 2-8-0, but i was looking for a reading i-10.

 

[kbkchooch]

Swapping the Bachmann Reading shell to a later Spectrum drive is going to require a bit of fabrication. They are NOT the same under the skin. The boiler is bigger on the Reading unit, hence the piston saddle is wider. Plus the Reading shell has screws in the side holding it on, the Spectrum unit attached from the bottom. (I've got a few of each)
IF it were me, I would enlist the help of Bowser to see if any of thier distributors still have any of the repower kits, OR check with Northwest Short line to see if a like-sized set of drivers could be had.
Actually Bachmann went through 3 versions of the drive chassis in that model, the first 2 were junk, but the 3rd , marketed as "Plus" series, had a can motor and ran very well. Easiest way to tell? The 1st 2 versions also had traction tires!

 

[Cjcrescent]

IF it were me, I would enlist the help of Bowser to see if any of thier distributors still have any of the repower kits, OR check with Northwest Short line to see if a like-sized set of drivers could be had...

Let's not forget E-bay. That's where I got my kit. But instead of a Reading boiler, I used an extra Spectrum boiler on mine. It was a tricky build, but also was a fun build.

One thing Karl forgot to mention, the repower kits also have several versions as well. One version requires you to use the old Bachmann cylinders, as a "cover " for the new cylinder block. Why they did this, I'll never understand, as with the next "version" up to the latest you got a complete cylinder block.