I posted this originally on Trainboard so if you saw it there I apologize for the double posting.
Okay I got my stealth Y3. That's the one without sound. So I had to compare it with my earlier LifeLike Y3. The first thing I noticed is that the bottom plates on both sets of drivers is different. The rear screw, not the one that holds the rear wheels on but the next one forward, has been ofset to the side to allow the gearing to the rear driver. The screw post inside has also been offset. What this means is that updating the LifeLike model is not a simple matter of inserting new gears and driver. Also, judging by the exploded parts drawing it is not possible to purchase individual drivers, etc. Instead part numbers are listed for sub assemblies. Each engine is a sub assembly. That means you get the entire thing, drivers gears, steam, chests, valve gear, etc. sort of like an entire diesel truck assembly. I did not disassemble the locomotives but it appears that the older LifeLike locomotive can be upgraded by changing the rear engine. It appears that upgrading the front engine could also be done and could result in changing the locomotve to a simple articulated or by using the original larger steam chests keep it as a compound. I don't know if any of these were ever made into simple articulateds. So two questions here. Has anyone attempted this and does anyone know the cost for the rear engine.
