ATSF 3460 Blue Goose Build

[mmagliaro]

Thanks Peteski.  Yes, it would he be helpful from an actual owner of one of those things to have some
driver-to-driver measurements and tests of running quality.   I am not making this kitbash, obviously.
But if I were, the running quality, while if it's not up to the better MicroAce engines would be disappointing,
would not dissuade me.  I'd be primarily looking for a good frame and gears, and the correct axle-to-axle spacing
and rods to allow more of a drop-in for the Hiawatha drivers than the CC 4-6-4.

[Cajonpassfan]

Yes Peteski, please do. And I'm also interested in its running qualities. My reaction, looking at the photos, is that the rigid wheelbase is a bit long, with too much space between the correctly sized drivers. It should be 14'-6". But, in this particular case, on a three coupled 84" drivered loco, I'd much rather accept a bit longer rigid wheelbase then an undersized driver. Too bad it doesn't come with the right type of driver...
Otto K.

[peteski]

See https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34698  For a review (and dimensions) of that 4-6-2 loco.

[carlso]

peteski,

A very thorough posting. That's what is great about TRW, people always helping others.

Carl

[Cajonpassfan]

Yes Peteski, thank you very much! Great review, it's a bummer buying an engine for a project just to find out it won't work! Your effort is truly appreciated.
So my take is this is a well engineered model, with close to 84" drivers at 1:160. Unfortunately, drivers are spoked and not immediately usable for any of the big hudsons, and too big for any North American spoked pacific drivers (80" was pretty much the max; Pennsy, B&O, B&M, Reading?) The rigid wheelbase is also rather long, by close to 2' and worse for a pacific. Too bad, it looks like a well running, good looking mechanism....
Thanks again, Otto

[peteski]

Yes Peteski, thank you very much! Great review, it's a bummer buying an engine for a project just to find out it won't work! Your effort is truly appreciated.
So my take is this is a well engineered model, with close to 84" drivers at 1:160. Unfortunately, drivers are spoked and not immediately usable for any of the big hudsons, and too big for any North American spoked pacific drivers (80" was pretty much the max; Pennsy, B&O, B&M, Reading?) The rigid wheelbase is also rather long, by close to 2' and worse for a pacific. Too bad, it looks like a well running, good looking mechanism....
Thanks again, Otto

Yup Otto, that pretty much sums it up.

[Lemosteam]

Are parts available for the locomotive?  Anyone with lathe skills only needs to remove 0.0125" on the radius of the tread to achieve an 80" driver...  84"-80"=4/160=0.025"/2=0.0125" on the radius.  The drivers could be used on other chassis...

[peteski]

Are parts available for the locomotive? Anyone with lathe skills only needs to remove 0.0125" on the radius of the tread to achieve an 80" driver...  84"-80"=4/160=0.025"/2=0.0125" on the radius.  The drivers could be used on other chassis...

I have no idea John.  Micro Ace does not distribute or sell models in USA.  Too bad Ebi (from the A-board) is not here - he would be able to answer this question.  If he hangs around other model RR forums you might be able to get in touch with him (this is the only RR forum I participate in).  Removing 0.0125" might be tricky on the traction tire driver.  It might make the metal too thin.  And without a traction tire the pulling ability goes down the drain.

[nscaler711]

Sorry to have gotten anyones hopes up, I thought it could have worked but I suppose I forgot about the whole 1:150 thing with micro ace... what kills me is Kato does 1:150 Japanese trains yet all of their Shinkansens are 1:160... must be due to the fact the high speed stuff runs on standard gauge I guess.

[PROPULDUDE]

I'm hoping the topic will return to Jason's build. Any progress?

[nscaler711]

well it was "on topic".... for the most part, i knew of the problems they were having with driver size, and i knew of a Japanese Steamer that had ridiculously sized drivers and just had to post it figuring it may solve some issues.

Consider this a Bump  Dying (not literal) to see pictures or hear (see) some progress on this, I love custom builds, it is so inspiring.

[superturbine]

After many hours of body work the Blue Goose is taking shape.  Now on to the details of the tender, the handrails installation of the firebox and paint.


Jason Smith
Tomball Locomotive Works

[mmagliaro]

Hey, nice looking work, Jason.  The round body contours like the shrouds and the nose look
really nice and very smooth.  It should look great with paint on it!

[RWCJr]

Great looking casting Jason!! The boiler shell is a strong combination of graceful curves and hard straight angles. Beautiful start.
Robert

[Cajonpassfan]

Nice work Jason, beautiful casting; glad to see you back at it. What a gorgeous engine!
Looking forward to future installments...
Otto K.