N scale camel back

[160pennsy]

@EdKap2 comes through.

@Ed Kapuscinski -please thank @EdKap2 for providing those Reading camelback photos as inspiration!.....The above picture of Reading 4-6-0 #654 looks like it has similar stack and sand dome placement. Also found the below shot of Reading 4-6-0 #589 for reference. It does look somewhat similar to the Aspenmodel assembled kit but I'm still learning about the various spotting features.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The big thing that sticks out to me as differing is the cab and cab windows.

But that shouldn't be a huge issue to fix if it bugs you.

[ncbqguy]

Because the CB&Q had two Camelback 2-8-0s in an order of class D conventional engines I have been paying attention to roads that one wouldn’t expect to see them on.   For example, the Wabash got two Baldwin Philadelphia & Reading 2-8-0s that were not paid for due to the P&R having a financial embarrassment.  Western roads tried Wooten firebox engines in an effort to have them burn low grade coal (like Lignite) or culm (coal left over after being graded).  They generally were not successful either due to coal supply or higher maintenance on flues due to the poor water compared to Easter roads. 
The two CB&Q engines did not last very long and at least one of the pair got a conventional Belpraire firebox and was the prototype for Class D2. 
Charlie Vlk

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Because the CB&Q had two Camelback 2-8-0s in an order of class D conventional engines I have been paying attention to roads that one wouldn’t expect to see them on.   For example, the Wabash got two Baldwin Philadelphia & Reading 2-8-0s that were not paid for due to the P&R having a financial embarrassment.  Western roads tried Wooten firebox engines in an effort to have them burn low grade coal (like Lignite) or culm (coal left over after being graded).  They generally were not successful either due to coal supply or higher maintenance on flues due to the poor water compared to Easter roads. 
The two CB&Q engines did not last very long and at least one of the pair got a conventional Belpraire firebox and was the prototype for Class D2. 
Charlie Vlk

Speaking of, the PRR had a pair of Atlantics (I think) too.

[ncbqguy]

I’m away from my computer where my files are (building TTRAK modules for the first setup setup of our new Tennessee TTRAK Associates club so I can’t compile a list of the ones I’ve come across.  It probably is easier to list the roads that didn’t have Camelbacks! 
Charlie Vlk

[160pennsy]

So the Fleischmann 716882 purchased on eBay showed up quicker than expected and after a quick Decoder Pro programming, the initial test runs are really good. Once it ran a few laps in forward & reverse I popped off the tender shell and unscrewed the one piece cab/boiler. Looks like the DCC decoder is mounted to a vertical black plastic part with double-sided tape, and it sits inside the cab. The grey & brown wires from the decoder are routed back to the motor and soldered to a small PC board with RFI components. This PC board clips onto the motor contacts/brush caps. Tender drive wheels have four traction tires mounted on each corner. I should have a video posted soon showing the initial test runs.





 

[peteski]

Thanks for all theinfo  Paul.
The parts diagram on the Fleischmann site was not very clear. To me that decoder install sure looks like an afterthought (or almost like an install done by a modeler). Looks like Fleischmann didn't want to bother to do a major redesign of the model to fit the decoder.  They didn'teven replace the incandescent headlight with an LED.

[160pennsy]

Thanks for all theinfo  Paul.
The parts diagram on the Fleischmann site was not very clear. To me that decoder install sure looks like an afterthought (or almost like an install done by a modeler). Looks like Fleischmann didn't want to bother to do a major redesign of the model to fit the decoder.  They didn'teven replace the incandescent headlight with an LED.

@peteski ,  just wanted you to know that the factory install of the decoder was a little bit neater & straight before I pried it off the double-sided tape. Do agree that the wiring and use of a lamp instead of an LED looks like an afterthought for the 2017 release date. Even the parts diagram drawings do not show the decoder & its mounting position.

One question I have...should I continue posting updates here under "Product Discussion" or should I create a separate build thread under N and Z scale? Ready to start following the Aspenmodel assembly instructions and drill a hole thru the front of the Fleischmann chassis assembly, for mounting the brass boiler. Lucky that my good friend (who is an excellent N Scale modeler) has one of those American Beauty resistance soldering units with tweezers. Use of that resistance soldering unit should work well given the large mass on some of the brass kit parts. My variable temp soldering iron probably would not work well as the large brass casting would act as a heat sink and the solder will not flow well.

[160pennsy]

As promised from my original posts from yesterday...took some videos of the Fleishmann 716882 test runs in forward and reverse on a loop of Unitrack. This is my first experience running a tender drive steam locomotive that does not use a drive shaft between cab and tender.

[peteski]

@peteski ,  just wanted you to know that the factory install of the decoder was a little bit neater & straight before I pried it off the double-sided tape. Do agree that the wiring and use of a lamp instead of an LED looks like an afterthought for the 2017 release date. Even the parts diagram drawings do not show the decoder & its mounting position.

Exactly. That's why I appreciate you positng the detailed description and photos of this loco.

One question I have...should I continue posting updates here under "Product Discussion" or should I create a separate build thread under N and Z scale?

If it was me, I would start a new thread in N/Z.  This one was started by someone else about  the camel-back kit, then it morphed into a review of the Fleischmann steam locos construction.  You can always refer to this thread if needed. I have in the past, in my threads or posts,  referred (by posting a link) to some other threads or posts.

[160pennsy]

Started a new build thread under N/Z if anyone cares to follow along with my progress - https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=53911.0