Strasburg 89 from a Bachmann 2-6-0

[peteski]

For your reference, here are a few closeup shots of 674. I had to install a plate of styrene under the smokebox which the ladders rest on, it has held up pretty well. The z scale coupler fit in the coupler box with minimal effort.

Nice mods, but I wonder why you installed a functional MTL Z-scale coupler up front but left that giant Bachmann "boxing glove" coupler on the tender? 

[Chris333]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AqRaQqtfXXpNvByv5

[CNR5529]

Nice mods, but I wonder why you installed a functional MTL Z-scale coupler up front but left that giant Bachmann "boxing glove" coupler on the tender? 

Short answer is I didnt get to it yet, still on the to-do list. Being in the back it doesnt show in most pictures, so wasnt a priority.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Short answer is I didnt get to it yet, still on the to-do list. Being in the back it doesnt show in most pictures, so wasnt a priority.

That's often my thoughts on stuff like this too.

Plus coupler performance is more important in the rear than the front.

Of course, Strasburg engines spend half their time running in reverse so I'm not sure what I'm going to do myself.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AqRaQqtfXXpNvByv5

Nice. What thickness of brass is that?

[peteski]

Plus coupler performance is more important in the rear than the front.

Performance? Really?  You are implying that the Bachman "boxing glove" version of N scale knuckle coupler offers improved performance over MTL (or other knuckle couplers)?  Interesting  . . .

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Performance? Really?  You are implying that the Bachman "boxing glove" version of N scale knuckle coupler offers improved performance over MTL (or other knuckle couplers)?  Interesting  . . .

No, but probably over a 905, especially if it's running around modular layouts. The little bit of extra gathering face helps.

Would swapping in an authentic MTL coupler be better? Probably. But it's an incremental improvement where the juice will likely not be worth the squeeze.

[peteski]

No, but probably over a 905, especially if it's running around modular layouts. The little bit of extra gathering face helps.

Yeah, that's the ticket. Sure, "boxing gloves" are perfect for that.   

[turbowhiz]

Dammit this thread is TOO distracting. I’m super interested in a CNR E-10-a, and the Bachmann mogul looks to be the perfect starting point. Inspirational stuff here!

The pilot really needs a wholesale replacement to sort the coupler problem. The factory coupler just makes a mess of it so badly... I explicitly picked a Bachman consolidation as my first steam pilot attempt and was able to work with that to get ok results, but this 2-6-0 pilot isn’t that.

I have a Bachmann consolidation and LL/Walthers 0-8-0 as good CN steam kitbashing fodder, but a mogul is the most desirable prototype for me. Hrmmmmm….. I need to find one of these!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

They're out there for under $200 too.

I'm excited about my progress on mine.

I HAVE discovered some rod binding on mine after messing with it. I think it's because the front wheel isn't ACTUALLY connected to the rods and there's a good bit of lateral morning allowed in the drivers. I think either the various pieces kept everything largely where it was supposed to be or the screw securing the rod to the #2 driver was tighter.

My modifications changed both those things, but I'll figure out which it is and resolve it accordingly.

@turbowhiz , if you can make the N Possible possible, this will be a cake walk for you.
But if you don't want to deal with it, send me a 2-6-0 and I'll do a second for you. I'm sure we can work out some kind of deal...

[pmpexpress]

No that's the 4-6-0.

There's a solution to that though too: https://conrail1285.com/fitting-a-minitrix-old-timer-tender-to-a-bachmann-4-6-0/

Although the opening for the driveshaft would have to be filled in, how does your solution of fitting a Minitrix old time tender shell to a Bachmann slope back tender frame compare to using one of the Atlas 4-4-0 tenders?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Although the opening for the driveshaft would have to be filled in, how does your solution of fitting a Minitrix old time tender shell to a Bachmann slope back tender frame compare to using one of the Atlas 4-4-0 tenders?

Ya know, I don't know. But I do know I can find the Trix tenders on junkers at train shows. That Atlas tender would likely end up costing hundreds to get my hands on.

[Lemosteam]

Umm, you mean one of these?

[pmpexpress]

That Atlas tender would likely end up costing hundreds to get my hands on.

Not when they're purchased as undecorated and unassembled parts from the Atlas parts store.

Given that even with their 25% discount offers, the Bachmann factory replacement slope back tenders a very pricey, this is why I asked.

[pmpexpress]

Umm, you mean one of these?

Is it just my imagination, or is the lead truck on this Pennsylvania tender set way too far back in the frame?