Bachmann 4-6-0 Bug Mauler to 4-4-0 American conversion log

[vsmith]

Hi all

This was part of another topic on another forum, about converting the 10 wheeler to an 8 wheeler, but it will be easier for me to keep track of my progress with a dedicated log to convert a Bachmann Bug Mauler to a 4-4-0 late American locomotive. This is an earler version of the Bug Mauler so if I screw the pooch on it I wont loose much

This might be easier than I though....

Against my better judgement last night I took razorsaw, drill and Xacto blade to my Bug Mauler and within an hour I had relocated the front axle. I removed the brake arms and found that the mounting notch was right about where I wanted to relocate the axle to. So I used the notches for the brake arms as the mounting point, keeping one side of notch untouched, that way I had one fixed dimension to keep the axle aligned straight, its about a 1-1/2" move. Then I carefully cut a drill hole (1/8" I think) to create the fixed bearing depth. I then used the Xacto and razor saw to work the bearing up from that point to match the bearing shape of the other axles. I had to cut out the chuff synchronizer to relocate the axle but I dont use sound so thats fine with me.

The big trouble I am having now is trying to rework the existing power pick up backwords to the new location. So far its not working out as I would hope and I'm beginning to believe I'll have to replace them with new pickups. It works it just not pretty.

I created a templete for the drive rods so I can cut down the existing plus the pushrod has to be cut down.  I've done that already on another chassis so that wasnt to tough. I need to add a shim and use a metal screw in lieu of the plastic push pins the Bug Mauler used to secure the drive rods.

Ok pics...

Conversion

Chassis cut for axles, 1-1/2" move

Another view of axle cut

Connecting rod shortened and templete, new dimension in 3-25/32"

Connecting rod in place

Its a motely mix of whatever Bug Mauler parts I have left laying around.

More as I progress

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

That's a brilant idea. I'll bet change that it will pull better becouse each driver has a greater pressure on it. Have fun.

[kstrong]

Actually, the way the 4-6-0 is engineered, only the front and rear drivers actually contact the rail anyway, so your tractive effort probably wouldn't be all that different. Doesn't keep it from being a cool project!

Later,

K

[vsmith]

Some progress pics

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So far...smokebox cut back, cab windows modified

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New styrene driverod-first ones broke too easily, CA didnt adhere to the plastic of the rods

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Overall

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Next, need to find a pilot that will fit, build brake cylinders, and do the backhead detailing.

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Still not sure what I'm going to use for the tender, got plenty of Bug Mauler tenders, but I want something shorter.

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Heres a pic of what I'm aiming for:

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

I'd salvage an old LGB 2-4-0 tender and build up. They are olny 20' to 25' long scaled up. (I did the math so those figures could be horably scqued)

[vsmith]

Update- Barry of Barry's Big Trains offered to help by making metal siderods that would be far stronger than my styrene jobs...

Received a package from Barry's Big Trains on Tuesday, I immediatly installed these babies and started test running, so far its A-OK! Perfect fit!

This engine just looks better each time I look at it!

A HUGE thanks to Barry, you're 1st Class all the way

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

I'm thinking barry should start making alot more of those, and might want to send me a pair See you found a trnder for it. Whats the thing behind the cab, a crane?

[vsmith]

Actually thats just a gondola and some junk behind the engine. I'm going to shorten the big Hauler tender that came with it since its wide enough to look right behind the engine.

[vsmith]

Sorry not much new progress, been sick with a nasty head cold since last week.

Did manage to cut the tender down to something more usefull.

Can't paint as much as I would like due to the fumes upsetting the wife, so I'll have to do it in small batches. But other than a few details most of the major stuff is done.

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

Exalent "fit en finish". Now just bring up some DGRW pics and paste that in for the power!

 

          "Never trust photos now that photoshop exists."

[TrainFreak409]

Looks great Vic! Can't wait to see how the rest unfolds.

[Train 284]

Nice job!