Hogwarts express

[starlite801]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm trying to find information on making the Hogwarts Express. The only running train I've found is the Lionel battery version. A little toy like for the garden.

I'm looking to convert a steam chasis to the new engine. Any Ideas?

Its my first engine bash so I want to do it right the first time.

Thanks for any help.

[Mik]

The "Hogwarts Castle" is actually Great Western Hall class 4-6-0.#5972 'Olton Hall'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_4900_Class

A conversion could be done from a Big Hauler or Annie, but it would be a LOT of cutting. I'm thinking 'James', when he is released by B'mann - with a bug mauler pony truck etc - might be a better starting point. http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=3410

Or you could try simply re-fitting a Bachmann drive to the Lionel shell. You'll probably want one for all the trim parts anyway

[ttrigg]

Mik

Or you could try simply re-fitting a Bachmann drive to the Lionel shell. You'll probably want one for all the trim parts anyway

I tend to agree with Mik's third option. You'll be needing the Lionel for the trimmings, as that is most likely the only place you will find some of the parts anyway. May as well use the shell, everything will be in proper place and no need to repaint. Could save yourself many hours of labor.

[captain perry]

The British have some beautiful engines... and in full running order to boot!

They are even more into trains both scale and full size than we are. 

This beautiful model is made by Tower Brass in the UK www.tower-models.com and is available for £1950.00 which is more than I am willing to spend but this is a wonderful hand made model. 

I would probably start with the Bachmann Big Hauler 4-6-0 as the wheels seem pretty close as does the running gear if you take off the walcherts valve gear parts.  building the boiler and othe details would be a scratch builders job though...and fun! 

If you purchased one of the british plastic engines liek the Lionel, you would get some useable parts.  I think the lionel engine is much smaller than the bachmann so some creative cutting and pasting will be needed.

--Eric