Looking for Loco cab for Z1b 2-6-6-2

[LuthierTom]

Hey gang-

I am currently converting a Bachman Spectrum 2-6-6-2 into a Norfolk and Western Z1b. The Z1b has a longer cab than the USRA 2-6-6-2, and it sits slightly further forward. Before I bite the bullet and scratchbuild a cab, does anyone know any sources for cabs, aftermarket or otherwise? What I need is pretty much the same cab as on N&W's 4-8-0 M, M1, and M2 class steamers, less the forward window.

Tom

[dknelson]

Years ago some of the brass importers would from time to time offer parts such as cabs. Try Greenway.
Dave Nelson

[orsonroy]

Grenway has a slanted cab in brass, but it might be too short for your needs (it looks like a C&O 0-8-0 cab):
http://www.greenwayproducts.com/img_ts/ts800_cabs_top6.jpg

Precision Scale MIGHT have a slant front cab as well, but I don't have their catalog handy. You might want to give them a call, or break down and buy their catalog (available online):
http://www.precisionscaleco.com/

[jrbarney]

Tom,
As "Orsonroy" surmised, Precision Scale does have a slant cab. It's their item HO-31158, 8 piece, "All-weather vestibule cab for steam locomotives GN, SP, DM&IR, and others." Also, item HO-31009 "Cab rear with coal gate for 31158." The 31158 cab is also available in plastic as HO-31159.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[orsonroy]

Thanks for looking up the Pre Scale part for me Bob (I don't usually have their catalog here at work!). I sort of figured their all weather cab had a slant front, and it'd be easy enough to not use the rear and fabricate a "normal" cab rear wall for it.

[LuthierTom]

Hey all,

The Z1b has a long straight-front (not slant front) cab.

Tom

[orsonroy]

Whoops...wonder why I thought it had a slant front cab? Anyway, I found a picture of one online:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/nw/nw-s1420o.jpg
And you're sort of out of luck. Greenway has USRA cabs available, but nothing that long. Bowser doesn't have any seperate cabs, and Roundhouse is out of business (OK, absorbed by Athearn/Horizon, but try to get parts!)

Try to find a Roundhouse Harriman cab. While the roof chord is wrong, the sides are probably the right length. Scratchbuild a new roof and use Tichy work car windows for the frames and sash, and you should be close enough (and close enough is good enough, unless you're planning on changing the valve gear too!)

[LuthierTom]

Actually I think I can "fake" the right valve gear by filling in and recontouring the existing parts. That's close enough. I figure I'll have the only Baker type 1.5 valve gear! [:D]

T

[LuthierTom]

OK, I spent some time studying the cab on my M 4-8-0 this evening, and it is actually a fairly simple cab. It probably would be easy to scratchbuild one.

Now, other than super glue gel dots, anybody have any good suggestions for doing rivets?

Tom