I've noticed that when model manufactures/importers like BLI, Bachmann, etc introduce a new steam locomotive, they will often refer to builders photographs, blue prints and drawings of an "as built" locomotive to base their model on. And then offer that locomotive, in it's USRA configuration, lettered for a dozen or more roads. I can see this keeps production costs down.
Many of us can now take this locomotive and use it as a good starting point, to bash and detail into an engine closer resembling a prototype of our own choosing.
I have a Broadway Limited Heavy Mikado which BLI has modeled with a Hodges trailing truck. I would like to replace the Hodges with a Delta type. Have any of you tried this swap (with a BLI USRA Mikado) before? How successfull were you? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
JOHN C TARANTO I've noticed that when model manufactures/importers like BLI, Bachmann, etc introduce a new steam locomotive, they will often refer to builders photographs, blue prints and drawings of an "as built" locomotive to base their model on. And then offer that locomotive, in it's USRA configuration, lettered for a dozen or more roads. I can see this keeps production costs down. Many of us can now take this locomotive and use it as a good starting point, to bash and detail into an engine closer resembling a prototype of our own choosing. I have a Broadway Limited Heavy Mikado which BLI has modeled with a Hodges trailing truck. I would like to replace the Hodges with a Delta type. Have any of you tried this swap (with a BLI USRA Mikado) before? How successfull were you? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to do the same thing--I have a BLI Powerhouse Heavy Mikado that has a Hodges trailing truck, but the Frisco used Delta trailing trucks. It also needs a doghouse, but that's another issue. Someone years ago told me to try and get the truck from a different BLI model, but I can't remember what it was. I bought a Precision scale Delta truck, but that was too big.
I also have an Athearn Genesis Mikado, and the Delta truck from the Athearn Genesis Pacific will fit. I asked Athearn if I could buy one and they just sent me one for free (this was several years ago).
Gary
I have wondered if a Delta truck from a BLI K4s, L1s or M1a would fit. Being BLI models...
JOHN C TARANTO I have wondered if a Delta truck from a BLI K4s, L1s or M1a would fit. Being BLI models...
Since the Pennsy did everything their own way, I suspect that the trailing truck on these locomotives was not truly a Delta, but a Pennsy special creation.
If that matters.
Ed
John, I have installed Delta trailing trucks on two BLI USRA Mikes. Pretty sure I used the Delta trailing truck that came on the Athearn USRA light Pacific several decades ago.
I will take a look, and a few pictures, might take a day or two.
The PRR truck is not really a Delta, it is PRR's own design, and in real life does not actually work like a Delta, even though it looks similar.
Bachmann may still have USRA 2-10-2 Delta trucks for sale. I have those as well and will look to see if that can also be a good swap.
More later,
Sheldon
I found the email--the Delta from a BLI ATSF 2-10-2 was recommended. I have no idea if/how it fits, or even if it's available.
Yes, I used the Athearn 4-6-2 Delta on my two BLI Mikes, with only minor modifications. I will try to get some pictures tomorrow.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, I used the Athearn 4-6-2 Delta on my two BLI Mikes, with only minor modifications. I will try to get some pictures tomorrow. Sheldon
Sorry this took so long:
BLI heavy Mike with Delta trailing truck and Bachmann long haul tender
The pin on the frame of the BLI mike was removed, and the forward mounting of the truck modified slightly.
Again, the truck was from a Genesis Pacific.
Still need to get this in the paint shop........
Precision Scale offers a Delta trailing truck in brass, and, if your loco needs one, also a casting for a booster engine to fit that truck.
Wayne
doctorwayne Precision Scale offers a Delta trailing truck in brass, and, if your loco needs one, also a casting for a booster engine to fit that truck. Wayne
That's what I used here:
Bachmann 2-8-4 converted to heavy Mikado, much like these:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/dti/dti-s805ggC.jpg
Sheldon, thank you for your reply and the photos. The Athearn truck looks good with your BLI. Now the trick is finding one. I took a look at Athearn's website and no trailing trucks, or any parts for steam, are listed. I will try contacting them. It has also been suggested that the Delta from a BLI ATSF 2-10-2 would work. I may try that option as well. Thanks again for all your help.
John, when I got a few of these years ago I had to call and talk to a person, it was not listed in any of their parts lists.
How many do you need? I may have a spare.
The photos below show how I was able to replace the Hodges type trailing truck on my BLI Heavy Mikado with a Delta type from an Athearn pacific.
Other changes to this locomotive include:
Removal of the "boiler tube" road pilot, replacing it with foot boards.
Removal of the single air pump from the fireman's side of the boiler and installing twin pumps behind shielding on the pilot deck.
Removal of the generator from on top of the smoke box and adding a generator with bracket to the engineer's side of the boiler near the cab.
Replacement of the short USRA 8-wheel tender with a larger 12-wheel tender (Rivarossi NKP/C&O type).
My thanks to Sheldon and the other members of this forum for your assistance.
JOHN C TARANTO PROJECT UPDATE The photos below are show how I was able to replace the Hodges type trailing truck on my BLI Heavy Mikado with a Delta type from an Athearn pacific. Other changes to this locomotive include: Removal of the "boiler tube" road pilot, replacing it with foot boards. Removal of the single air pump from the fireman's side of the boiler and installing twin pumps behind shielding on the pilot deck. Removal of the generator from on top of the smoke box and adding a generator with bracket to the engineer's side of the boiler near the cab. Replacement of the short USRA 8-wheel tender with a larger 12-wheel tender (Rivarossi NKP/C&O type). My thanks to Sheldon and the other members of this forum for your assistance.
The photos below are show how I was able to replace the Hodges type trailing truck on my BLI Heavy Mikado with a Delta type from an Athearn pacific.
I can't see ay photos
Were you able to get a truck from Athearn?
EDIT: I can see them now.
Every photo that I have posted has disappeared. Apparently trainboard.com website (where my photos are stored) is down. Hopefully, when the site is back up the photos will be restored. Please check back later.