Hello all,
Recently at work I received an Arbour H8 (2-6-6-6 allegheny) die cast model kit. The locomotive was partially built, but really needed some TLC. I spent about a day working on it, but it still needs some work on the drive train and mainly the side linkage. This is where my problem comes in.
The locomotive is missing almost all of its linkage other than the side rods connecting all of the drivers together, and even these are crumbling under their own weight. I've tried looking for replacements, though have had no luck (go figure for a company out of business), and am now trying to find something that will work.
I'm wondering if anyone knows of a locomotive with similar linkage that I might be able to pull parts off of and make work, or if there's another option I have missed. Any help is appreciated
Sincerely, MM
I cannot help other than to remark that Bowser's exit from all steam kits and parts other than Cal Scale parts makes it more challenging. But even when Arbour was new and sold a full line of spare parts, those kits had great challenges.
There have been many many discussions of Arbour models on these forums. Try going to the "Search the Community" box on the right, and type in Arbour. I think you will find many threads. You might not find actual solutions but at least you should find other shoulders to cry on.
Dave Nelson
Though it may just be my device, i did try searching to see if there was anything similar, and absolutely nothing came up, which is fairly surprising.
I have seen other forums on other websites going on about how the kits are difficult to construct, which to be honest I didn't find at all, but nothing on where to find or replace parts with.
I suggest either:
1. Build it as an unpowered model. If you place it next to your layout engine shop, the fact that parts are removed (missing) is appropriate. AND. You don't have to figure out how to make this thing actually move.
2a. Find a Rivarossi 2-6-6-6. Get rid of the Arbour.
2b. Find a Rivarossi 2-6-6-6. Take the entire drive system out and put it under the Arbour. I doubt it will be easy, but it should actually move.
Ed
The presidnet of the local club, who built 8 of the Bowser Challenger kits, tried his hand at one of those and gave up. He was going to adapt the chassis from the Bowser kit to the Arbour kit but never got around to it before his eyesite failed. If you want a heavy weight diecast engine kit to build, find one of the Bowser Challenger or Big Boys. They are much more enjoyable to build and do run very very well if properly assembled. Bowser did many different engine kits, many PRR engines, couple of NYC, Challenger and Big Boy and the very early cast brass boilered Mountain class engine.
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
With due respect to the previous posts, i have no intention on just giving up on this model, nor am I looking to replace it with another one. I am fully aware of the models difficulties and the status of other models, but I am not one to turn down a good challenge
With that note, do you have any suggestions for the linkage? I have already sorted out the electrics and the drive train, and last I checked it ran fine. I am just looking for something that will work in place of its original linkage, even if it's from another locomotive.
I am confident that with the right touches, i will at least be able to bring this model up to at least a moderate piece, and also be able to watch it run on my layout.
Mantua Man I am just looking for something that will work in place of its original linkage, even if it's from another locomotive.
I am just looking for something that will work in place of its original linkage, even if it's from another locomotive.
Rivarossi and MTH have both made 2-6-6-6's. I recommend starting there.
Greenway Products may have appropriately sized drivers available. If the Arbour wheels have white metal centers, the failure question is 'when,' not 'if.'
Greenway may have valve gear as well; I don't get into the steam portion of their listings. Scratchbuilding copies using the remaining pieces as patterns may be your best best.
I've been working on an Arbour 2-8-4 off and on for the past few years, and mine was also missing most of the linkage. I used some valve gear parts from PSC, but a lot of the linkage also had to be made from scratch. I have a series of videos that may help you out with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8GVTUAlsHQ&list=PLGNF7CDM9aN6tbjdjqW4hNFSj8JTwge6C
The 4th video is where I go into detail about making the linkage. I would also suggest taking breaks now and then when you start to feel frustrated or tired of it. Those breaks helped me to think through the best ways to work through certain problems, and it's turned out better than if I had tried to do it all at once.
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