Help with a United Scale Models Brass HO Scale UP 2-8-0 Consolidation

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

A kindly older gentleman gave me a United Scale Models HO brass 2-8-0 Consolidation. It is in the original box but without any kind of instructions or other information. It apparently hasn't been run in something like 20 or 30 years!!!

I would like some help in getting this engine up to snuff - any thoughts on repowering it(does it need repowering) or adding DCC? It is as yet unpainted, but I am considering this as well. I haven't run it yet but I will probably try it on my workbench test track this week.

I have been looking around on the internet for info but haven't found much.

Thanks to all in advance,

Mike

[orsonroy]

Mike,

First of all, what's your modeling skills level? Repowering and/or painting a brass steam engine is a very satisfying project, but it's not for the faint of heart or novice modeler. Yes, there are ways to do both, but you need to know what you're doing. Some tips and advice follow:

QUOTE: Originally posted by mmount42
I would like some help in getting this engine up to snuff - any thoughts on repowering it(does it need repowering)

First of all, if the engine is 20+ years old, it'll need a thorough cleaning and re-lube. This will require a basic disassembly. Remove the boiler to get at the motor and gearbox if one exists, and remove the bottom frame plate to get at the bearings and axles. Clean everything with plenty of rubbing alcohol and Q-tips. The gearbox will probably require disassembly and a full cleaning. To relube the engine, I recommend Aero-Lube products. Follow their lubrication directions.

Once the engine has been cleaned and reassembled, test run the snot out of it on clean track. If the engine runs to your liking, it won't need a new motor or gearbox. Many engines of that period did come equipped with a can motor, so it probably won't require replacing.

If the engine runs poorly, it probably will need remotoring and regearing. This will require a stop and some cash at NWSL. They make all your remotor & regear parts, but it will require a phone call and chat with one of their people to figure out exactly what you'll need. Figure some money for parts and some more money for the proper tools (Quarterer and Gear Puller, at the very least). There are also a few people who will do this sort of work for you, but it'll cost you.

QUOTE:
or adding DCC?

Check the website "Wiring for DCC" for all your basic DCC and steam questions:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

QUOTE:
It is as yet unpainted, but I am considering this as well.

Painting a brass steamer requires the complete disassembly of the engine; are you ready to do that? Do you have an airbrush? I suggest you buy the Kalmbach book "Basic painting & weathering", which includes an article on painting a brass steam engine:
http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12247.html

QUOTE:
I have been looking around on the internet for info but haven't found much.

There's a lot of resources online, but they can be hard to find. That's why forums like this one are so useful!

In general, adding new guts to a steam engine and then painting it is a LONG, involved process. I spend well over 50 hours on each metal steamer in my fleet to bring it up to speed (including lots of superdetaining time), which is one reason I like new plastic steam so much! If you really want to try to do this on your own, I strongly suggest starting off by doing everything to a non-brass engine. Buy an old Mantua 2-8-2 or 4-6-2, completely disassemble it, completely strip and clean it, regear it, remotor it, and them paint it. Once you can do this to your satisfaction, advance to the brass engine.

Hope this helps!

[SPFan]

Ray pretty much sums it up but I believe all of the United engines came with open frame motors, usually made by Pittman. Their heyday was the '60s and early seventies before can motors became affordable. That said they are pretty well built and should run well as is. They will draw more current than a can motor though.

Pete