I have decided to build this:
Engineer's side photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bmrrhs/10300456536/in/album-72157636615703224/
Fireman's side photo's
https://sites.google.com/site/bostonandmainerailroad/home/boston-maine-steam-locomotives/b-m-class-c-d-and-e
I have found a scale drawing of this locomotive in The Model Railroader Cyclopedia, Fifth Edition.
I have both the paper copies of the MR articles from 1997-1998 and the digital download of the same 8 part series, that I am using as a guide.
I have found source for Drivers and pilot wheels (havent found an 80" truck yet, but I will be checking my Bachmann 4-4-0 that came with a spare), and several of the detail parts.
Currently I am try to find a close match for the steam dome and sand dome.
Steam Dome dimenstions (approx)
37" Diameter
2' tall over centerline of boiler
Sand Dome
2' 6" diameter
2' 9" over centerline of boiler
Im looking through the PSC catalog but cannot tell what the size of the domes are
Also will need recommendations for crossheads and guides (I will have to scratch build at least the pistons, and likely also the cylinders).
Any recommendations for part numbers for either?
Also I would like to make at least the tender both left and right hand side pickup, if not the locomotive as well. I want this to work on DCC.
Yes its a large bite for my first scratch build.
Wow, that will be quite a project!
I have very little knowledge of steam engines but I will offer a word of encouragement. The critter in my avatar was one of the first things I built when I got into the hobby. The locomotive is brass. Granted it is far, far simpler than what you are planning, but my point is that it turned out fairly well despite my lack of experience. Of course, it took the second one to work out all the dumb mistakes that I made with the first.
I will be watching your progress.
Have fun!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
You did not mention your scale; I am assuming HO??
Precision Scale has a number of domes
https://www.walthers.com/search/scale/ho-scale/manufacturer-name/precision-scale-co./mode/list/show/120?match=AND&q=dome
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Yes I am working in HO scale. I should have mentioned that from the begining, having given full scale measurements.
Other reference material that I have found useful:
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/ten-wheeler/?page=bm
Mechanical Department Steam Locomotive Classification June 1928.
http://www.bmrrhs.org/on-lines-archives/
I have also contacted the BMRRHS archives to inquire about the existance of any drawings of this locomotive.
G Paine You did not mention your scale; I am assuming HO?? Precision Scale has a number of domes https://www.walthers.com/search/scale/ho-scale/manufacturer-name/precision-scale-co./mode/list/show/120?match=AND&q=dome
Im having trouble deciding if any are a good match. They dont have an reference as to scale size of these. Hopefully my LHS has a few of them so I can get an I idea. I have been looking through Precision Scale's pdf catalogs (I guess they stopped trying to sell them and now offer them as .pdf files). Or maybe you have to purchase the catalogs to download, cant remember.
Any way I am looking to get as close to scale as possible.
Thank you both for your replies and encouragement.
I suggest that you contact PSC regarding the sizes of the details which you're seeking. I'm sure that they would be happy to supply that information, especially if it results in sales. I've found them to be very helpful in the past, even when my requirements didn't meet their specified minimum order.
Browsing their warehouse in person, or that of Tichy or Bowser could easily send me straight to the poorhouse.
Wayne
I'll shoot them an email.
Ive managed to find a decent smokebox front from Bowser-Cary. They have a 5ft diameter one which I hope will be correct. Out of stock. I think their tender steps also appear to be a closer match to the photos than the PSC Large B&M tender steps. Looks different on closer inspection...darn. I will probably get both to see and use the other steps for a different locomotive to generate a B&M-MEC "family appearance" for my what if merged scenario.
But they have handrail stanchons, so now I can detail my Athearn Genesis USRA mikes that didnt come with them.
Wayne,
Thanks for the reminder about Bowser.
A technical question, for those of you who have worked in brass. What is the best way to get left and right rail pick up? Should I go for tender pick up only with metal wheels and plastic axles? Or is there a way to pick up power from drive wheels on both sides?
mvlandswUse wipers on the insulated drivers. For the best reliability use pickup from both rails on the engine and the tender.
How do I prevent current flow from the wheels through the valve gear to the cylinders? What is the best practice for isolating left/right through this flow path? styrene cylinders?
BMMECNYC mvlandsw Use wipers on the insulated drivers. For the best reliability use pickup from both rails on the engine and the tender. How do I prevent current flow from the wheels through the valve gear to the cylinders? What is the best practice for isolating left/right through this flow path? styrene cylinders?
mvlandsw Use wipers on the insulated drivers. For the best reliability use pickup from both rails on the engine and the tender.
This was adequately answered elsewhere, thanks Wayne, Randy and Dave.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/261611.aspx
Further along in my scratch building adventure: Almost all of the brass stock material that is needed has arrived.
In other good news, Boston and Maine B15 moguls look very similar to the C19b 2074, at least in the shape/size of boiler mounted components, and placement of piping. The tenders also look very similar. Which means that I not only have a drawing and a couple of photos, I can compare to a scale model of the locomotive for placement of components.