One engine in my CNR roster I am unable to find at a reasonable price is a CNR 0-8-0 P-5 switching engine.
I just happened to run across a Tenshodo USRA 0-8-0 at a relatively inexpensive price and decided at that price I would go for it and take a chance it would be a reasonable stand in for the CNR 0-8-0 switcher.
When the two models are compared there are actually very similar with the exception of moving the bell forward of the smokestack.
The Tenshodo locomotive is a really heavy little engine, and with its weight it is a great little switcher. I did change the old magnets on its open frame motor to the new rare earth magnets and the effect is excellent slow speed and control, the engine's high speed is reduced significantly, however, as a switcher it was not a fast engine.
This old 1963 Tenshodo locomotive was a great buy, the level of detail on the engine is surprisingly well done as to the amount of the piping and pumps.
What's a "reasonable" price? compared to a "relatively inexpensive" price? just saw one in mint condition on the 'net for $800.00 a real beauty, knowing some forumers that have 300 locomotives that would seem paltry, others may see it as reasonable and others may say their whole layout is worth $800.00, I guess if you want it, you get it.
Sounds like a good solution, Don, but no photos?
I converted a Proto USRA 0-8-0 into a P-5-h, after managing to substantially increase its pulling power. I lengthened the frame at the front end to accommodate the CNR-style handrails and modified the rear frame, too. All of the undersize piping was removed, then the running boards lowered, with new inboard-mounted air tanks (lead-filled brass tubing) installed. The new piping is brass wire, with a few Cal-Scale and PSC details added. The front tender steps were modified, and new footboards, on both loco and tender, built-up from strip and sheet brass. The tender got new CNR-style handrails and a scratchbuilt ladder:
Wayne
doctorwayne Sounds like a good solution, Don, but no photos? I converted a Proto USRA 0-8-0 into a P-5-h, after managing to substantially increase its pulling power. I lengthened the frame at the front end to accommodate the CNR-style handrails and modified the rear frame, too. All of the undersize piping was removed, then the running boards lowered, with new inboard-mounted air tanks (lead-filled brass tubing) installed. The new piping is brass wire, with a few Cal-Scale and PSC details added. The front tender steps were modified, and new footboards, on both loco and tender, built-up from strip and sheet brass. The tender got new CNR-style handrails and a scratchbuilt ladder: Wayne
doctorwayne
As always, your modifications to the engine are right on, great job on the conversion.
The tender will actually require more of a face lift than the locomotive.
On another subject, where did you get the raised yellow numbering for the CN locomotives. I thought I had some but can not find them at this time?
Well, the URSA 0-8-0 by Tenshodo must be one of the most produced models made. Tenshodo made around 15 production runs of this model, other manufactures also produced this locomotive as well.
The Brass Guide indicates a market price of just over $200 for this model. Shipped to my door step the model cost me around $100. I was the only bidder, the model is mint, professionally painted and never run, a great find for me.
So, I consider that purchase as relatively inexpensive.
Can not comprehend anyone paying $800 for one on E-bay as tartans indicated.
I never thought that what I paid for a locomotive would ever become the subject matter of a posting.
Thanks for your kind words, Don. I am fortunate in having a very good friend who is a CNR fanatic, and he was kind enough to provide plenty of photos to aid in the conversion work.
I got the raised cab numerals at my local hobby shop. There are actually three versions, the wide-stroke 15" numerals common to the Central and Atlantic regions, and the similarly-sized narrow stroke ones used in the Western Region and on GTW, DW&P, CV, and GT (New England Lines) locos, along with the 12" numerals found on the running boards of the 5700-, 6060-, and 6400-series locos.
There's a listing here of Products offered by the CNRHA (formerly the CNR sig)....
...and you'll find stock numbers for the various products, along with prices, in this PDF
You're probably already aware of the etched brass number plates for CNR steam locos, and they cover almost every loco owned by the CNR - I just happened to want to build the one loco for which there is no number plate. (I learned that after purchasing photos of the prototype which I hope to model.)Here's an example of one of the numbers which is available:
If you can't locate the numerals and or number plates which you need, contact me via PM, as my LHS carries much of the etched brass stuff for CNR.