For anyone who is interested, the ID of area in the smokebox is 0.78". The depth is approximately 0.87". This gives an approximate volume of .42 cu in. A cylinder of lead approximately that size will yield a ~2.7oz increase in weight. Copper 2.1oz, Brass 2oz. Note there are wires running through the smoke box, space needs to be left for them. I plan to add a piece of scrap brass that I have acquired (weight .5oz) wrapped in black electrical tape and will report results after layout is again operational.
I know that a few of the members are waiting for the re-release of the Bachmann 4-6-0's with the 52" drivers. The Bachmann facebook page has a picture of one of these dressed up in the Southern Green livery. What a great all purpose engines these are. So glad to see that Bachmann has not forgotten thier small steam engines like these 10 wheelers.
I was told that these engines are actualy new releases and that they are more than just the re-release of the old 52" engines. These are noted as running a fair amount better than the originals ten wheeles Bachmann had out in the 52 and 63 inch driver sets.
Layout still isnt operational. That having been said, NMRA magazine (Aug 2016) had a good review of this locomotive. They also provided good tips for correcting minor issues that they experienced on their sample model.
I only read part of the discussion, but there appears to be some incorrect information here:
One or two railroads did receive engines with a slightly lower cab roof, or rather, rebuilt them right away to modify the cabs.
I've seen B&O 4500. The cab was rebuilt, as per B&O practice, to add another seat. I believe I've read they did that to all their USRA mikes. One cannot look at photos from today as a reference for what is "right" or "wrong" with USRA mikes. We are too many rebuildings and modifications down the road.
There is a wonderful book called Uncle Sam's Locomotives. If I recall correctly, all 625 USRA light mikes were built to identical standards even though built by all 3 major builders. Some were promptly converted to oil tenders upon receipt by the owning railroads. Many of them were modified by their first major shopping to reflect the owning road's preferences. This is particularly true of WP engines, which didn't retain USRA appearance for very long (they had both light and heavy versions, not at the same time, and the one version only very briefly) but also Texas & Pacific modified theirs too.
If you want an accurate, road specific model, either modify to suit or find a brass one for your railroad.
I for one love the "classic" WWI era appearance of the USRA light mike. It is one of my favorite engines of all time, and I prefer the original as built look.
John
PRR8259 I only read part of the discussion, but there appears to be some incorrect information here: One or two railroads did receive engines with a slightly lower cab roof, or rather, rebuilt them right away to modify the cabs. I've seen B&O 4500. The cab was rebuilt, as per B&O practice, to add another seat. I believe I've read they did that to all their USRA mikes. One cannot look at photos from today as a reference for what is "right" or "wrong" with USRA mikes. We are too many rebuildings and modifications down the road. There is a wonderful book called Uncle Sam's Locomotives. If I recall correctly, all 625 USRA light mikes were built to identical standards even though built by all 3 major builders. Some were promptly converted to oil tenders upon receipt by the owning railroads. Many of them were modified by their first major shopping to reflect the owning road's preferences. This is particularly true of WP engines, which didn't retain USRA appearance for very long (they had both light and heavy versions, not at the same time, and the one version only very briefly) but also Texas & Pacific modified theirs too. If you want an accurate, road specific model, either modify to suit or find a brass one for your railroad. I for one love the "classic" WWI era appearance of the USRA light mike. It is one of my favorite engines of all time, and I prefer the original as built look. John
Actually, the cab of 4500 is completely unique. It is not exactly like other USRA Mikes, and is not exactly like other B&O road specific cabs - be they on other 4500 series Mikes or other locos.
But you are correct John, all those locos quickly took on the traits of their home roads.
This is one of the reasons that I do not obsess over steam loco details. Unless you have a photo, preferably dated, who is to say exactly what every B&O 4500 series Mike looked like at any given moment in time.
Obviously same applies to all steam locos. If the major dimensions and features are correct/close, it's good enough for my layout.
I have left USRA light Mikes off my ATLANTIC CENTRAL roster so far, in favor of several USRA heavy versions and my modern LIMA Mikes.
But these new Mikes from Bachmann do have my attention, and a Pacific is on the way - I think there may be some new locos coming to the ATLANTIC CENTRAL soon.....
Sheldon
Sheldon--
Thanks for the correction.
I just this week traded one engine (traded up ie came out slightly ahead on $) for a T&P 2-8-2. I had no idea till I read the history sheet that came with the model that it is actually a model of an original USRA light mikado, because T&P so thoroughly modified the appearance. Maybe that explains why I like the new to me engine...it does have an overal USRA look to it, though somewhat hidden by Elesco fwh, shielded front mounted air pumps and slightly revised dome positions.
(I'm now attempting to model Texas & Pacific, have only 2 of their engines right now, and I plan to stay with that road for good. Am fixing some track work to 36" radius).