Hello everybody! A few months ago, I started on an n-scale 4-8-0 kitbashing project, and I seem to have hit a wall in constructing a pilot truck. I have tried three differect approaches at this point, and all of them have ended up with consistent derailment on my layout, which features 9.75" turns on the mainline (and maybe as small as 8"; it was built before I was born.) I have a 4-6-0 and a 2-10-2 that both work without any sort of problems, so it's clearly the construction method I'm using, which is essentially a slab of brass on wheels; I can't seem to figure out a simple method to allow the truck to pivot like it does on the ten-wheeler.
How do you expert kitbashers make pilot trucks? Photos would be greatly appreciated.
Currently dreaming in the parents' basement...
Even in HO scale, 4 wheel pilot trucks can be problematic.
I had an N scale 4-8-4 that had pilot truck problems. My N scale 4-4-0 had so many problems that I honestly do not remember if the pilot truck was one of them or not.
Hopefully someone can post pictures of a successful project.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Rather than building a 4 wheel pilot, would it make sense to buy one that is already built and has a method for attaching to the locomotive that works. Bachmann has 4 wheel pilot trucks for their 4-6-0 and 4-4-0 that are currently available. They have a swing arm that attaches to the truck and the body of the locomotive. If nothing else it might give you some ideas of how to create something similar.
Here is the link to the N-scale page.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=70
Scott Sonntag
I considered getting one of Bachmann's pilots, but on testing it out with the one currently attached to the 4-6-0 that I have, the distance between the wheels would need to be adjusted and the swing arm would need to be stretched somehow. I guess I could use styrene strips and super glue? This is my first big project like this, so I'm not sure what works. I guess that's what learning is for...
Been a minute, but I finally got this figured out. I ended up using the pilot truck from a J-class and replacing the wheels with the wheels that come with a consolidation. To solve the spacing problem, I just cut off the nub that held the old truck on the little plastic frame underneath. I then cut a groove deep enough for a paperclip, cut and bent said paperclip, and then superglued it in place (using scotch tape to hold it steady.)