Backdating Bachmann Spectrum American 4-4-0 "Modern"

[Michael EM]

Hi MF Forum, 

I am considering buying a Bachmann Spectrum American 4-4-0 "Modern". However, I want to backdate it to the 1880's - 1900's era. Does anyone have experience in modifying Bachmann Spectrum locos in this way? Any resources for an early version 4-4-0? Would I be better off looking for a brass model of an early era 4-4-0 on e-Bay? Does this 4-4-0 have a "tender drive"? Last, what is involved in adding sound?

Thanks, Michael EM

Prince Albert, KlicktyKat, and Murphyville RW

[hminky]

There is no late 1880's 4-4-0 available in any scale. I have made one by merging the new Roundhouse 4-4-0 mechanism with old IHC oldtime 4-4-0. Here is the locomotive under construction.

I model the 1870's in OO scale but the merge is the same size as an 1880's locomotive in HO. The pointing figure on the running board is HO scale. The merge matches the 1880's Wilmington and Northern 4-4-0 locomotive in HO shown in the Model Railroader Steam Encylopedia. It is an 1870's locomotive in OO scale.

 Harold