I just got one off ebay. Just came in today. I knew it had some work to be done. I need steps and such to complete the front pilot. Valve gear The tender needs front steps, and new trucks (somebody replced the original with old arch bars that A5's never had. Any idea where I can track down those parts? already searched ebay.
SHane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
You and I are kindred spirits. A few years back, I bought the A-4, 0-4-0 with the tiny slope-back tender, knowing full well it was missing a few minor parts... like the motor, cylinders and front pilot.
Since this is a fairly rare model, I also had no expectation that I'd find OEM parts. Instead, I saw it as a "treasure hunt" project, searching for things I can find or make to get it running and being reasonably true to its design. So far, I have a can motor that will fit, a worm that will mesh with the worm gear on the driver, and a set of alloy cylinders - so (I think) I'm getting close. Now I just need the time!
Jim
Jim,
Thye are neat little engines. I havent tried the motor yet. I figure the parts will be after market. Only really treasure hunt part is the trucks. The airpump, steps and such should be easier.
Kind of funny to say rare right now considering there is a good numb er on ebay right now. But all are way over priced even for the brass market. this should be a fun project.
Shane
Way back when Gordon Odegard did a 3 or 4 part series n MR on making your own brass steam engine from scratch. Probably between 1957 and 1960. Might be some helpful techniques in the articles for you guys.
For the trucks, try the Labelle site. They have acquired the former Bethlehem Car Works assortment of cast metal trucks.
https://www.labellemodels.com/series-freight-trucks-c-32_34_56.html
Now that's a challenge. I noticed that Mantua produced a number of Reading Goats in the past. Pictures on the Web suggest that the trucks on the Mantua were fairly similar to those on the Gem models see on the Brasstrains.com site.
Simon
Simon.
Funny you should say that. I dug around ebay knowing finding original Gem parts was not a good way yo go. I did find somebody selling the frame and trucks from a mantua. relatively new production. SO I grabbed it. The part I thought would be tough was the quickest to find.