Will the new Alco 2-6-0 have a separate oil bunker like the On30 models? When will this model be available?
Travis Handschug
Tempe, AZ.
You could always make one yourself. It's not that hard, just a plastic box and an oil hatch casting that fits in the coal bunker. That's how the prototype converted from coal to oil, they just made a tank that was a drop fit into the coal bunker. Many times, the oil tank was removable for service.
Anyway, converting a steam engine from coal to oil isn't just a case of adding an oil tank into the coal bunker, you'll need to modify the bottom of the firebox and remove any grates and or ashpans that are present as these can't be used on oil burners, the botton of the firebox is solid steel.