I would like to reposition the headlight on my 2-6-0 from above the smokebox to the center of the smokebox front. Has anyone of you done this and how difficult is it to do?
Thanks,
Barry
Bachmann's Modern Baldwin 4-4-0 had an alternate smokebox front with center headlight, along with other alternate detail parts. This was part of the old Spectrum thinking which does not apply to "standard" line engines such as the mogul.
If Jupiter aligned with Mars, and the cows came home, this still available center headlight smokebox front would be the same diameter as the mogul and be a drop in.
The 4-4-0 covers with headlight are available through their online store. You just can't buy them until the quarantine is lifted.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_636&zenid=ice57r8n49rb8g4i6633keblj1 (https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_636&zenid=ice57r8n49rb8g4i6633keblj1)
Barry,
I've studied the diagrams of the Alco 2-6-0... blew 'em up to around 600%. It appears the headlight can is part of the boiler mold--not a separate part. It would take some delicate, and tough, cutting to take that can off the top of the smoke box. Then you'd be left with a serious hole to fill on top of the boiler. Not saying it can't be done. I have moved sand domes and steam domes on plastic models before. Just saying it is quite a bit of work. Filling in and sanding is possible. I find it to be rewarding and fun. Some would not.
Adding a front headlight would be the easy part. You could get a brass detail part for the front headlight and run a piece of clear plastic from the bulb/LED inside the boiler, out to the headlight can, to carry the photons out to the lens in the headlight. I've done that before, too.
For what it's worth.
Regards,
Jonathan
I'd buy a spare boiler shell to cut the headlight off. "Just in case." 😂😂
While you are at it, add a whistle and a pilot deck. Bachmann in its penny pinching provided neither. And a finer scale sized bell. They are on the Bachmann parts list. The bell that comes on the mogul is atrocious.
Thanks, all who responded to my question regarding the 2-6-0 head light. They are all appreciated.
I won't be attempting this modification but a friend of considerable experience will.
I'll be happy to post a photo of his work on the 2-6-0 when it's completed.
Thanks, again for rapid responses.
Barry,
Some poster, probably not around anymore, did the headlight relocation some years ago. He covered up the old headlight location with a flat platform and relocated the bell (new nice scale sized casting) to atop the smokebox in front of the stack in the manner of older Southern Railway steam engines, exemplified by the Bachmann Richmond and Baldwin SR 4-4-0's. Looked really good. I'm not brave enough to do it.
All including Moderator:
I have tried repeatedly, to post photos of the completed/modified 2-6-0 with headlight re-located and changed. However each time I try to post a photo I am told it can't happen.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Barry
Barry,
You'll need a photo sharing account like Flickr, photobucket, among others.
You load photos onto the photo sharing site then paste the photo link on your thread in the forum.
There are some brief instructions in the FAQ section on this forum. Most sharing sites are free up to a point.
Would love to see your results.
Regards,
Jonathan
Thanks, Jonathan.
So if I understand correctly, I can't just post a photo directly form my computer files to the Bachmann
site? Do I have to go through a hosting/pay site like Photobucket or Flickr as the only way to post a photo here.
If that's the case I guess I'll need to post these photos elsewhere.
This is too bad as the work my friend did on the 2-6-0 is truly wonderful and inspiring. I'll probably post the pix over at the Face Book site of HO Scale Shelf layouts or the MRH website.
Sorry guys.
Barry
Barry - You have it correct as to what Jonathan said. I post my pics on Facebook then open the photo on there and copy the address. Then, I click on the picture icon above in here and paste the address between the tags.
[ img ] photo address [ /img ]
I purposely put the spaces in there so you could see. Don't use the spaces when posting.
Thanks, Terry for that option.
I'll see if can do that tomorrow.
Barry
I think I can figure this out now so here are a couple of photos of the modifed 2-6-0 as IC #3715.
Enjoy,
Barry
(https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/97023154_2704509889872809_3892988524944687104_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_oc=AQm0Iu_Sr_mrUlh4SDFHwhR1pnadZOoNwSlqHYEgfUr47ElHGF_nxhPScLRVpn4tMC8&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=04575d9b760f929ade983ce8d7ebf860&oe=5EDD7475)
(https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/96520912_2704510146539450_1448676951223959552_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_oc=AQkEVuYIVwhDT7suLZCAZDHSr6H7lcaEDCSoywnvjQsaeVYBlprzNOCxypVXqaP80QU&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=36dd3b77157a96b1e6f4cbc243395964&oe=5EDCED20)
That turned out very nice. Congrats. Really gives that loco a new personality.
I know the photo-sharing thing is a bit of a pain at first. Though, we'll worth it when you can share a nice project like that. Thanks making the effort.
Regards,
Jonathan
Is that the original tender modified? Or a replacement? Bachmann should offer center headlight as an option.
Thanks, Jonathan I have always enjoyed seeing your progress and accomplishments.
Yep, it was a bit of a challenge to learn how post photos but now I think I know how to do it. If you folks don't mind I'll post other photos of my roster and railroad?
Barry
Trainman, the tender is the original Bachmann 2-6-0 one. My friend modified it to reflect the IC
prototype and I had previously changed the tender light from side to middle. This modification was quite simple but there is a trick to doing it
First you need to remove the tender shell and to do that you need to unscrew the wire keeper which protects wires from the engine. The two screws which attach the keeper are tiny and you need to keep from breaking any tiny wires.
Once the shell is off (lift it from the engine end and slowly wiggle the other end off)put the shell in the freezer overnight to help loosen the tender light casting. The next morning, take it out of the freezer and use a needle nose plier to gently pull the casting free of the glue and set it aside.
Now look at the tender and you will see the lighting circuit and bulb/led plus a small piece of clear rod to transfer the light up to the tender fixture. Unscrew this assembly (one tiny screw) and turn it 180 degrees so when you again tighten the screw it will place the light right in the center of the tender floor.
The final step is to locate the rear, center of the tender and drill a new hole about 1/16" ??? to hold the now re-positioned light fixture. Place the tender shell back on the body, screw the wire keeper back in place and test the engine. You should now have a centered back up light.
It actually takes more time to read this than it does to perform the work. It's a fairly easy task and improves the look of the locomotive making it truly bi-directional.
Barry
I'm glad you figured out the picture posting. I always look forward to seeing other folks' trains.
Here's a couple more photos of my railroad.
Enjoy,
Barry
(https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/93256817_2680255638964901_1966445824376307712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_oc=AQmMtuFJ0GZUccCrGFzT2epY-pKlQvSuKH7h0sAPZ00HaLD6rt9uDliCWmuGrCysqvc&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=68c475fc4135b92cc53ccf7ccdddae11&oe=5EDE144B)
(https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/93280420_2680261628964302_4665046258321195008_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_oc=AQnLWhXDh7vw4mfgBnSqN-RBm_Lteol3u1_z2JI02p-ObIug5rY5me5cbJInbImU1A4&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=eb68f6d303df39693afd86457050b80d&oe=5EDE67A3)
(https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/93207461_2680261748964290_8010389954393800704_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_oc=AQl8t4cGClOcPBQusj0uE_Nesrc3OUvj_gS3KOeSjnymqkZsXE5HoWY4Bq6VE0Y81w0&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=7c3ee9f4050e175562802b386a1861c4&oe=5EDF731F)
Great stuff, Barry.
Are you able to find cabeese for ICRR? Do you build them from craftsman kits? modify existing models? Brass?
Regards,
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan:
I have two, Centralia Car Works, (Des Plains Hobby) red, side door, cabooses, one Blair Line, Iowa Div. caboose modified to include a baggage door for mixed train service and one brass, Overland Models, painted, transfer caboose. The mixed train caboose was modified by my friend and the brass caboose was from a retired, IC, friend.
While I have five, diesels and five steamers for the IC I really model a railroad museum in Illinois which also has a ficticitous, modern freight short line.I also have about 40, 50's, era, freight, and five passenger cars for museum and era change trains. This follows my railroad work life of fifty years starting with the IC in the late 60s. Likely, too much information for a simple answer.
Barry