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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: jonathan on October 07, 2017, 01:56:09 PM

Title: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 07, 2017, 01:56:09 PM
Folks, couldn't believe my luck today at a train show.

Found a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2, in the black box, with a square tender.  This is an early issue, which is just what I have been looking for.  This should modify nicely into a B&O KK-4b or even a KK-5.

My luck continued, as the vendor and I went over to the test track.  The headlight would come on, but the wheels would not turn.  So the seller let me have it for a song.  I'm sure it's too old for the warranty, but the card is still there.  Probably won't mail it in.  The wheels are still shiny.  I wonder if it's even been run before...

Where's the luck in that?

I got it home and took it apart in about 5 minutes:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4501/36844159024_2013de0af7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Y8MWR7)DSC_0886 (https://flic.kr/p/Y8MWR7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Discovered the problem was a disconnected motor lead.  Fired up the iron and had the loco fixed in 15 minutes:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/36844159874_08b2b55c7c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Y8MX6L)DSC_0885 (https://flic.kr/p/Y8MX6L) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

It's the red wire connected to "M+".  

Ran the loco around the track quick to make sure all is well.  Joy.

I will be posting, from time-to-time, my progress on the modifications.  I'm in no hurry with this one, so don't expect quick results.  Thanks for reading.  

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: sarasdad on October 07, 2017, 04:36:35 PM
Is this a sound on board?
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on October 07, 2017, 04:49:15 PM
Hey Jon, heres photos of the two B&O 2-6-6-2s I did. I really only added a capital dome and changed tenders haha.

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10988585_988435224523279_1320804391002560156_n.jpg?oh=12a31cf2882e74fff4fa6e496dff2b7b&oe=5A3D03D4)

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11377250_988435247856610_1286285022301726187_n.jpg?oh=404d2fe6c8981c35bbeac34169b3d13e&oe=5A7C4092)

one of these days I may take the number boards off.
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 07, 2017, 07:44:59 PM
This does not have sound nor DCC.  However, it is DCC ready and could have sound added without too much trouble, other than drilling holes for a speaker.

BORRF, nice locos as usual. I intend to strip this down and add as many B&O specific details as possible.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: ACY on October 08, 2017, 02:57:31 AM
Quote from: jonathan on October 07, 2017, 07:44:59 PM
I intend to strip this down and add as many B&O specific details as possible.
Out of curiosity did the B&O locomotive you are trying to model burn oil or coal? I think I may have a spare Vanderbilt or Hicken tender somewhere if you need one.
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 08, 2017, 02:13:48 PM
Thanks, but it burned coal with a square tender like the original Bachmann loco... so I'm good to go.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 13, 2017, 05:18:25 AM
Things are going slowly, but I do have a bit of progress to show:

On the boiler:

Rearranged the pipes to accomodate a top feed double check valve;
moved an air compressor to the side and modified pipes for new arrangement;
relocated bell and whistle; and
started painting the smokebox area.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4511/37636235962_340cdac870_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZkMxJ3)DSC_0897 (https://flic.kr/p/ZkMxJ3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

On the tender:

Built a white metal kit. Doghouses have become really rare.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4450/36958628804_f29b6a8ee0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YiUCJ1)DSC_0890 (https://flic.kr/p/YiUCJ1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Flipped up the back of the coal bunker to make the doghouse fit.  Will clean that up eventually.

Also, started constructing a reverse light.  The PCB has tabs to connect reverse light wiring.  So...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/36958628524_d7b93cdae8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YiUCDb)DSC_0892 (https://flic.kr/p/YiUCDb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

I'm going to mount the LED to the inside of the tender shell, and use a light tube from one of my old consolidation projects:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/37636236612_43ac8e820e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZkMxVf)DSC_0893 (https://flic.kr/p/ZkMxVf) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

That all I have for now. Hope to churn and burn this weekend.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: J3a-614 on October 14, 2017, 03:33:07 AM
Pretty fast start there!

What do you plan to use for a new boiler front?
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 14, 2017, 11:09:38 AM
J3a,

You got right to the 64 million dollar question...

The smokebox front is C&O style.  I'm on the hunt for something that might work... perhaps a Precision Scale Q boiler front might fit.  We'll see... for now I'm attatching detail parts with white glue, so I can pull them off easily, when/if I find a new replacement.

Thanks for asking... ;)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: J3a-614 on October 14, 2017, 10:06:40 PM
I remembered this from a while back. . .wonder what the diameter is.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13419.0.html

Maybe it'll help out.
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 15, 2017, 06:42:42 AM
Ah, I do remember that thread.  Thanks for tickling my memory.  I will go through and see what sources folks used for parts.

Today's progress:

Hopefully the extra +/- tab on the PCB will work for a reverse light.  I connected an LED (green and red wires).  You can also see I'm fresh out of shrink tubing... used 5 min. epoxy to coat the bare wires.  Should be OK:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/37450696050_9066b8bd2c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oBb3)DSC_0898 (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oBb3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Pushed the LED into the light tube and taped it in place:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37676000212_a314d08aaf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zpimfy)DSC_0904 (https://flic.kr/p/Zpimfy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

The tender is just about complete.  I'm using a heavy hand with the weathering.  I've found powders mellow out over time.. probably from handling and the like:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/37450694300_99d85487ab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oADS)DSC_0905 (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oADS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/37675998602_23acf7708b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZpikLN)DSC_0906 (https://flic.kr/p/ZpikLN) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

I had a rerail frog for the right side, but I lost it down the drain when I was prepping parts for painting.  :D  And yes, I took out the trap to see if it came to rest... no such luck:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4456/37450692490_1eaed7c4f3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oA7E)DSC_0908 (https://flic.kr/p/Z4oA7E) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 15, 2017, 07:18:13 AM
Here is my temporary smokebox front.  It's just press fit, and the parts are attached with white glue:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4492/37708770671_d42e85c01b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZsciLt)DSC_0912 (https://flic.kr/p/ZsciLt) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

I added the auxiliary tanks to the top of the boiler.  They are made of 5/32" aluminum tubing, filled with epoxy, and detailed with 1X3 styrene:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4479/37708769651_935a7a1920_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZscisT)DSC_0913 (https://flic.kr/p/ZscisT) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Waiting on the mail for the top feed check valve.  Then I can sand and finish the boiler.

The last steps involve detailing the drive assembly:  weathering drive wheels, modifying the headlight, painting the cab interior, repainting the engineer and fireman, and a few other things.

Regards,

Jonathan  
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 17, 2017, 05:16:42 AM
Just a few tidbits today...

It's difficult, at best, to see inside the cab of a steam loco.  However, I did a little painting, in case anyone sticks their nose down in there:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/37080281333_019f1cdecd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YuE8Mp)DSC_0921 (https://flic.kr/p/YuE8Mp) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4447/37750652211_c68a43b4f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTXFZ)DSC_0920 (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTXFZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

I'm using #7521 (KK-4b) as my prototype.  The boiler walk had a "bridge" built over the air compressor.  Don't know the actual nomenclature, but:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/37750651171_f6ac16d541_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTXo4)DSC_0919 (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTXo4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Paint is still drying on that.

The top feed check valve came in yesterday:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4500/37750650201_bcfa798c2b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTX6k)DSC_0923 (https://flic.kr/p/ZvTX6k) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

The boiler is getting close to being done.  Soon; on to the drive mechanism.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 18, 2017, 05:33:22 AM
Shell modification is completed.  Here, I've given the shell a good scrubbing. Now, it goes in the cabinet to dry for a day, before I start weathering:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4473/37770722511_e6575c60ff_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZxEPTD)DSC_0928 (https://flic.kr/p/ZxEPTD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Now it's time to start playing with the drive mechanism.  First, I need to start patching holes.  I pulled a couple of tanks and some piping from underneath. The holes left behind are visible, even after the shell is put on top.

I used some resin flashing to patch the square holes:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4505/23917632948_fcf54442a2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Crw7ZS)DSC_0926 (https://flic.kr/p/Crw7ZS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

And some styrene rod to patch the round holes:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4498/37770724041_e99c2226f5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZxEQm2)DSC_0925 (https://flic.kr/p/ZxEQm2) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Been tinkering with a bit weathering underneath.  I've discovered neither neolube nor weathering powders like to stick to the white sidewalls on the tires.  This was a C&O loco, so the tires were white on the side.  

It's going to be quite time consuming, but I need to scrape the white paint off and redo the weathering process on the wheels.  It's not hard to scrape off the paint, just ssssslllllooooowwww, especially with 12 wheels to deal with.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 19, 2017, 05:23:02 AM
Coming together:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4461/37740918186_e0b5a6cfbb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zv356Y)DSC_0930 (https://flic.kr/p/Zv356Y) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/37757878522_f21de2450b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZwwZPy)DSC_0929 (https://flic.kr/p/ZwwZPy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

On to the pony and trailing trucks...

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on October 19, 2017, 07:15:29 AM
You got me wanting to get my two out and do some mods. I based mine off KK-2 7450. I might leave one like it is, and change the other around. eather way the number boards are coming off.
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 19, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Thought about doing one of the other KK classes myself.

The version 2-6-6-2 I got came with the square tender, which I like.  However, the version with the Vandy tender came with the large squared-off steam chest on the front engine, which is correct for the B&O KK class.

Went looking at the parts section.  The front engine is available with the small steam chest.  For the large, squared-off steam chest, I would need to purchase the whole chassis... pricey!

So, I will live with the small steam chest for now.  If the opportunity comes along to pick up a 2-6-6-2 with the square steam chest, I may consider another project, but would have to change out the tender on that one.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on October 20, 2017, 10:57:39 PM
OK, decided to stick a fork in this project, and call it done.

The last step was to remake the cab grab irons.  The old ones were flimsy and I pretty much destroyed them disassembling the model.  I used .015 steel wire:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37152255053_81e556c4d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YB224B)DSC_0933 (https://flic.kr/p/YB224B) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

What follows are three shots of the same scene, just at slightly different angles.  The transformed B&O KK-4b is pulling 14 cars up a 2% grade on a 28" radius curve:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4473/37790464132_b54f05a457_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zzq1oq)DSC_0935 (https://flic.kr/p/Zzq1oq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4465/37790463402_1c75aa98c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zzq1aQ)DSC_0937 (https://flic.kr/p/Zzq1aQ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4457/37152253683_22368f6fb2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YB21DZ)DSC_0942 (https://flic.kr/p/YB21DZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

It seems to be breaking in, that is, running more smoothly as I run it around my figure-8-shaped layout.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on November 02, 2017, 07:12:21 PM
Just a little update:

I managed to get a hold of another rerail frog.  So, there are no empty holes in the tender:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4566/26347842359_8f98d65858_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G9gzA8)DSC_0944 (https://flic.kr/p/G9gzA8) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

I want to run some long trains, of course.  Double-heading is necessary for me.  However, you may notice the smaller wheels on the 2-6-6-2, compared to the 2-8-0, and all the other Bachmann steamers. It runs just a bit slower than the others:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/26347841089_dbdb846528_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G9gzde)DSC_0945 (https://flic.kr/p/G9gzde) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

The locomotives don't seem to fight each other--even though I know the Connie is a bit faster.  When going upgrade, with 20 or more cars in tow, they cooperate quite well.  Going downgrade the Connie has not forced the 2-6-6-2 to derail.  Hopefully, I can continue this operation.  The 2-6-6-2 is a bit faster than my brass.  Don't think I'll give that a whirl...

On the hill behind, I've added 57 more trees.  Got a ways to go there.  Plus, I need to add some contrasted colors to make it more interesting.

I've also built two more wood sided boxcars-my personal obsession... built 52 craftsman kits so far...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4512/26347840009_8ef8f250a4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G9gyTB)DSC_0947 (https://flic.kr/p/G9gyTB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

Finally, I've been wanting to put myself into the layout somehow.  So I'm going to be driving my first car along a road. MY car was a '65 Ford Galaxy 500.  The best I could do in HO was a '67 Galaxy.  They look the same, but the '65 had round taillights.  The '67 had square lights:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/26347837529_c5f854a964_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G9gy9R)DSC_0948 (https://flic.kr/p/G9gy9R) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr

This is the same blue as my car.  However, mine had a white hardtop.  And it was pretty faded, with lots of miles, by the time I started driving it.  If I can figure out how to disassemble this tiny creature, I'll go to work on trying to make it look like the tank I remember.

My car and I were both born a little too late for the steam era, but I'm going to fudge a little here.

Regards,

Jonathan  
Title: Re: Modifying a Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2
Post by: jonathan on November 03, 2017, 05:37:45 AM
Starting to look familiar:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4458/38079469816_208faaa6ff_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/211XeH3)DSC_0953 (https://flic.kr/p/211XeH3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr