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A few more detail pictures of this 30 day build. This is all seat of the pants design as you go and adjust for miscalculations.


The pilot truck on the Bachmann G scale 10 wheeler is famous for derailments because of it's design flaws so I rebuilt it for better performance.

First I cut a couple of sections out to shorten the wheel base.



I then epoxied it back together adding a steel rod for strength and weight.



Here is a comparison of a stock pilot and my shortened version. It looks closer to the prototype and functions very well.



I will add some more soon
Thanks for taking a look
Rick

I like it even if the switch is stubby

I've seen worse .... -- Russ

I started laying track. I started with a stub switch 'cause they're easy.
I figured I needed a switch stand.
So here it is.
MJinTN

You certainly have no hesitation about accepting a difficult challenge. I suspect the finished model will only add to your confidence. -- Russ

Rick,

now that is an interesting prototype! Looking forward to see more.

Cheers,
Volker

OK, The model build. This has so many starting points it is difficult to know where to begin.

I think the first thing is a picture of a locomotive that just cried out to be built.

 
I saw this posted on another train forum and immediately printed it and sought more information. I found a couple more pictures but no information concerning it's location, owners, or usage. So into my someday file it went.

Not too much later the Annual Build Challenge was announced on Large Scale Centrals forum. I know this has been mentioned on these pages in the past but to bring everyone up to speed the annual Challenge is announced every January to forum members to help shake off the winter doldrums of not being able to work outdoors on your railroad.

In a nutshell a subject for the build is announced and you have 30 days to build it with a budget of 30 dollars and anything you have on hand to use. Napkin drawings must be presented and progress photos must be posted. In the end forum members vote on their favorite build and the winner gets bragging rites for a whole year   .

Last January the announcement was to build anything that rolled on rails. That beastly little loco immediately popped to mind. But could I build it in 30 days? Did I have the materials on hand to make it happen?
I started digging through scrap boxes and stored supplies and thought I might be able to pull it off.

So the build started. I won't bore you with all the details just throw in a few pictures and details to fill in the blanks.
The 10 wheeler Bachmann chassis I had on hand wasn't the perfectly correct wheel spacing but it is what I had on hand.
 

Cutting the cylinders and rods away changed the whole look of the chassis.


After the factory cast iron weight was removed enough 2 1/2 lb. lead sheet was distributed throughout the chassis to bring it back to within 2 ounces of factory weight for this locomotive. Believe me it wasn't easy getting it all in there.


Enough for tonight, more to come.
Thanks for taking a look.
Rick


   

Kim,
Nice looking scene.

You seem to have some talent for composition, design, and model building .... -- Russ

I love your phrase, "a recurring source of enjoyment." I've experienced that more than once. -- Russ