Hello all. Since I have lots of time on my hands these days I am back into railroading.
This project is to kitbash a Bachmann Big Hauler 4-6-0 into a Hall class “Olton Hall” (ie. Hogwarts Express). The engine came in today. I immediately took it all apart.
First, I took all the small details off the engine, including handrails, the bell, the light, generator, etc. Next, I unscrewed every screw I could find. That allowed me to remove running boards, cowcatcher, and eventually the whole shell of the locomotive.
I tried to remove the electronics next. But, I cannot figure out how to get the bottom of the gearbox off. [Does anyone know how to get it off? the screws are off, but it seems stuck under the front driver.] Instead, I was able to remove the cylinders/rod assembly, smokebox door, and cab. This left me with the smokebox/boiler/firebox shell.
I bought this particular locomotive because the boiler is tapered just like the Hall boiler. So, I know I want to use this shell, but it needs a lot of work. I have to remove basically everything, sand it down, paint, and apply the details. I got as far as cutting off the firebox portion, removing the bits of plastic from the light fixture, and cutting down the chimney.
Next, I will cut off the domes and ‘seat’ for the generator. Then I will sand the whole thing smooth, cut the smokebox down about 1cm, then begin to rebuild.
The rebuild will include a custom-built chimney, handrails, steam exhaust, nameplates, and smokebox door (which may open). I will use brass strips for the boiler instead of painted sections of plastic. I am hoping that I can do a simple modification on the existing chimney cap and fit it in place on the stub I left. Although, the base will need to be contoured.
Once I know what the boiler and smokebox is going to be like I will proceed with the firebox and cab. They will both be custom builds most likely made from thick styrene.
