Large Scale Central

2-8-0 drivers

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

One of my projects is to scratch build a 2-8-0 locomotive . I have not decided on wheather is will be a C-16, C-18, or C-21, it will all depend on what photos catch my eye at the time I start building it. I will be building it in 1:22.5 scale and have looked using the drivers from a Bachmann big Hauler, but they are over sized for a C-16 / C-18 class locomotive.

I was wondering if using the drivers from a Aristocraft 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 might work out better as they are 1:29 scale. Anyone have some input or ideas here.

Dan Stuettgen
Narrow Gauge nut.
Denver & Rio Grande Southern.

#2

Take a look at this page: http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/scottychaos/MLS-kitbashing-guide.html

#3

Be aware that the Aristo mallet, mikado, and the new consolidation (not the c-16 one) all have drivers that fit the tapered half axles of their modular “prime mover” gearbox system. I don’t know if that affects what you are doing, but it would seem to me that selecting those drivers would also dictate using the Aristo gearboxes (which are quite rugged).

The newly manufactured mallet and consolidation are supposed to have a steel insert molded into the alloy wheel, but no hard facts yet, I doubt it is removable.

Regards, Greg

#4

The Aristo gear box is nice, but when you’re scratch building they can be a pain. There’s no way that the locomotive will free wheel - even with the motor removed. That becomes an issue when you’re building the side rods and trying to eliminate binds.

There’s a gear box for each axle.

#5

Yep, and also, there is a huge amount of side to side travel in the gearbox, to accommodate tight corners, and side rod assemblies that are “hinged”… of course that could be overcome with shims I guess.

Regards, Greg

#6

Dan,

I make a couple of different 2-8-0s, including a 20.3 C-16.

Also have brass and stainless 36" (1 3/4") drivers (20.3).

Have a second 2-8-0 spaced out to convert Big Haulers into 2-8-0, using either Bach. 2" drivers or my 1 3/4" drivers. Also have two wheeled pilot trucks, stc.

Barry - BBT

#7

Barry: I am not building in 1:20.3 scale, I am sticking with 1:22.5 for now. I have seen some G scale lionel drivers that look like they might be the right size, somewhere between 2" and 1 1/2" I just think that using that standard Big hauler drivers would not look right for a 2-8-0 for narrow gauge. Maybe it would for a larger and later version of a 2-8-0 for standard gauge, but not for narrow gauge. I am kinda looking for something in between those and the Small Denton drivers.

Dan S.

#8

Dan,

Sorry to be tardy in my response, but my server has been down since friday.

Just wanted to point out that the Bachmann Big Hauler is based upon the E.T.& W.N.C. 4-6-0 3 ft. narrow gauge loco. Variations make it a 20.3 model short by 10%. Not a big deal, until one starts to count rivets. My use of 2" wheels in my 2-8-0 is to provide a better look for those Std. ga. locos. The Delton wheels (1/24 scale), check out at 1.5" (36" / 24).

Barry - BBT

#9

Give Phil Jensen at Hartland Locomotive Works a call. He sells his drivers separately. If I recall, he’s got three sizes - 1.5", 1.75", and 2". He also sells his motors and gearboxes. His prices are very reasonable, at least they were when I priced things a few years ago for a 2-8-0 project I’m working on. I want to say I could have gotten a motor, gears, and 4 sets of drivers for in the neighborhood of $100 or less, but don’t quote me. It’s been quite a while since I talked to him on that. You’re on your own for the frame, motor mount, side rods, etc., though.

Once you have the drivers, though, I’ll readily plug Barry for designing/building a chassis for you. Having scratchbuilt my share of locos over the years on, well, “less than ideal” chassis, I can appreciate the value in a robust, smooth drive. Barry’s currently working on my 2-8-0 chassis, and I have every reason to believe it will be money well spent.

Later,

K

#10

Not drivers, but this might help you later on… http://www.the-ashpit.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=277

#11

Ac os coming out with another new run of the C-16 so it may have the newer wheel assembly plus it still should have the blind drivers. Later RJD

#12

Thanks guys for all the input, A lot of good information to keep in mind as my project moves along. I still have not decided which 2-8-0 I plan to build. I am still looking at photos and which ever one stricks a cord will be the one I do, weather it is a C&S, RGS, or D&RG, C16, C18, C19 or C21. This will be a combination of Brass and Styrene locomotive. I finally dug out my resistance soldering rig to do all the Brass work. I know the Cab and Frame, Siderods, and valve gear and piston slide mounts will all be brass. Boiler will probably be Styrene with brass and resin detail castings. As soon as I get my garden shed built and get the lawn equipment out of my garage I will be able to get to my Milling machne, then I can start milling the frame out of brass.

Dan S.
Houston, TX
Denver & Rio Grande Southern.