Large Scale Central

Appalachia Great Eastern 2-8-0+0-8-2 No.2800

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

It was only supposed to be pixels on paper. At least that’s what I planned on when I started the design of this engine. After all, I run modern standard gauge equipment, what use would I have for a 1900’s articulated 3ft narrow gauge unit on my pike?

I wrote the story, designed the engine. It took a couple months of editing here and there to get the story right. Then, after the story I had to actually design the thing. I knew I wanted a garratt-style articulation. I also decided that the 3ft version would have to have outside frames. The engine was designed to be easily convertible from 36" to 42" and hence to 56.5" gauges. The road, as originally imagined was a triple-gauge line. The artics would need to be used on both the 36" and 42" lines, while the company’s ultimate goal was conversion to 56.5" standard.

Also, part of the design required as much commonality between a 2-8-0 based freight design and the 4-6-0 based passenger version. I knew that getting a larger drivered outside frame chassis was absolutely impossible, so I decided that the 4-6-0+0-6-4 prototype:

http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jgallaway81/_forumfiles/AG-1%204-6-0+0-6-4%20Passenger%20Garratt%20-%20AGE-4601%20-%20AVRDivn.png would remain the only one built.

Meanwhile, the 2-8-0+0-8-2:

http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jgallaway81/_forumfiles/AG-2%202-8-0+0-8-2%20Freight%20Garratt%20-%20AGE-2801%20-%20EBTDivn.png

freight hauler would number very close to one hundred units.

During the design phase, I ensured that the drive wheel diameters would allow the sharing of the main rod between the designs. In fact, as much as possible is shared between the two designs. Part of drawing the engines was to feature the designs in the “history” book of the Freedom Central Railroad. Once I had them drawn, I decided to test out paint schemes for the A.G.E. During that time, the discussion on the connie kitbashes/customizations was begun here at LSC. After seeing one photoshop suggestion, I decided to integrate some of those suggestions into the final paint scheme:

It was at this point that things took a turn for the worst. I fell in love with my creation and decided I wanted one as a large scale model. So began the hunt for parts.

(Story to be continued after I complete my coming helper shift.)

-J.D.

#2

Okay, I forgot about working on this a bit more until today.

Someone was asking about garretts on another site, and I decided to just copy/paste this over here too.

I haven’t gotten very far at all on my build, but I have demo’ed it out for myself:

Full-size link: url[/url]

Ya, I can’t figure out the trick here. You’ll just have to right-click, “View Image”
Thumbnail:
(http://imageshack.us/a/img24/323/1bwf.jpg)

While I have it here using one of the original connie boilers, I’m planning on using 2-3" pvc, but probably keeping the cab. Once done, this will be a model of a PRR designed, Baldwin-built multi-guage engine for a shortline the PRR was courting in the very last years of the 1890’s. The 2-8-0+0-8-2 AG-2 is the freight version, which went into fleet production, while the AG-1 4-6-0+0-6-4 passenger version remained a sole prototype.

#3

Cute little motors, you’ve got there.

Barry

#4

Its all still stock Connie stuff. I was talking with a friend the other day about his hudson (USA) and he was telling me about the huge pittman motor in the Hudson.

I am now wondering if I couldn’t come up with a gearbox to allow a pitman motor in the boiler to power both units.

#5

if you’re going to change the motors, you might want to look into moving the gearbox to the next axle

#6

At this stage, anything is possible, but thanks for the reminder on that idea. Right now my funds are absolutely NOT there, so trains are not getting so much as a dime, but I do want to source replacement gears before the heavy construction begins.

#7

Well, before you go too far, B’mann is supposed to now have a decent replacement now for the cheese axle gears. Or the Northwest Shortline replacement gear pn is 2226-6

#8

I got the Replacement gear from Bachmann. It is a brass gear on a metal axle. It is a definite improvement.

#9

Thanks for that info Jake… out of curiosity, how much are the replacements?

#10

10 bucks…

http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_142&products_id=3843

Uhg, I see they are out of stock!!!

#11

If you are looking at upgrading the motor also and are patient. A replacement motor and gearbox is in the works. It will have a Pittman motor and brass gears in the gear box. I would still recommend getting the replacement axle from Bachmann to make the assembly bulletproof.

#12

Jake Smith said:

If you are looking at upgrading the motor also and are patient. A replacement motor and gearbox is in the works. It will have a Pittman motor and brass gears in the gear box.

Jake,
are you saying Bachmann or an aftermarket supplier? If Bachmann, then I wonder if they are resurrecting this model for future release.