Large Scale Central

Bachmann 4-6-0 Big Hauler to 4-4-0 American conversion

Modeling
#1

Hi all. Though I’d keep a log of this project here for the amusement of those who wont go there. This was part of another topic on another forum, about converting the 10 wheeler to an 8 wheeler, but it will be easier for me to keep track of my progress with a dedicated log to convert a Bachmann Bug Mauler to a 4-4-0 late American locomotive. This is an earler version of the Bug Mauler so if I screw the pooch on it I wont loose much[:I] This might be easier than I though… Against my better judgement last night I took razorsaw, drill and Xacto blade to my Bug Mauler and within an hour I had relocated the front axle. I removed the brake arms and found that the mounting notch was right about where I wanted to relocate the axle to. So I used the notches for the brake arms as the mounting point, keeping one side of notch untouched, that way I had one fixed dimension to keep the axle aligned straight, its about a 1-1/2" move. Then I carefully cut a drill hole (1/8" I think) to create the fixed bearing depth. I then used the Xacto and razor saw to work the bearing up from that point to match the bearing shape of the other axles. I had to cut out the chuff synchronizer to relocate the axle but I dont use sound so thats fine with me. The big trouble I am having now is trying to rework the existing power pick up backwords to the new location. So far its not working out as I would hope and I’m beginning to believe I’ll have to replace them with new pickups. It works it just not pretty. I created a templete for the drive rods so I can cut down the existing plus the pushrod has to be cut down. I’ve done that already on another chassis so that wasnt to tough. I need to add a shim and use a metal screw in lieu of the plastic push pins the Bug Mauler used to secure the drive rods. Ok pics… Conversion

Chassis cut for axles, 1-1/2" move

Another view of axle cut

Connecting rod shortened and templete, new dimension in 3-25/32"

Connecting rod in place

Its a motely mix of whatever Bug Mauler parts I have left laying around. More as I progress[:D]

#2

Vic, you’re crazy…!! That’s what makes your projects so interesting…:smiley:

#3

There goes all the collector value in that. You should save the box:)

#4
Marc Bergmueller said:
There goes all the collector value in that. You should save the box:)
Oh Dam! You mean I've lost the $10 I paid for the donors ???

I still have the cardboard box they were mailed in…does that count?

#5
Victor Smith said:
Marc Bergmueller said:
There goes all the collector value in that. You should save the box:)
Oh Dam! You mean I've lost the $10 I paid for the donors ???

I still have the cardboard box they were mailed in…does that count?


I got one of the RC big haulers that I tore all the guts out of, sprayed it rust and put it in my pond next to the bridge. See those plastic wheels are good for something. Also shortened one and put it on a Aristo 0-4-0. Sadly it fell apart in an accident. If you are in need I’ll give you a box of parts. I don’t know why I keep them

#6

Some progress pics So far…

New styrene driverod-first ones broke too easily

Overall

#7

Don’t stop now…:smiley:

#8

Update- Barry of Barry’s Big Trains offered to help by making metal siderods that would be far stronger than my styrene jobs… Received a package from Barry’s Big Trains on Tuesday, I immediatly installed these babies and started test running, so far its A-OK! Perfect fit![:D]

This engine just looks better each time I look at it![:D] A HUGE thanks to Barry, you’re 1st Class all the way[:)]

#9

It’s looking really good. Once painted it should be a real dandy. :slight_smile:

#10

Sorry not much new progress, been sick with a nasty head cold since last week. Did manage to cut the tender down to something more usefull.

Can’t paint as much as I would like due to the fumes upsetting the wife, so I’ll have to do it in small batches. But other than a few details most of the major stuff is done.

#11
Victor Smith said:
Did manage to cut the tender down to something more useful
Ah, yes. The Atchison, Toupee & Santa Fe

Or, for old Raj hands, the Atchison, Topee &c.