On a loco such as the Bachmann 4-6-0 (and it’s apparent prototype on the Tweetsie RR), where would the crew be positioned? I want to make figures for my new loco, and would like to fit them in as accurately as possible.
It seems like all the controls are on the backhead, which is way out at the back of the cab. If the engineer sits by the window, how can he reach the controls?
As I have done on several of my Bachmann’s, I have cut the backhead off and trimed the fire box back to the screw mount holes and then reattached the backhead. Then use some plastic material with check plate pattern to fill in the resulting hole in the deck. Worked out fine and got the backhead inside the cab.
Paul
Here’s one shot of the fireman on the tender.
(http://www.johnsonsdepot.com/crumley/images/tour8/11tank.jpg)
I was just looking at my Annie and she needs a crew. There was no way to put a figure on each side of the backhead. I figured on the fireman standing on the tender, but the engineer was another problem.
Thanks for the idea, Paul.
Bachmann does make an engineer that fits in the annie cab. Goofy lookin lil feller though.
My preference is for the old Lionel largescale figures. I use them in all my Bachmann bashes.
Yeah, I was thinking the same, that the fireman can go on the tender deck. The engineer needs to be at the window. It can be done but he wouldn’t exactly be “prototypical” below the waist.
I’m guessing the real loco has more room between the firebox and the wall of the cab.
Ray, this is a ‘fallplate’ fitted to one of my bashes. I normally fit them, but the width of the plate is dependent on how small a diameter curves you use. It fills the void between the loco and tender. It does require the standard wiring to be altered that exits beneath the backplate.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/tim_brien/_forumfiles/aaTr3.JPG)
On a “deckless” cab, the engineer sat beside the boiler, usually on what could pass for a seat in the most dire circumstances, but what most of us would consider little more than a barstool-sized cushion. I’ve also seen engineers sit on the window sill. Sometimes, there would be wood boards placed against the boiler to insulate the engineer’s legs from the heat of the boiler. A similar set-up would be on the fireman’s side, though he’d be much less often able to enjoy it. On such “deckless” cabs, the fireman spent most of his time on the front of the tender, or “surfing” with one foot on the deckplate, and one on the tender. The trick is to not get your rear foot caught by the moving deckplate.
The throttle on these locomotives was located on the top of the boiler, not on the backhead, so the engineer could reach it no problem. The Johnson bar was also located beside the boiler.
Here’s a link to a story I did a few years ago up in Georgetown:
http://cbs4denver.com/video/[email protected]
The shots inside the cab are somewhat fleeting, but it gives you an idea of the space (or lack thereof).
Later,
K
Thank you for the video link. Enjoyed it.
Ralph
I’ve seen a photo with the engineer sitting in the window. I have Jake standing right on the back edge and Charlie stepping onto the tender.
Depending on what you are trying to do, the Bachmann Cab is too narrow! ONe local man built a whole new cab to 1 to 20.3 and it is wider and will accommodate the Enginer much better. You might do some measurement on the existing cab to see where you may need to go. A new steel cab would be easy out of Plastic, wood would take a bit more work to get the details correct but would be worth the effort.
Paul
You could make your own version of Jack Hewitt’s “Cliff” (he no longer makes them)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/fall%20equinox%2007%20run/cliff-creek.jpg)
These are the Lionel figures. I have a bunch of them from a big batch I picked up on eBay cheap if anyone wants them.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/0-4-0Cab.jpg)
I also put them in my wife’s Christmas Annie. They fit fine, just a touch on the small side. -Brian
I have a set of Jacks figures…Ray u want them?
Thanks Cale, but I’d like to make my own.
Ray Dunakin said:gotcha!
Thanks Cale, but I'd like to make my own.
I’d like for you to make me some too!
I found a website that has some Tweetsie pics including a shot of the engineer seated in the cab: http://www.jasonbcagle.com/tweetsie.html He’s really wedged in, right up against the boiler. Oh, and from the same site:
(http://www.jasonbcagle.com/markedimg_3061.jpg)
What is that cylindrical object by the guy’s foot, right below the smoke box? Looks like it has a big bolt sticking up out of the middle of it.
Here’s a photo from another site, you can see how the engineer is positioned at the window. You can also see the fireman standing in back on the tender deck.
