Large Scale Central

How to shorten Connie front end?

Modeling
#1

Anyone have the site, plans or pictures on how to shorten the Bachmann connie front end? I know TOC was big on it and there are a few others out there who have done it.

I like mine the way it is but when pulling in reverse it doesn’t do well because it has too much swing.

Thanks

Terry

#2

All I did was remove the plastic pilot under the boiler, cut an inch off the metal frame, did the same to the plastic, then rebuilt and shortened the front truck. I repositioned the headlight, and shortened the braces running to the pilot, and that was it.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/RGS00010.jpg)

Not much to it…:wink:

#3

Same here, though I wasn’t quite as extreme on what I cut off–just about 1/2" or so. Hardest part was that I used a Dremel with a cut-off disk instead of being smart and using the band saw.

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/eastbroadtop/TRROps/TRROps27.jpg)

I extended the smokebox as well.

Later,

K

#4

I havent done it, but I was planning on using my band saw. I’m glad you asked Terry, because I was wondering how much everyone else cut off.

#5

So did the prototype have the long pilot? I’ve always thought this looked out of proportion.

#6

Ric Golding said:

So did the prototype have the long pilot? I’ve always thought this looked out of proportion.

So did I. One of the reasons I cut so much off.

#7

It’s mostly likely Bachmann engineering to allow it to go around sharper curves

#8

Gary Buchanan said:

It’s mostly likely Bachmann engineering to allow it to go around sharper curves

It seems to me that a SHORTER pilot would allow an engine to negotiate a sharper curve. Can you explain your position if I misunderstood it?

#9

I used a cut-off disc in a dremel

(http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/steamnut1917/P1010040_01.jpg)

(http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/steamnut1917/P1010039_02.jpg)

#10

Joe, I didn’t say Bachmann engineering made any sense! By making the pilot longer as well as the tongue the pilot wheels attach to, it keeps them further removed from the engine cylinders on sharp curves. It’s the same reason the pilot wheels are too far apart and the pilot too long on the Annie as well.

#11

Who’s Connie and Annie?

#12

Shut up rooster.

#13

Yeah, shut up rooster.

#14

Anyone got a fox we can let loose in the chicken coop?

#15

J.D. Gallaway said:

Anyone got a fox we can let loose in the chicken coop?

Matter of fact:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/eRsgKJ460mI[/youtube]