Thanks Gary
It does look better that way doesn’t it?
That looks SO much better with the shortened pilot. Might actually be able to get a working coupler on the front without extending it two scale feet.
Jeff Walls said:
How do you shrink it? Cut a little off both ends?
And then reattach the pieces so they are sturdy?
Jeff,
Here’s an underside view of the trucks that have electrical pickups.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/petert/_forumfiles/tenwheelertrucknotes.jpg)
You haven’t indicated which type you have - but this one will be fun to shorten, as you have to deal with the two metal strips which hold the axles in place and pick up the juice.
There’s an article over on MLS about making a standard gauge loco:
http://www.mylargescale.com/Features/BuildersLogs/tabid/66/EntryId/91/Making-a-Standard-Gauge-Annie.aspx
Note the author used an Aristo truck as he couldn’t figure out how to shorten it!
Yet another issue is the central pivot. Barry at BBT used to sell a metal strip to mount the truck and let it pivot without using Bachmann’s screw. See George Schreyers “Tips” page:
http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.html
(There’s a lot of useful info there!)
If you are handy with a soldering iron, then I would separate the pastic frame from the two strips and the wheels. [I’m not sure the wheels can safely be separated from the axles.]
Then cut the frames around the center and re-solder them together to the length you want.
Cut the plastic frame to match and drop it on the strips with a little glue. Don’t make it too rigid.
I have not done this - I’d probably make up a whole new truck if I was doing it. Anyone else care to comment?
Thanks Pete. I had forgotten about Georges site.
A few updates, not much time to work on it actually.
I won the MR Cyclopedia - Steam today. Shipping from outside Philly so I may have it tomorrow.
I shortened the pilot. Came out pretty good I think! I basically cut a little over 3/4" off equally on both sides. Epoxied them back together. I need some styrene to brace the insides just in case.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jswalls110/no._28/DSC_1770_small.JPG)
Squadron White on the window divider. I need to get some small files.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jswalls110/no._28/DSC_1771_small.JPG)
My drive rods are in good shape thanks to Dave G. Thanks again!
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jswalls110/no._28/DSC_1772_small.JPG)
And I may use this (a 1 1/4 pvc pipe cap) as the steam dome. I need to turn it to do that. No idea how that may happen!
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jswalls110/no._28/DSC_1773_small.JPG)
Progress!
If you take some nail polish remover on a Q tip when you first apply the Squadron putty you can smooth it out around your filled in area so that you may not even need to sand it afterwards…
I think you told me that already. The brain cells are going. Duh
Thanks.
Pilot shortened and test fit.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jswalls110/no._28/DSC_1774_small.JPG)
