This was started several years ago and had a request to do 4 more frames for a friend, so I’m back to finish them up. The drivers are the right size and by adding .680" between the 2nd and 3rd drivers, the axle spacing will be correct also. I start by milling the frame for the splice pieces. (no photos) Frame is cut with a band saw
Frame is setup in a fixture to keep it square while attaching the main connector
The frame rails splice connectors are bolted in
Now for the drive rods First I mill a piece of brass to the width that I need and then slit it with a slitter to the thickness that I want for the rods
(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6198/dscf3031x.jpg)
I make all the pieces then solder them together in fixtures to keep the rod pin bores correct.
(http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3048/dscf3038l.jpg)
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4300/dscf3041zw.jpg)
(http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2196/dscf3042z.jpg)
here they all soldered together.
(http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/5704/dscf3044j.jpg)
Drilling and machining the hinged pins on the rods
(http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4505/dscf3054h.jpg)
(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/38/dscf3053m.jpg)
Compering the stock rod to the new ones
(http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5755/dscf3067b.jpg)
Here how it looks so far
(http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/9959/dscf3063.jpg)
I’m working on a new gearbox for mine with metal gears and the same 8000 Pittman motor Barry uses. Then I’ll start on the crossheads and valve gear with operating eccentrics. Rodney
Hi Rodney,
Good idea with the C 21 & 25. looks great looking forward to the completed loco’s
ChuckVERY nice, Rodney. I’m always amazed at your machining work.
Fantastic workmanship Rodney!
I may look at doing this for my c-25 from a connie conversion, but I would probably make a mess of it!
What are you doing about the smokebox saddle, as the boiler is larger?
Alec
Looking great.
Will be interesting to see a C-21 and C-25 based off the Bachmann frame.
If you ever do anything like this to an LGB mogul to make it into a C-18 or C-19 (in 1:22.5 scale) I’d really really be interested 
Great to see you doing another project Rodney. Really makes me miss my CNC Router and my lathe.
Chuck
Beautiful work, Rodney.
COOL!
Thanks Machine work for me is like a hobby within my railroad hobby. With the exception of a few accessory mount for some hot rods and some parts for my JD garden tractor, all I’ve ever machined is train related. Alec If I can get 4 or 5 frames from Bachmann, I might do a kit with a frame and rods with a frame exchange. The saddle doesn’t look all that bad the way it is.
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1447/dscf3072s.jpg)
(http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1333/dscf3074y.jpg)
Rodney
Pretty Crazy! Going to convert it to steam while you have gone that far?
Nice. Love the side rods, but really admire the work you did on the jigs to make them in the first place. Can’t wait to see this one progress. I just love those outside frame 2-8-0s. Really bummed the EBT didn’t own them… I’ve got lots of ideas of things I’d love to do with one. With a street price of $300 and a $200 BBT motor/gearobox, you’ll have a winner every time.
I’m curious–why not use the stock short ends of the rods, and just do new middle rods? Seems that would save a bit of work.
Later,
K
Jason
I have thought of that too. I have a set of 5/8" bore cylinders that I made and the copper tube for the boiler. Just not enough time yet.
Glad to see you over here also. I think I learn a lot more over here than over at MLS and since Shad as changed formats, I can’t figure out to post photos.
Kevin
I’m using Delrin bushing in the rods so I don’t have to worry about wearing out the rods and rod pins.
BTW I have access to a 3D printer now and will try to get the masters made for the EBT drivers.
Rodney
Jason Kovac said:Why not!!!
Pretty Crazy! Going to convert it to steam while you have gone that far?
Kevin Strong said:Me too!
really admire the work you did on the jigs to make them in the first place.
Matt
I have never had any LGB stuff to try it on. I have been to Barry Boggs house and seen all of his conversion using LGB bricks.
I have a RGS # 20 about halve way done in 22.5 scale for a friend and when I get it done he wants a K-27 and K-28 also in 22.5. and I will be using the connies for them.
He has a Magnus K-27 but it too fragile to run. One of the drive rods broke on it and now I’m in the process of making a new set for him.
Rodney
Rodney Edington said:
Matt I have never had any LGB stuff to try it on. I have been to Barry Boggs house and seen all of his conversion using LGB bricks. I have a RGS # 20 about halve way done in 22.5 scale for a friend and when I get it done he wants a K-27 and K-28 also in 22.5. and I will be using the connies for them. He has a Magnus K-27 but it too fragile to run. One of the drive rods broke on it and now I'm in the process of making a new set for him.Rodney
A connie into a K-28. Haven’t seen that done yet. Should be nice.
We’ve been spoiled with our Aster/LGB K-28. Just such a great running loco.
Rodney Edington said:Yeh he had PO me just too many times. The new version gives me headaches. Along with fixing a post 4 times and still have weird HTML code and crap. I finally gave up and didnt renew the membership.
Jason I have thought of that too. I have a set of 5/8" bore cylinders that I made and the copper tube for the boiler. Just not enough time yet. Glad to see you over here also. I think I learn a lot more over here than over at MLS and since Shad as changed formats, I can't figure out to post photos.
Wow, that is awesome machining! Too cool!
Rodney,
Please check your email
Chuck
