Mallet came out really nice Jim, same on the 2-8-0 Mark. I have too have been ok with the rods being factory metal. Now that engine might look rather interesting stretched out to a 2-10-0.
Good to know and glad to hear NS is bringing steam back on their rails. Probably works out good that they are contracting with other existing steam operators, I'm sure this helps them stay in operation. Maybe someday will see the 1218 and 611 return...
Brilliant idea!!! I think I may very well do this to all mine at some point. I modified all my Aristo units but this is really the smarter solution to go with this better smoke unit all together!
Thanks so much for sharing this
On the question regarding voltages, I would have to check the fan leads to confirm but the Aristocraft power leads should be providing 5v so that would be safe for the elements, just wire it right up and go. Without additional information just try the fan out on the bench and do some testing. you should be able to tell what level of voltage seems appropriate and adjust as necessary.
I've heard the same thing about summer time operation for steam in general but sounds like that in winter it actually was still pretty cold! I keep seeing more and more news about all this lending more confirmation that discussions are underway.
I have my fingers crossed but I have a hard time believing that anyone in current possession of one would want to be responsible for keeping their(or a) Big Boy from being restored to operational status.
Posts on FB that hint to a possible Big Boy restoration that confirms what others are discussing on other forums:
Post a day ago - "We have some interesting and very large news to share soon. Be patient please and trust us when we say, you'll be VERY surprised when you hear it."
Next post - "The cab of what our surprise might be." (posted a pic of the cab of 4014)
Comment posted:
Margaret Monroe Not a rumor, Trains Magazine Newswire said today (Fri., Dec. 7, 2012) that: "Company spokesman Mark Davis told Trains NewsWire Friday that the company has been approached by and is working with a third party interested in restoring and operating a Big Boy. He said the railroad is evaluating the condition of preserved UP Big Boy locomotives and that it believes two might be available for restoration. Davis declined to name the other party or give a timeline for the project."
Not sure what size can fit but if it can fit a 3" with a big magnet I have some of the ones I use in my conversions $22.00 + $5.00 shipping. (I have them imported)
Hehe at the time that USA Hudson pic was taken there was a slight dip. The track is mounted to concrete fiber board so not much bend in that distance can happen
One thing I did early on was to make one car per train consist a track cleaner. Even though I was using Stainless Steel rail I felt it was a good idea to have at least some sort of cleaning action to keep any sort of buildup off the top of the rail to keep engine and rolling stock wheels as clean as possible.
My goals were to use an existing car and to keep the visual impact to a minimum.
I started with one Bachmann coal hopper and made plans to fabricate a bridge on one truck to attach the track cleaner pads:
I chose to use a corrugated strip of metal to attach the cleaner pads to:
I ground out areas so the flanges would not touch the metal mount and wrapped it with electrical tape.
I then used 3M outdoor adhesive along with cut to size finishing pads to the truck and hotglued lead weights in the car to weigh it down:
End result is a very effective track cleaning car for almost no cost. I periodically have to replace the pads and a layer of adhesive tape but that's it. The rails stay nice and polished but don't experience any appreciable abrasion or wear.
Great pics guys and outstanding photography Kevin!
Picking favorites is hard cause I really like all my engines and the prototypes the represent but when it comes to steam I really like my MTH Big Boys and for diesel the Aristo Dash-9:
Click this photo for larger more close up look:
I do like the Triplex as it's one of the most unique out there:
When I run trains I usually run one slow coal drag and one high-speed passenger. For the passenger train I now usually run the USA or MTH Hudson:
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Aristocraft 2-8-0 Consolidation
in Locomotives
Posted
Mallet came out really nice Jim, same on the 2-8-0 Mark. I have too have been ok with the rods being factory metal. Now that engine might look rather interesting stretched out to a 2-10-0.