Anybody here ever try to kit-bash one of the various "old timer" 4-4-0's into an SLSF 180 class 4-4-0? Any scale? I think Athearn and Bachmann, maybe others have those "old west" or "civil war" 4-4-0 models and I've thought about trying that sometime. The little Frisco 4-4-0's were some of the sharpest looking little fellas on the whole roster. I'd like to see some pictures if anybody has ever tried to do it. Thanks, Tom
Re: Kit Bashing A 180 Calss 4-4-0... Jim James has kitbashed a 4-4-0 at this thread: http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?t=2170
Re: Kit Bashing A 180 Calss 4-4-0... Thanks for the link Whiz--And I DO know how to spell "class!" Tom
Tom, sounds like a good potential "how to" with pictures if you decide to try one of your own. Maybe someday I'll get around to one...I'd sure like to do so. These locomotives are a great steam project for any era up until demise of steam, considering their longevity. Jim's model is a nice one; as far as I know he's the only Frisco modeler out there modeling an earlier era of Frisco steam. I suspect there may be others, however. Best Regards,
I will post some thoughts on my experience with kitbashing my 4-4-0 for my Zalma branch. First I don't claim exact rivit counting accuracy but I did the best I could using one old photo showing the little ancient 4-4-0 at Greenbrier. I based everything on what I could see and that is just the right side of it! I can't make out the number on the tender which really limits any hope of any real loco info. I kept the left rather plain until I learn more or just use artistic license. The old AHM/RIvarossi Inyo, Genoa etc is too large a scale and it does not reflect the right look or feel. The Bachmann is the best choice in my opinion but I did use the Rivarossi tender and fabbed a new drive shaft to mate the motor to the loco. I plan to redo this project starting with a new Bachmann 4-4-0 because the prototype photo shows what looks to be a straight boiler. I left mine humped. I recently removed the hump on another Bachmann 4-4-0 to represent an 1870s Frisco Railway loco and the surgery went great. I have an itch to do this to a new loco. I used brass detail parts where possible and guessed at number for the tender (my bad). I'm only trying to replicate the engine in the photo as best my meager skills will allow.
Here is a picture of a 180 Class 4-4-0, No 213 for you. It is close to the Richmond style 4-4-0 Bachmann puts out. Most notably is the steam chests, air pump, bell/whistle and the pilot steps. Get ready for the knife! I will be doing a few of these. I just wish I could do the driver weights with the disc's. That would be too cool! As for your kitbashing skills, you floored me. Great Job!
In looking at this project, it is feasible to swap in the Bachmann 4-6-0 steam chests. That will give you the correct orientation and you should be able to keep your Stephenson valve gear. Get a Precision Scale Frisco Headlight bracket and you can move the headlight forward. You can remove the Frisco Coon Skin and use it on the nose of the smokebox. The pilot on the 4-4-0 is removable and so an appropriate brass casting can be installed to replace.
Tom, I assume that since you are referring to them as the 180 class, you are wanting to kitbash one in it's post rebuild state in all of its piston valve, walschaerts motion glory! If you can scratchbuild the valve gear, the rest of the 'bash ought to be a walk in the park. The loco in the previous post would be a good starting point, although it has the Brooks style piston valves that are canted inboard, as opposed to everybody else's that were slanted to the outside. I would like to see the results! - James
