LGB 2-4-0

[Tim Brien]

Normally I do not have much time for smaller LGB locomotives,  but this one was my track testing workhorse (usually runs with a slopeback Aristo Porter tender with all wheel pickups).  Several years ago,  in need of a `new` loco I took a disasssembled 0-4-0 that required new cylinders and valve gear (robbed for another project).  All that was available was a set of Aristo Porter cylinders and rods.  These were duly fitted and the loco run as an 0-4-0.

Having previously converted two other LGB #2017X series locomotives to 2-4-0 configuration (for those I used pilot trucks from an LGB #2080 2-6-2 locomotive),  today I decided to commence on a third 2-4-0 conversion.  As an `American` loco I felt that a pilot truck is essential.  Not having LGB spares,  I modified a piece of aluminium angle extrusion and came up with a workable design.  The pilot wheels are from an LGB 2-4-0 shorty loco tender (these are marginally larger diameter than feldbahn wheelsets).

The truck pivots about the threaded portion of the smokestack.  Extensive testing showed that this was a workable design for my track.  If running R1 curves then the wheels would need to be spaced a little further forward.

The last photo shows the cowcatcher currently curing prior installation.  This is made from pieces cut from a couple of spare LGB cowcatchers.  When finished stayrods will be fitted to the cowcatcher deck to support the pilot deck extension. 

 

[Riograndad]

Now thats an interesting project

 

[daveyb]

never realised the coupling rods etc were different to the stainz

 

[Tim Brien]

The cowcatcher/pilot deck needs a little tidying and a spot of paint.

 

[Tim Brien]

never realised the coupling rods etc were different to the stainz

Dave,
Aristo-Craft parts were fitted as I did not have any LGB spares at the time.

 

[daveyb]

oh yes can see it now,, good idea that, are you going to change the body much

 

[Madman]

Great job Tim.

 

[korm kormsen]

this i "must" copy!

thanks.

 

[Tim Brien]

oh yes can see it now,, good idea that, are you going to change the body much

Dave,
the loco is just my test loco whenever any alterations are made to the track and does not get much usage at all. It normally hauls an Aristo slopeback tender suitably painted as the tender has all wheel pickup enabling me to test the newly altered track. Thus no further alterations to the body are intended.

 

[Tim Brien]

[quote author=daveyb link=topic=299929.msg331109#msg331109 date=1414326797]
................................................are you going to change the body much
[/quote]


I did not intend another 2-4-0,  however, I stumbled upon a few spares so hopefully will have enough for another locomotive.  While looking at how I could change the loco body to more reflect an `American` character,  I decided to open up the cab.  A simple mod taking about thirty minutes to accomplish.  Perhaps a livery change down the track?

 

[Tim Brien]

Well this one is a mix match of spare parts.  It will get a livery make over eventually plus black wheels.  A simple pilot truck addition using scrap aluminium angle extrusion and a Bachmann `small` (24.5 mm) wheelset.  The pilot deck/cowcatcher was made up from scrap parts left over from the earlier conversion.

I swapped over the chassis from the yellow loco above as that loco had a later sandwich drive block and the only spare cylinders/valve gear that I had were for that later release drive.

 

[Tim Brien]

Commonly seen on plantation and tropical locomotives,  the forward side window was replaced with a ventilated screen.  A simple mod using Evergreen `louvre` shaped styrene is placed over the existing side window, having been previously painted the desired colour.

In this case the `louvres` are not readily apparent until painted.

 

[garrymartin]

Could I ask where you obtained the louvre shaped styrene from ?

 

[Tim Brien]

Garry,
the styrene was just one of the many Evergreen plastic sheet packs that I picked up years ago. Alas, all that I had left was enough to do two locomotives. I have no idea what the Evergreen part number is.

 

[Tim Brien]

An interesting observation.  A Bachmann Anniversary headlamp will fit the slot cutouts on the #2017 series LGB headlamp mount.  The LGB mounting does require a raised boss to be removed,  but the delicate mount slots align with the tabs on the Bachmann light casing.  Of cause a resistor would be required in series to limit the voltage to the LED if input voltage exceeded around 5 volts. 

 

[Tim Brien]

Another modification underway,  full length sidetanks.

 

[PhilP]

Serious bit of lighting kit there! Like it!
With the enhanced range of additional water, will it require a tender as well?

 

[Tim Brien]

Serious bit of lighting kit there! Like it!
With the enhanced range of additional water, will it require a tender as well?

Alas, all my tenders were utilised for the two Garratts that I built and I do not fancy spending a couple of hundred dollars for another one. LGB released versions of this loco minus tenders.

 

[Madman]

Keep surfing Ebay, Tim. One in a blue moon, those tenders can be had for a more reasonable price.

 

[Tim Brien]

Dan,
unfortunately, the cost of international postage has got out of hand with sellers adding their 'fee' plus the eBay postage supplement. Even if I got a bargain I would be slugged. Oh how I lament the good old days of economy/surface shipping from the States. Around eight years ago a tender could be posted for around twelve dollars. These days the vampires want around sixty dollars.