A use for MP 4-4-0s.

[Iain]

How about something based on, if not actually, a PRR DD1?  I may do a couple and find an excuse to put them into steel mill service.

[Chris333]

Well just in case you actually build it.

Dibs on the slide cylinder castings   ;D

[3rdrail]

How about something based on, if not actually, a PRR DD1?  I may do a couple and find an excuse to put them into steel mill service.

Sunset Models has already made PRR DD1's in brass. Didn't sell well. I can't think of anything they'd be less suited for than steel mill service. How many steelworkers a week would be electrocuted by the third rail? LIRR tried to use them for freight and had to add a flat car with third rail shoes to handle gaps in the third rail at switches and grade crossings.

I'm quite happy leaving mine a steam locomotive, thank you. 

[Iain]

Good point about the steel mill not being a good place for it.  Maybe Boondoggle 'n Offschedule, red with a white strip.

However, my love for the weird has led me to the conclusion that I must do at least one electric, and it's time for a couple more projects.  I was going to do another Lima, but I think I will let my poor fingers heal a bit, first.  The other project is going to be my first in HO: an AS416, NS specific.  I am thinking of doing 1616.

Anyhow, what better way to improve the MP American than to put a box over it with plenty of room for weight and permanently couple it to another and hardwire the two together?  All this, and an electric that should be able to actually make it around my layout.  I can even impress with the rotating crankshaft, a la Randy's Climax.

Yes, Chris, you can have the steam chest.  Do you want the other one as well?

I think that the B-man doodlebug may provide some bits that would be of use.  The front, for instance, and the rear truck.  I already have one that rarely gets used because it runs like crap, I don't mind cutting it up.

[Chris333]

Sure I'll take both.  better yet get undec versions and send me all 4!  and I even have Bachmann doodlebug parts to trade you, of course cash always spends well.

About those DD1's I have no use for one, but was really impressed with the photo posted over at Atlas showing the insides of one:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL499/2790029/5643901/118435307.jpg

[Iain]

Sure I'll take both.  better yet get undec versions and send me all 4!  and I even have Bachmann doodlebug parts to trade you, of course cash always spends well.

About those DD1's I have no use for one, but was really impressed with the photo posted over at Atlas showing the insides of one:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL499/2790029/5643901/118435307.jpg

Hmm, there WAS a prototype for Lima pancake motors!

Do you have a shell and rear truck you can spair, Chris?

Like I said, my locomotive will be freelanced, based on the Doodlebug shell.  That has also just given me an idea:  Kitbash a few doodlebugs into coaches, maybe use American Limited cores.  Just a thought.

[Iain]

Quick question:  How long, in inches, is the MP 4-4-0 mech?  Maybe a pic of the loco sitting next to a ruler, please?

[Chris333]

I could tell you the wheelbases, but my whole chassis has been cut up and shortened. I pushed the whole front end back 1/8", talking about the cylinders, pilot, and lead truck. I also cut the rear most part of the frame off so the tender would sit closer.


The driver axles are about 9' apart and pilot truck wheels are about 8' apart. This is whats under the hood:
http://www.railimages.com/albums/chrisschmuck/agj.jpg

I have a whole running doodlebug, I'd like to keep hold of it, but if you do get some MP 4-4-0 parts I'd gladly trade. What would you need the doodlebug trucks for? Just curious.

[Iain]

As I said, I am freelancing the thing.  Doodlebug trucks, to me, just look cool.  I am replacing the front MP truck with 'em.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

0

[Iain]

0

Uhh ??? :.


Anyway, this is something like what the body will end up looking like:

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/vgn100a.jpg
There will be fewer windows on the sides, but otherwise pretty close.  I am even thinking of pantographs.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

0

[tom mann]

0

Ed - whats with you posting numbers all of the time?

[nscalesteve]

4 8 15 16 23 42