Detailing a Bachmann 0-6-0/ 2-6-2- help!

[rmansker]

I recently came into possession of one of each of these for a grand total of $30  ;D for the latest release with the split frame- boy do they run circles around the old ones. But unfortunately they still have the original shell. I have never detailed a steamie before and wanted to see if anyone here had any photos/ tips to make these things look better. The most obvious thing I took care of first was to darken all the copper contacts under the cab. Where do I go from there? ???

Thanks,

Richard

[3rdrail]

The question is...where to you want to go from there? IMHO, you can't very well detail a model unless you have a specific prototype in mind, even if it is an imagined prototype.

The Bachmann 0-6-0 is a USRA 0-6-0, which was used by a fair number of roads, even the PRR, as its Class B28. The 2-6-2 is a USRA 0-6-0 with lead and trailing trucks added.    No prototype, but similar engines existed. Morehead & North Fork #11 is one that is somewhere out there - it was on the Everett in PA, then in Dade City, Florida.

Details for steam power are made by Precision Scale, Gold Medal, Detail Associates, and JNJ. Parts can be gotten from Model Power and Kato at times for their models.

If you are into Northeastern Roads, try http://www.northeast.railfan.net/  for some steam photos, including PRR.

Have fun with them. 

[rmansker]

I don't have any prototype in mind, just want it to look less like a toy. What would be some typical details to add or replace the molded on ones with? I don't even know the names for all the parts on a steam engine. Any good sites or books out there that have diagrams of steam engine parts and what they are called?

Thanks.

[John]

if you are adventorous, start with the piping .. chisel it off, and replace with brass wire ..

[3rdrail]

I don't have any prototype in mind, just want it to look less like a toy. What would be some typical details to add or replace the molded on ones with? I don't even know the names for all the parts on a steam engine. Any good sites or books out there that have diagrams of steam engine parts and what they are called?

Thanks.

Replacing the plastic handrails with wire and a decent paint job would go a long way. Put the 2-6-2 tender on the 0-6-0 and you'll have a good model of a USRA 0-6-0. With a decent paint job the Bachmann 0-6-0 looks pretty decent. No sense in replacing details unless you want to change them, although the PSC Westinghouse cross-compound air compressor put in place of the Bachmann one would improve things.

Believe Kalmbach published a book on detailing steam models a few years ago. If you can find a Locomotive Cyclopedia from the steam era you'll find more than you ever wanted to know. Just don't bid on the one on eBay, I've got my eye on it!

[Chris333]

Something to give you ideas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:USRA_0-6-0.jpg

http://www.nelliebly.com/westjersey/images/trebino/1110.jpg

http://www.bcenterpriseinc.com/brass/omibm060l.jpg