Big Vandy by Bachmann (Help with dimensions please)

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks Mike, that would be appreciated.
Otto

[Mike Madonna]

Hey Otto,

Took a look at that tender. There are not pick ups on the trucks. However, the wheels are insulated on one side. One could make them with a wiper system or similar. IF you were not too concerned about prototype accuracy, Bachmann/Spectrum 6 wheel trucks could be used (if you can find them). As for the Kato GS-4 tender trucks, I believe they are sold out at Kato.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks Mike, appreciate you taking the time to help out.
I'll figure out some way to get all wheel pickup installed.
Otto

[mmagliaro]

You could try Streamlined Backshops' wheel wiper kits. 

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/nscalewheelwipers.html

They are designed to fit many types,
including the MT 6-wheel buckeyes.   I have a set myself and am about experiment with them.
Since they wipe on the backs of the wheels,  and are very nice springy phosphor bronze, they
ought to maintain good contact and not get dirty, and they do give you all-wheel pickup.

Not axle-point, I know.  But maybe they will work well.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thank you Max, I'm familiar with Bryan's wipers; great range of products!
Great service, too, he's always available to answer questions.
Unfortunately, the more I learn more about this old Bachmann tender, the more I think that
I may be better off starting from scratch... the proportions are wrong, the detail is atrocious.
Other than that, it's fine 
The prototype pic is the last one.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Otto K.

[peteski]

.. the more I learn more about this old Bachmann tender, the more I think that
I may be better off starting from scratch... the proportions are wrong, the detail is atrocious.
Other than that, it's fine 

Um, is this yet another Bachmann-bashing thread?!   










Just kidding, relax.  I feel your pain. 

[JMaurer1]

Don't think that it's a Bachmann bash...that tender isn't really that bad once cleaned up and detailed. I think the problem is the tender he wants to model is just way bigger...and a tender that only a mother could love. Kind of like those really chubby babies (read fat).

[Cajonpassfan]

Peteski, I'm not even gonna go there..
Jim (?), some like their tenders fat...

On a more serious note, an observation. The UP tank has an 11' diameter, and the SP Vandy is supposed to measure 10'-6", only a three inch radius differential and yet such a huge visual difference. Odd...
Otto

[JMaurer1]

Its Jeff

11'...maybe it's the inside diameter.

[Cajonpassfan]

Ok, Jeff, now I know....
11' o.d., see below.
Otto

[draskouasshat]

Hey @Cajonpassfan. Is this what your liking for?
I was building one for one of my UP 4-8-2s. Just had some shortening, add styrene, and a piece of a small fluorescent light fixture I didn't throw away! Lol

[draskouasshat]

Heres some more