56" drivers was Re: model locomotive dimensions index?

[NW Modeling List]

Hi Kenneth;

The small drivered Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0, advertised as 52" drivers, 
actually has 56" drivers (I measured 55½").  These are the same drivers as 
on the Spectrum 2-6-6-2.

As far as making an M, my current plan, which has been delayed numerous 
times to job and move, is to add an axle to the 56" drivered Spectrum 4-6-0. 
The three axle positioning looks about right, and the cylinder positioning 
with the four wheel lead truck sort of works out too.

I also have a LMB brass model that I got off e-bay many years ago.

Several years (decades) ago, Model Railroader had a several page graphical 
article with driver and wheelbase dimensions of many steam locomotive kits 
display.  I am sorry, I do not which issue; I believe it was in the 1980's, 
certainly before 1995.

For most N&W modelers in HO, the only tough ones are the M classes.

Here is what I have worked out so far:

A            4-4-2         Bowser E6 - motor too big for N&W A
A            2-6-6-4     BLI model, Bowser Challenger chassis
E/1/2      4-6-2         Bowser NYC K11 is close, domes off, boiler courses 
not quite right, but has the right Alco look
E3          4-6-2         Spectrum K4 - conversion article series in Model 
Railroading awhile back, or Bowser K4
G           2-8-0         50" drivers, Model Power 2-8-0 has the right 
Baldwin look, but may be a bit big; Mellor 2-8-0 kit for Mantua 2-6-2 - kit 
had a chassis with a machined slot for the fourth driver axle, extra Mantua 
side rods, screws, driver and axle bushings; a Shortened Spectrum 2-10-0 
might work (52" drivers are bit oversized though)
J             4-8-4         Spectrum or BLI
K1/2      4-8-2            Mehano, Bowser USRA, Bachmann USRA Heavy
K3          4-8-2         drivers are 63" like a USRA 2-8-2, I'd probably 
start with a Bowser L1 2-8-2 and parts from a Bowser 4-8-2
M            4-8-0         Spectrum low drivered 4-6-0 (advertised as 52", 
measures 55½"
S1             0-8-0         Proto 2000 USRA
V             4-6-0         Spectrum 4-6-0; low and high drivered versions 
for different V classes
W            2-8-0         Spectrum SY 2-8-2 (Chinese model) - driver 
diameter is correct, and spacing close
Y          2-8-8-2         Proto 2000, PCM
Z          2-6-6-2         Spectrum USRA model - even has Baker valve gear 
much to the annoyance of our C&O friends.

Nigel F Misso, PE
http://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelmisso
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
To: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>; "Southern Modelers List" 
<SOUTHERNmodeler at yahoogroups.com>; "Model Engineering List" 
<modeleng-list at kepler-eng.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2009 5:41 AM
Subject: model locomotive dimensions index?



> I'm posting this to any group of which I am a member, and which I think 

> might have someone out there who would know the answer, so please forgive 

> any multiple posts you may receive.

>

> There is an online index of 45mm gauge locomotive chassis, listing wheel 

> diameter, spacing, wheelbase, photos, and any pertinent information about 

> almost all the commonly available models, at least here in the US. It can 

> be found at 

> http://gold.mylargescale.com/scottychaos/MLS-kitbashing-guide.html

>

> Is there anything comparable for any of the smaller scales?  I'm 

> especially interested in HO for my own purposes.  The reason I ask is that 

> last night I found myself wondering if there might be a commercially 

> available chassis suitable for an N&W class M, with 56" drivers.  It turns 

> out that it's rather hard to find out for sure.  I did find that Bowser 

> makes a 56" driver, but only in an 0-6-0 chassis. It would sure be nice if 

> I could simply scan a list of available locomotives, looking for one that 

> would fit my needs.

>

> So how about it?  Anybody ever heard of anything that would fit the bill?

> -- 

> Kenneth Rickman - krickman1 at carolina.rr.com

> Salisbury, NC

>

> If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer!

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