Matt's project to bash a Bachmann 0-6-0 into a CN loco got me thinking and looking once more at the US Army 0-6-0 locos built 1942-47 by Alco and Lima. A good link is at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/exhibits/equipment/engines-a-powered-rail-equipment/steam-locomotive-no-4039">http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/ex ... ve-no-4039</a><!-- m --> Various sources say these were based on the USRA 0-6-0, which is the Bachmann prototype, and looking at photos and diagrams, it looks like this is the case. The main difference is that the air pump is mounted on the pilot, which also requires changes to the smokebox front. I found a diagram of one of the Lima locos that went to the Alaska Railroad at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JK-315.html">http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JK-315.html</a><!-- m -->

These are interesting locos that went to some short lines that interest me, including the Raritan River and the Duluth and Northeastern in addition to the Alaska Railroad. They also went to tourist lines like the New Hope and Ivyland and the Morris County Central. The biggest part of the project will be a new tender, but I can rough out dimensions from the diagram. It also looks like the cab needs to be lowered by about a foot.

Good to hear I could inspire a fellow to undertake a kitbash!

That model is fun to hack and saw. You pickup a very nice and fitting prototype. Tender rebuilding is like a breeze!

You remind me I HAVE to rewire mine and put a new decoder in it as soon as possible.

Matt

I'm trying to come up with a list of the lines that had these. They include the Virginia Blue Ridge, which was one of the last steam operations in the early 1960s, so there's film out there, the Duluth & Northeastern (ditto), the Midland Terminal (youtube at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGeVybQPes">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGeVybQPes</a><!-- m --> ) the Alaska Railroad, the Raritan River Railroad, Bonsal Sand (industrial), the New Hope & Ivyland, and the Morris County Central. Others stayed with the US Army. If anyone knows of more owners, I'd be very intersted to hear of them.

There were two variations. All the Alcos had three domes, with two traditional sand domes. Some or all of the Limas had the forward sand dome faired in with the steam dome.

sailormatlac Wrote:You remind me I HAVE to rewire mine and put a new decoder in it as soon as possible.

Matt

By all means, show us what you did! I'm learning from and being inspired by many people here!

The Midland Terminal had these as well. I tend to recall at least one of theirs going to Virginia...perhaps the road you've referenced.

The Midland Terminal was the connection built from the Colorado Midland to the Cripple Creek District gold bonanza. When the CM folded in the '20s, the Midland Terminal took over the portion of the mainline from the junction with the MT into Colorado City (the location of the gorgeous stone roundhouse and terminal that Model Masterpieces used in their classic kits).

jwb Wrote:

sailormatlac Wrote:You remind me I HAVE to rewire mine and put a new decoder in it as soon as possible.

Matt

By all means, show us what you did! I'm learning from and being inspired by many people here!

Should be completed during the weekend. I'll take some pictures.

Matt