Let's start with the prototype.
A K-1 class 4-6-0 with road number of 112. First we must gather
some information on this unit. There were 26 of these units of the K-1 variety sold to CNW for the Omaha line
between 1911 and 1913
The dimensions are somewhat important to
give us the parameters for modifications, so they also need to be
reviewed.
The K-1 Ten Wheeler as it looked about 70
years ago
American Flyer 4-4-0 game train somewhat
resembled it. Shown below is a L2001.
Again, using the magic of the computer graphics
editors, a conversion
plan can be constructed. Basic differences are modified to allow the viewer a
idea of how the original looked. We will try to get it close. This one should
not be as hard as it looks.
Picture being
created. Available when ready.
Items that needed to be altered to represent
the model above are listed
below starting from the rear:
A) Molded tender ladder removed from the right
side rear and metal ladder added to the left side, rather than the
right. Marker lights are possible from LEDs found in an after Christmas miniature
village closeout sale at the local department store. The LEDs can be
mounted in square stock of either brass or plastic, and shaped to size.
B) Existing coal load cut out of tender, and
insert is built to hold real scale coal. I may wish to add functional coaling tower
to the layout, and now is the time to change it.
C) Hand rails added to front of tender and bar
between tender and engine cab shortened to represent closer gap between the
two.
D) Extra frame could be added under the
tender, and a diverter plate could be added to the rear of the coal bin.
E) Decals removed and new applied after paint.
F) The frame needs to be cut from under
the cab and moved inwards to accommodate
the new drive.
G) The cow catcher needs to be extended.
H) Air and valve cylinders need to be
altered
I) Pennsylvania square style smoke box
needs to be removed, and cab may need to be shortened.
J) Molded air lines and hand rails removed. New
wire installed with handrail posts.
K) Headlight and bell cut off, boiler front
repaired, and new LED headlight, bell, marker lights added to boiler and
tender.
L) Portions of under body frame may have
to be removed from boiler
M) New drive linkage would have to be designed
and added to represent function. Valve gear should be added due to aesthetics
and satisfaction.
N) Final alteration would be adding a coupler
in the front. Flyer only used front couplers on switchers, but many engines on
the Omaha roster were used as helpers pulling a freight in tandem. Couplers
should be either Kaydee or functional with Kaydee couplers.
Of all of the items listed above, handrails,
steam pipes, sand pipes, marker lights, and drive gear make the largest visual impact in the
conversion. These items make the "toy" look real, and unless the
viewer is looking at a picture of the prototype, or very familiar with the
prototype, he or she will never know.
I
would like to convert this engine also to a flywheel DC using DCC and use pickups on
the engine wheels for better reliability and performance. The front truck also
needs to be reviewed due to tendencies of derailing same as the pacific. DC motor that is
appropriate size has been located, now gear sets and mounts and to be purchased
and made.
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