Usually... IMRC does the same models in both HO and N scale... but... a steamer would be a very expensive proposition in N scale for IMRC. They probably needed to 'test' the waters first in HO scale before trying N scale. I'm hopeful that they will announce an N scale AC-12 in about a year.
N Scale is being collectively punished for not putting our money down up front and ordering the Con Cor Cab-forward, sight unseen, a few years ago. Because of our failure, Con Cor was not able to place a massive order with Rivarossi for them and thus keep that floundering company alive for a few more years. By the time Hornsby, or whoever gets the ashes of Rivarossi, gets thing back in order, or anyone else dives in, we will all have kit bashed our own out of antique Y6-Bs.
Russell, Thats a great modeling effort. The job you did on that cab forward is superb. Can you tell us a little about it? Looks like some of the running gear is custom too? I am hoping Intermountain or PCM will come out with a cab forward but the waiting time will be very long i fear. And of course, some are already available in brass for the strong of heart and wallet. Dave
That is mostly an old MRC/Rowa Y6-B Mallet with a Bachmann "Oil" tender. The running gear is stock MRC. The cab roof is a chunk of resin from an old molded passenger car roof that I filed to the right profile in front. The rest of it is folded up brass sheet with the windows filed out. The leading truck is off a Bachmann shorty heavyweight car. The deck between the smoke box and tender is fabricated from Plastructs diamond grid pattern styrene. There are various Gold Metal Models numberboard and Detail Associates marker lamps on the cab. One of the sand domes on the boiler was replaced with one off an old MRC Berkshire, but I only had one. The pilot is fabricated from Evergreen Styrene parts.
A little mouse at IM whispered in my ear last week "Let us get the HO out first then we will try to start an N-scale version". This will be IM's start in n-scale steam. I can't wait, I want 4 or 5 AC 12's. Rodney
Well, I hope they ask insightful questions about the reasons that previous attempts have not worked out! It's not easy to: * keep all the drivers on a non-sprung chassis against the rail. * make a strong pulling loco that doesn't break side rods. * good pulling without gum bands on the tires. * create a robust electrical system (robust means you can take it apart and put it back together) * fit in a 5 pole motor without make a silly looking tender * put in a Z scale pilot coupler for double heading Any others you guys can think of?
quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by SuperSteam: Thoughts on old rivi mallets.... I am having a new front engine chassis machined from aluminum for one of mine because i want to keep mine running forever. They have good mechanisms and pull well. [IF there is enough interest, you guys may be able to talk me into making these frame parts available. I would have to check whether this is kosher legally......... Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave, working backwards: making a non-available repair part for a non-existant company. Think about it... you can easily buy repair parts for your GM/Ford/ETC. If there were legal issues, these boyz would have cut off any competition long ago. Next: ALUMINIUM??!!! ARRGH, the only two choices worse would be magnesium or berylium (magnesium very flammable (welll, not realllly flamable, but if it _does_ ignite..., berylium infinitately worse for toxilogical reasons ). Plain steel would be better, brass more so, depleted uranium would be better still except for the toxoligical issues again, some gold alloy would be best if you have the bucks . Why? You need the weight. The heavier the better, the most dense material gives the most weight. Done. Brass is the most stable for the price, lead alloys tend to be too soft (as is gold ). There is a tungsten-copper alloy that machines as well as steel & is strong enough. If you can find it, that would be the choice, otherwise brass. Bob in IDaho
Aluminum is easy for machine tools to cut, and hence cheaper to make, so perhaps this is the reason? When I was looking into pastic die molds, an aluminum mold would cut the price in quarter over a steel mold. It wouldn't last as long, of course, but who really needs 2 million of something?
Right Tony! Aluminum is chosen for cost and because it can be anodized. These models need to complete a circuit through the chassis and through the wheelsets. I am looking for the most cost effective solution to this problem. CNC'd aluminum with anodization is it. I believe replacements out of aluminum would have the same weight as the originals. It would be nice to machine brass or stainless but the cost would be too high. And I have chosen to maintain the Rivi design. Loco weight is increased by the piece that is currently mounted on top of the chassis. Perhaps we can do a SS replacement for that, as it is a simple piece. Screw in replacement for everything. Dave
If I am thinking correctly, annodizing will insulate the aluminum, not improve conductivity. The current trend in RC car motor technology is a one piece aluminum motor endbell to act as a heat sink for the brushes. They annodize the endbell so the brushes do not conduct through it and thus create a short circuit. The only thing insullating the brush hoods from the aluminum endbell on this type of motor is the annodizing.
Thats correct. Anodizing acts as an insulator. To ensure that current is carried through the correct set of wheels to the chassis, that side of the carrier is masked, the other remains insulated. I've thought about this guys, believe me. Anodizing also means the part does not have to be painted. Dave
