Bachmann Shay Conversion from 20.3 to 7/8N2

 

The projects objective is to create a pleasing a 2 foot looking conversion from an already great performing locomotive. I had several self set perametres.

• Low total cost of the project
• Using tools readily available to anyone with minimal shop skills
• Artisically accurate ( not a rivet counter - needs to look narrow gauge from 10 feet )
• Using most of the original parts supplied with the locomotive.
• Converting power source to on board battery remote control (most costly part).

 
What do I mean by 2 foot looking. Well simply put, 2 foot railroads usually operated on a low budget. Mostly run by private industry or small towns. The locomotives and rolling stock have more charecter in they’re customised uniqueness to whatever the needs of the industry were, most self made by the lines engineers and more often than not defied gravity as to how they remained on the narrow rails in the first place.  The image below is the one I used a reference to the conversion. Mine will be wood burning ( only due to the fact that I love the look of small size cut firewood ).

Starting Point:

Finishing Target: