Hello all. I've been searching for a while for the engine that would suit my needs for my polar express layout. Right now I have the conventional transformer controlled version but I'm interested in some features I've seen in other releases. Specifically the whistle smoke effect and the lionchief version. I love the look of the whistle effect and the sounds and controls of the lionchief version. Would it be possible to take the shell off a lionchief polar express, add the additional smoke unit and place the whistle smoke versions shell on top? Or is there more to this? I understand the frames are different I'm just wondering if anyone's tried this or has any advice.
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Anyone?
Many times, the cost of the parts and the time outweigh the result.
However, the 6-18754 may be a better candidate for modifications. It had the whistle steam driven from the puffer smoke unit and a cast tender for better sound. It also had a more detailed cab with figures.
You would have to go with TMCC for control and sound.
The LionChief has one small board with everything on it, making it difficult to mod.
The Polar specific sounds won't happen.
The Bellcaptain, you can buy the conventional 6-18754 mentioned by Moonmasn but be aware that according to Ken from ERR, while their tmcc can be added to that engine - you will lose the whistle steam effect as the board DOES NOT support it.
That one was done by Jeff at JDS Ltd. Not cheap, but they do very good work!
FWIW, I bought the Lionchief version and swapped my old shell onto it. I had already added builder plates, cab figures, and a real coal load to the tender. I have, but have not yet installed a LED firebox glow module. Whistle steam is not high on my "must have" list. It pulls very well which is a major improvement on the 1st edition "small motor".
The one downside is the distance between the locomotive and the tender. I had tightened it up on the old engine, but with the wiring connector on the Lionchief it's massive.
Gilly
Gilly, what sources did you use for the coal load and alsio the builder plates?