Locomotive conversion for custom redesign?

I would just buy him a Scout type engine instead of going thru all that. JohnA 

Anything can be done.  I concur- easier and cheaper to simply buy what you want. I do a lot of scratch building, but it is just to please me - and I wouldn't consider surprising some kid with something I invested a hundred hours and two hundred dollars in, unless I was sure he/she was lusting after just that particular model.

The average kid would rather be on the phone.

  The sounds and motor power are pretty well intertwined and hard to seperate. It may be an easy system swap if both use the same "chuff/speed" sensor/flywheel tap, etc, otherwise, a ton of adaptions would be needed.

I don't think it would be worth the effort to create an interface worthwhile. Best to pick a system and stick to it imo. Wait and see where it goes; want for automation, modeling, history, etc., or even social aspects. Give him what he needs more so than what he thinks he wants, but balance it of course.

Online update ability has promising implication though. Id search for threads on LC sounds or stick with what you seem to know in DCS.. maybe look at DCC etc. if you have mth tech fears. DCS works some DCC features and visa versa. Something to consider for a while. More cross compatible than LC for sure.

@bob2 posted:

Anything can be done.  I concur- easier and cheaper to simply buy what you want. I do a lot of scratch building, but it is just to please me - and I wouldn't consider surprising some kid with something I invested a hundred hours and two hundred dollars in, unless I was sure he/she was lusting after just that particular model.

The average kid would rather be on the phone.

Agreed. Just go wiTh the LionChief until he shows more interest

Brendan

You can install Protosound 2 or 3 in some LionChief locomotives, but I can't imagine that it would be cost-effective.  Lionel's "Thomas" locos specifically don't have a flywheel, so you would have to use the Electric Railroad circuit with back-EMF for motor control.

I love the idea of a custom-printed 3D superstrucutre.  But I would start with a top-notch drive train, not a low-priced toy.  The Williams by Bachmann 4-6-0 is a GREAT runner that will accept any electronics.  But the superstructure is kind of "old timey" for me (and anyone who models the transition era.)  If you could print up a huskier, more modern boiler to fit on that chassis, you would have a world-beater!  Heck, I would buy one!

Personally I would buy your friend's son a LionChief PLUS or RailKing, already equipped with Proto-2 or Proto-3.  These are current designs with decent performance, remote couplers and factory sound.  Most LionChief Plus diesels and the PRR A5 switcher are near scale.  Some RailKing diesels and their steam switchers are scale-sized too.  The 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 switchers are smooth runners that run well on sharp curves.  With one of these to start, he could go into hi-rail or toy trains.

Test it first yourself though, to prevent "dead on arrival" disappointments which are all too frequent.  (That's one area where the crude, "zoom zoom" 1950s Lionels are better.)  Kudos for trying to bring a young person into the hobby!

@Ted S posted:

But the superstructure is kind of "old timey" for me (and anyone who models the transition era.) 

The Maryland & Pennsylvania prototypes for Bachmann's "old timey" 4-6-0's were retired in 1955 with little modification.

Rusty

Short answer is it can be done. Any DC powered engine can be controlled by any command system providing there is room. Its simply a matter of removing  the existing electronics and replacing it with whatever you prefer.

If you like to build models then go for it. A 3D printed body might be pretty light if you use plastic and not many have metal printers. You might consider getting an engine with a body thats close and just replace the domes, stack, other appliances.

Pete