Modifying Collectible Equipment

(Also, replying to my own post, just some quick measurements of the "E7", and proportionately it's more like a 1/55 scale F unit. Interesting...)

You know Robert, I used to be a save it in original packaging kind of guy. I’ve collected a lot of trains as well as Hot Wheels. I’ve gotten to the point where now I look at this stuff as toys. And toys are meant to be played with. I say rebuild it the way you want and hopefully it will make you happy. If not, do something else with it. But gee whiz, just have fun and forge ahead!

Joel

It is your unit, do what you want with it.

I thought you were going to address 2-rail collectibles.  Almost all of them get modified.  Even my 700 series freight cars got insulated axles, which probably damages their value.

Yeah, just thought I'd ask before sharing images of old equipment being put on the operating table and all the lab equipment fired up ("GIVE MY CREATION LIFE!").

In other news, got the battery powered Beep running better. I'll write up a complete post once I get the gearbox cover made and in place.

Yeah, Bob, there are things I'd like to try. There are a few classic 3-rail locos I'm looking at (diesels), like that Marx "E7". Glad that I'm not alone in doing this.

You say its a somewhat "beat-up" item.  It seems more OK to modify an old "beat-up" unit than one in top condition.  It will be unique and will have value for its uniqueness.

Yeah, I'm a tinkerer, I like old and beat-up. Because, I, too, am old and beat-up.

I don't care, but management has little fits when we mix Marx and Beeps up with 2-rail scale.  Sure you don't want to ask this in the tinplate forum?  You would get a more informed set of answers.

I'm curious about the part where you've powered up static models with DC motors. I've been looking (on-and-off) into ways of powering a couple of near O-scale floor-toy streetcars based on the 'City Liner" tram by Dickie Toys (itself based, I believe on the Bombardier Flexity 2 streetcar). This would be something of a challenge though, probably needing 3D printing for truck blocks and gear carriers, smaller-than-freight-size wheels, not to mention a fair bit of cutting into the floor.

Two to respond to here, so I'll go in order.

Bob, point taken. This is one of the original two-rail Kusan battery powered Beeps, so not really sure where it should fall. As for the Marx, it arrived today, and I remember having the simple act of building a collectible model kit set off a collector some years back. Having worked in the hobby business decades ago, it seems things have really rounded a corner where collectors are concerned. Anyway, I'll be posting more scale projects as opposed to tinplate. Just wanted to ask as it crossed my mind looking over the Marx.

RailRide,
About four years ago I converted a Minicraft 1/26 scale Stephenson's Rocket into a battery powered G gauge model. The frame really wasn't a problem, though some work was needed on the wheels, as I recall. I actually powered the drivers as opposed to putting a motor unit under the tender. Additional weight was mounted in the boiler for tests. I had planned a very early garden for the side of the place I was renting, but alas, nothing came of it and the two locomotives, the Rocket and a Stephenson 0-4-0 colliery locomotive built around a New Bright chassis, were sold, as well as the six cars I made. four coal chaldrons and a couple of flats.
But I digress.
The motor unit I used was from Tamiya. It's a small 3v motor with an attached gear box with a 3mm axle. I have three such units right now, and their are 12v motors of similar size to the Mabuchi F motors that the gear boxes use. Caveat, though - they are not really that quiet. I do have a newer one that houses the gears inside a plastic housing (unlike the earlier units which are stamped metal, though sturdy). You can find these on the auction sites as well as many hobbyist sites as well. Hope that sort of helps.

It's YOUR stuff......need I say more? As for the best forum location for you, you're not 2 rail scale (usually called "O scale") and you're not 3 rail, but you're probably closer to 3 rail type equipment. Other than the lack of the middle rail, I think you would get more feedback from those folks. It's kind of a sticky wicket! LOL

Simon

Dear Robert,

Ditto advise to speak to the 3 rail guys.

It is a shame Kusan never caught on as coarse 2 rail gauge, but the marketing might of Lionel ended that.

Wherever you live, you may want to check out a actual scale 2 rail O scale train show/meet to see the many, many items available to you,

Regards,

John Scale2Rail Promotions

Strasburg Pa 04/17/2021

Thanks for the advise, fellas (and as Simon mentioned, it is indeed a sticky wicket). Already moving along here with this, and discovering that I have even less space to work with than anticipated, so "coarse" scale it is.

Many thanks again.