Making the Bachmann On30 2-8-0 Consolidation more like "Maine" 2-foot

[John Tumolo]

 I have always liked the Bachmann Consolidation, but it's a bit big/tall for my 2-foot Maine themed On30 railroad. It just seemed to tower over the rolling stock. After thinking about it for a long while, I came up with the idea and method to lower the cab. Follow this, and it's an easy job. Purchase a Banta Modelworks CURVED roof 2-8-0 cab. Glue the 2 front pieces together, then, with a sharp knife and metal straight edge make a cut all the way across the top and bottom edge of the front windows, effectively removing appx. 1/4 " of the cab. Glue 'em back together, then using the upper notch on the side for location but removing the center tabs 'cause they are no longer in the correct position, attach the left and right sides. This will give you that Maine look of a lower cab that also "hangs down" on the sides. Finish with the top supports and the top itself, which you have wrapped around a beer/soda can for at least one day to help approximate the shape you need. In Maine 2-foot style, I left off the rear partition, but I did wedge it in place while the glue dried to keep the cab in shape. The only modification you need to make to the locomotive itself is the removal of a bit of metal on the sides, using your grinding wheel (I used the grinder out in the garage that I use to sharpen mower blades) to take them back appx. 1/16" (basically back to the ridge line). Removing the original cab is easy if you know the trick. It's held in place by way of a screw coming up through the boiler right in the center of the front windows. First, remove the screw hiding under the front truck. Then, remove the plastic cap over the plugs for the tender power at the rear of the locomotive and you will see 2 screws inside (NOT the one holding the pcb in place). Remove the 2 screws and the boiler may GENTLY be raised up to allow access to the screw holding the cab. DO NOT harm the two power wires while doing this. Carefully lift the metal cab away, and don't cut or break the pipes going in. Your new cab will now drop right into place into the slot in the boiler. Place all of your pipes in the appropriate holes provided, and you will find that they will hold your cab in place. As you can see by the photos, it's still a big locomotive, but now it looks like it belongs. It was a fun build.   John Tumolo  [email protected]

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