Just a thought - what about an Old West loco fundholder project?

[Gundamentalist 5.56]

With more than several posts about cheap, suitable locomotives for old West gaming, which often only seem to approximate what was wanted only with further hard work, or On30 substitutes which sort of look alright, I was wondering if there was an opportunity for organising an Old West Fundholder project much like the BR-52 project that is stickied at the top of this forum.

The Dixon and Redoubt Old West locos are in the £100 region (especially if you get rolling stock as well), but I believe that the BR-52 came in less than this (though that was one engine only)?

So how about we set up an Old West loco project - maybe an engine, tender, two carriages, a cattle/goods car and a caboose sized for OO or S guage? The BR-52 project started with only 6 members, surely there are more than six of us here that want a decent, well priced Old West loco? I cenrtainly do.

[Michi]

Good idea, but I am already stacked with what I need.
Although I could probably be persuaded to build masters for making moulds and casts.

[Hu Rhu]

I for one would be keen to join in, especially for freight cars, passenger wagons, caboosses etc. Whilst I already have a cheap locomotive, I might be persuaded to ante up for another.

[Gundamentalist 5.56]

Roll up! Roll up! Another 5 interestees needed...

[Thargor]

Are you looking at something compatible with 28mm Old West minis?  If so, depending on price, I could be interested.....

[Za Zjurman]

Are you looking at something compatible with 28mm Old West minis?  If so, depending on price, I could be interested.....

+1

[Gundamentalist 5.56]

Are you looking at something compatible with 28mm Old West minis?  If so, depending on price, I could be interested.....

That's the idea...

[katie]

I could be interested -- Ideally I'd be after something suitable for both the ACW and WW eras if there's any choices in the designs.

I've been looking at the Redoubt one, but I'm a bit unsure of making the leap given the cost and whether I could get accessories to suit it (like track).

If we could make one which fits on a regular gauge of track -- HO, say -- then we can just stock up from the local model store.

There's a scale called 55n3 which is 5.5mm to the foot scale which is about ~1/56 and is designed to model 3' narrow gauge on HO -- and 3' was a pretty common gauge for even mainline railways in the late 1800s in the US. Rolling stock for it is not widely available, but there are commercially sold chassis, wheels and so on. (Meaning that scratchbuilding wagons is less of a chore).

Apparently a lot of Bachmann On30 stuff is usable with a bogie/wheel swap. This is an On30 loco converted to be 55n3 and it looks exactly the sort of thing; http://55n3.org/image/left_three_quarter.jpg

(Before you get excited and rush off to buy one, they're 240 quid!!).

[OSHIROmodels]

If it fits for HO scale track I could be persuaded.

cheers

James

[redzed]

The Dixon and Redoubt Old West locos are in the £100 region (especially if you get rolling stock as well), but I believe that the BR-52 came in less than this (though that was one engine only)?

it was an expensive luxury bit of kit, we budgeted for around a £1200 for making the master, moulding & casting one copy each (for the 12 Fundholders). We could of got it cheaper but there seemed little point in scrimping on cost, and if you see a version of it you'll see why. Also it's a huge bit resin, about 2-3 times larger than a train you'll be wanting.
Track size- I'd go for S scale which is about 1/60th, it looks 'right' for 28mm, 1/48 (USA 'O' scale looks too big, and HO/OO looks way too small- S scale it's readily available in the USA and fairly easy to get in the UK.
If you can get the funds together I can put in contact with the model maker we used (who did an outstanding job).

[Gundamentalist 5.56]

Thanks for the info Redzed, we're going need some more intrestees if this is going to leave the station...

[Gutbukkit]

As others have said, if the price is right then I'd be interested.

[Tom Reed]

Not trying to hijack this train thread, but does anyone know if there are floorplans anywhere for train cars (boxcars, freight/baggage car, caboose, etc.)?

[Cory]

Floorplans or scale drawings?

Also, for what period? 1870s/1880s, 1890s-WWI, or pulp. As better engines were built the cars got longer and heavier.

[fastolfrus]

If the carriages were suitable for colonial - perhaps India with Kenneth More to drive the train?

Not sure about the engine though.
But depending on price, if there was track available I'm in.