10-27-2017, 03:57 PM
to Big Blue, Brian.That certainly is one monster of a locomotive! I can't see that it would be all that difficult to build, though. Perhaps start with the Proto 2-8-8-2, just for the proper wheel arrangement. Pretty-well all of the detail parts are available from either Cal-scale (Bowser) or Precision Scale. Any necessary changes to the boiler or cab, even the cylinders for that matter, could be done in styrene. I believe that Bachmann had a long Vanderbilt tender - should be able to get one from them or perhaps from e-bay or the like. Modifications to the tender, if needed, could be done in styrene, too.
By the way: many are not aware of how extensive the Bowser/Cal-Scale catalogue of parts actually is. Forget the little yellow folder that Cal-Scale used to put out. Bowser has literally racks of brass detail parts, many of which were originally made for the manufacturers of brass locomotives. It's well worth a trip to Montoursville, and only 250 miles for me.
Wayne