Hello,
I went a little crazy on the old Lionel beginner set that I always run around the Xmas tree and decided to expand out to a floor set that I've wanted since a kid. So I purchased the Canadian Pacific FT passenger RTR set and on an impulse went ahead and got a GP7 Lionchief plus. Now I'm hooked on the constant voltage and remote features and want to do away with the transformer control engines. Problem is, I really like the CP passenger cars but cannot find an upgraded EMD F engine with the Canadian Pacific livery. I really don't want to scrap it and buy a whole new line of engine and cars
So I had two thoughts:
If I Get a Legacy F4, can I swap the shells of the engines so that the Legacy would sport the CP shell? I know there are some differences in the exterior especially the two headlight vs the single. Or,
There is a Lionchief Amtrak FT set which is actually cheaper. But the shells would be identical (I presume). It's not LionChief Plus but I don't really need all the features of the Plus.
Has anyone done this and is it very difficult swapping shells?
Thanks for any advise.
Bryan
There is an Amtrak RTR Lionchief
Welcome to the forum!
As far as can be seen, the Amtrak and Canadian Pacific FT locomotive shells should be interchangeable. There are usually a few screws holding the shells in place, and they should come off easily.
There may be wiring for lights that may come off with the shell, so use caution when taking the shells off.
Larry
Thank you for the advice. I think that's the way I'll go. Looks like there are only 6 screws holding the shell.
I have couple more questions if that's okay:
1) I bought some remote switches and overall they work well. However, sometimes the front wheels of the rear truck will slip over on the curve of the switch (going straight and not following the curve) resulting in the rear truck derailing. Is this common and is there a modification to the switch I should make?
2) I'm starting to worry about power. I have a cw-80 transformer and am afraid of running out of wattage and amps (have a few accessory addo on lighting). Can I directly add on another transformer to the block or do I need to start considering isolated blocks with separate transformers? I have an additional smaller transformer available. My biggest concern is the passenger train with all its lighting.
This is all running on carpet and hardwiring everything is subject to changing layouts and my wife saying "enough, put it away".
I appreciate your help. I'm completely new to all of this and may have upgraded to greater than my knowledge base.
Bryan
It is always OK to ask questions, that is how we learn. Our knowledge base is always subject to upgrading; that is the fun part!
I am presuming you are speaking of an old steam locomotive with a 4 wheel trailing truck.
1) There are a number of things that can cause the wheels to derail on a switch.
First, using a caliper, check the spacing of the wheels (the 'gauge'), taking your readings where the flange meets the wheel tread on each wheel, and compare it to the rear wheels of the truck. Then compare the reading to that of the front truck wheels. The wheels may be a bit too close together, or too far apart. The readings between wheel sets should be very close, certainly no more than .062" (1/16th inch) difference.
If the rear truck has a conical spring that presses a rivet head to the underside of the rear drawbar, check to see if the spring has lost tension. The spring tension is needed to help keep the wheels on the rails.
Another cause could be a slightly bent axle.
The number on the locomotive, and approximate vintage would help in narrowing down the problem. A clear picture of the truck underside would help also, if possible.
2) You should consider using a second transformer exclusively for your accessories, so as to have all the available power of the CW-80 for your trains.
Better yet, consider upgrading your CW-80 to a more powerful transformer so that you have sufficient wattage to power your trains, and enough reserve to expand. You can then use your current transformer for the accessories, with plenty of power to spare. You can check your local hobby shop or online stores and auctions for good, used high wattage transformers such as the venerable KW and ZW transformers. With the KW you can run 2 trains on 2 separate loops, and the ZW will allow you to operate up to 4 trains on 4 different loops. You can never have too much power, and the older transformers give you more wattage for the dollar than the newer transformers do, especially if you do not need all the bells and whistles the newer transformers have.
*One way to keep your wife from telling you to put your trains away is to involve her in the hobby! Buy her a train, or let her help choose accessories or help with scenery. Many men have won over their wife this way.
Larry