Converting 1/2 to 1 1/2

[lovenyc2600]

Ok here is the deal folks, I am thinking about a buying a partially built 1/2 scale live steamer (Think it is a pacific).

I live near the Long Island Live steamers, so my gauge choices are not limited but my parents are in Nashville, TN. I would live to be able to run the engine on the 1 1/2 track at Mid South when I visit my parents.

What is involved in converting 1/2 to 1 1/2? Btw..growing up both my dad and grandfather were very big rail fans but i did not take an intrest till years later.

My Grandfather was one of the founders of the Mid South Live Steamers (:-

[lovenyc2600]

Here is the engine I am considering.

discoverlivesteam.com/forsale/1_gonthier/index.htm

[trainlarry]

There is no way to convert that locomotive to a larger gauge. It is a locomotive designed specifically for 2 1/2" gauge track. If you want an engine to run on 7 1/2" gauge at Mid South, you need to build/purchase one made for that track gauge. Note that the Long Island Live Steamers do not have a 2 1/2" gauge track, so your proposed purchase will not run there. I believe the nearest club to you that supports that gauge is the Pennsylvania Live Steamers. Also be aware that the track gauge for the 1 1/2" scale trains in Long Island and Pennsylvania is 7 1/4," while the gauge in Mid South is 7 1/2." Choose where you will do most of your running, and get a locomotive for that gauge.
I live an hour from the Long Island club, and am currently getting back to completing my 7 1/4" gauge American.

Larry

[Harlock]

It's way too small to convert to 7.5" gauge. The rails are five inches wider. The engine in the ad is 2.5" gauge and tiny.

I have seen people take 4 3/4" gauge engines and put them on a special rolling chassis to run them on 7 1/2, but it looks silly and you have to run in reverse to go forward because you're turning the wheels on the chassis in the opposite direction.

There isn't enough steam in that little pipsqueak boiler to handle any of this.

If you want an affordable entry level machine for 7.5" gauge, check out a Little Engines Crab. I saw a few used ones not too long ago (they are sold now though) for roughly the same price. You can also look into a Bill Connor beam engine, complete or plans.

-Mike

[George]

I think its worth repeating: Buy an engine that is compatible for what-ever club(s) you want to participate with. And, buy an engine that will fit into the vehicle you drive. The Crabs are nice little engines or perhaps look into an 0-4-0 such as a Porter. The small battery/electrics such as from Plumcove, Real Trains or RMI Railworks are also good choices. Your choice may also depend on your skill level in metal work and what tools you have in the work shop. Look to OS Engines for a 7.5"/7.25" gauge 2-6-0 you can buy in sections and build. All the major machining is finished. As in any hobby, it all depends on how much money you have to plunk down on the table (or what the better half will let you get away with ... )