After a move and getting a bit settled I can finally get back to building. I have had a proto 0-8-0 for several years that I picked up at a show before I had any real focus. While packing I realized I had a few engines that didn't fit with my Reading focus and might as well make them fit the focus.

Of course all credit for the idea goes to Wowak as he originally did the project in O scale readingmodeler.com/index.php/forum/model...izing-mth-usra-0-8-0. So in short same idea, different scale and different process as the base engines are totally different in design.

I started with the running gear which I did twice because I thought I could get away with using the proto cylinders but the way the bachmann I-10 crossheads are so large and clunky my first attempt had binding so I used I-10 cylinders too. Really the way it ended up was easier to do anyway as the cylinders, crosshead guides and link hanger is stock. The main rod was switched to the original proto one, the eccentric cranks are bachmann mostly because I broke one of the originals trying to get it off and had to make something else work. The eccentric rods (connecting the crank to the link) are scratch brass since I didn't have anything in parts that fit. My next order to Bowser will include several packs of rod rivets since I'm realizing I need to redo running gear on almost every project at this point.

So heres where it sits now, the boiler will be striped of everything and will be all rebuilt from scratch, including domes, smoke stack, etc.

Curious as to the choice of reworking the Proto 2000 boiler over the Bachmann I-10 boiler. I have viewed the E-8 boiler as cousin of the I-10's with the details relocated. I never considered the Heritage 0-8-0 as a basis for the Reading's shifter.

The modernized class N1 is another project that has been an off and on consideration over the years. Never thought to look at this Heritage switcher's drives for conversion to the articulated's drive. Hmm???

BTW, have collected a couple of the Mantua Mikado camelbacks for conversion after viewing your work posted to the Reading Modeler. Thank you for sharing your experiences and techniques.

Evan Leisey

I was actually planning posting some progress today but to answer your questions the I-10 shell is not the end all be all for reading engines, a useful tool but not needed for ever project. Tearing apart the proto locomotive I was rather let down by just how cheaply they are made for how pricy they are (half the rods are one piece, the inside of the boiler of the weight motor mount and frame for the drivers is one piece too, and there is a lot of plastic in places I would prefer metal) making conversions tricky. The actually boiler base shape is better suited for the job too. The I-10 boiler looks a little fat especially around the mid section for the E-5. Switchers tended to have strait boilers as the E-5 looks in pictures, its also easier to mount on something made for it. Another reason is its cheaper, I spent time learning to rebuild everything myself so I didn't need to get an I-10 for anything with an end cab or a mantua camelback for any camelback.

For the N-1 drivers it doesn't seem worth it to me not knowing the design of the model for an inch and a half of HO scale space, if proto 2000 is even exactly the right scale. Chances are they used the same drivers anyway to make it cheaper on them. I will be doing an N-1 when I find a 2-8-8-2 thats not over priced.

To the progress everything was stripped off the boiler and the firebox was built in the quick build out version. The pilot was also placed.





Squares are cut oversized and glued on the frame then trimmed down and sanded flush with unsanded putty (right now) for good measure.

Your in-process photos are very interesting. Have never seen one of this class in model form and look forward to seeing your completed work. Have to admit to being envious of your stable of custom built Reading steamers.

Got some more work on this project done the cab is basically an I-10 reproduction set at the height of the proto cab using what was left of the original floor as a base. Boiler bands were added and the steam delivery pipe to the cylinders were added which is glued to the smoke box and not the cylinders. The original cab seats were reused too.

And yet another one...can't wait to watch this one unfold!