I've been wanting a Challenger for a long time, it comes through here about once or twice a year. With help from Ray and Marty, with their photos of their Big Boys and Challengers and the photos I took of the Challenger here on stops and #3977 that is on display in North Platte I got off to a good start.
[url]http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/JerryBarnes/Challenger%20Kitbash%20Build/3977ChallengeralowRez.jpg[/b][/url]
[/b]oversized pic (lareger than 640pixels wide) changed to a link Jim Francis, Moderator
On my computer, I pieced together my pictures and printed off a full size 1/29th plan to match the wheels on the Pacifics(which are just the right size!). I started with the tender, had read someplace that if you don't build it first, you'll never get it done!
![Image]()
I used some bulkheads of plywood, layered over some 1/16" plastic. Then embossed some copper foil with the rivet patterns, going right over the plan print out.
![Image]()
Then added details. Mike Kidman got me some Big Boy trucks, had made my own side frames, did not know he was sending those also, still need to mount those.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/JerryBarnes/Challenger%20Kitbash%20Build/ChallTnderSidFrmsLg.JPG[/b]
oversized pic (greater than 640 pixels wide) changed to a link Jim Francis, Moderator
Once the tender was about done, I tore apart the two old Pacifics I had obtained. One had a black plastic u-joint, the other a brass tube joint with two slots in it. Different runs I guess. Once they were torn down I could see how to join them up. Rear drive is fixed, but I needed a 1/2" rise to have room below the running boards for the pipework, so I used some plywood blocks. The front drive got a drop for clearance with some washers and a bolt, since it will pivot.
![Image]()
A Graupner u-joint hooks the front motor(which is mounted to the front of the rear fixed drive) to the front drive and allows it to Pivot.
![Image]()
A 1/2" square tubing lays across to bolt the two together.
![Image]()
Runs fine, so now to the details-be awhile before I'm back!
![Image]()
The front smoke box you see here will be removed, pistons will stay where they are. Smokebox has to be lengthened and mounted to the boiler, which does not pivot.
having fun, Jerry
[url]http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/JerryBarnes/Challenger%20Kitbash%20Build/3977ChallengeralowRez.jpg[/b][/url]
[/b]oversized pic (lareger than 640pixels wide) changed to a link Jim Francis, Moderator
On my computer, I pieced together my pictures and printed off a full size 1/29th plan to match the wheels on the Pacifics(which are just the right size!). I started with the tender, had read someplace that if you don't build it first, you'll never get it done!
I used some bulkheads of plywood, layered over some 1/16" plastic. Then embossed some copper foil with the rivet patterns, going right over the plan print out.
Then added details. Mike Kidman got me some Big Boy trucks, had made my own side frames, did not know he was sending those also, still need to mount those.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/JerryBarnes/Challenger%20Kitbash%20Build/ChallTnderSidFrmsLg.JPG[/b]
oversized pic (greater than 640 pixels wide) changed to a link Jim Francis, Moderator
Once the tender was about done, I tore apart the two old Pacifics I had obtained. One had a black plastic u-joint, the other a brass tube joint with two slots in it. Different runs I guess. Once they were torn down I could see how to join them up. Rear drive is fixed, but I needed a 1/2" rise to have room below the running boards for the pipework, so I used some plywood blocks. The front drive got a drop for clearance with some washers and a bolt, since it will pivot.
A Graupner u-joint hooks the front motor(which is mounted to the front of the rear fixed drive) to the front drive and allows it to Pivot.
A 1/2" square tubing lays across to bolt the two together.
Runs fine, so now to the details-be awhile before I'm back!
The front smoke box you see here will be removed, pistons will stay where they are. Smokebox has to be lengthened and mounted to the boiler, which does not pivot.
having fun, Jerry
