Modifications to Railking Challenger/BigBoy?

The bell seems to be an after thought, and placed there just to fill space.
I like my RailKing Big Boy, I wish the tender was two inches longer.
That is where MTH failed on selective compression.

I heavily modified my PS-1 Gray MTH RK Challenger. Hated the stubby tender so it got a modified Lionel Vandy tender. Installed EOB/RS; Engineer and Fireman figures and cab glass. Added scale brass train indicator boards and bell. Removed yucky pilot assembly and replaced with a modified Lionel Lionmaster pilot assembly. Repainted black and weathered. Overall it now looks better but the loco is still too tall, MTH did a poor job with compression on this loco, IMHO. Still not a favorite but it runs like a clock...

Here are two photos showing the modified front of the loco (on the left):

Here's a "Builder's Photo" I just found. I took right after doing the mod's and before weathering. Hopefully you can see the changes a bit more clearly. Oh, I also removed the MTH mushroom classification lights and installed Lionel LED class lights:

Pete,

Those mods really make a difference to the "look" of your engine. I can live with the short tender but I do want the moved ball and number boards.

Did you make yours from scratch, buy them or pinch them froma nother loco?

Thanks

CHEERS MIKE

Bought 'em. Been a long time... Pacific Scale or Bowser possibly?? Sorry, can't remember.

The Lionel Lionmaster pilot also makes a real improvement; the MTH pilot was sorta pathetic...Oh, I also added a coupler to the pilot so I can doublehead.

hello guys and gals........
I would like to add number boards on my imperial challenger. does anyone here know how to make one that will look good on this engine ? it looks bad without it.
the woman who loves toy trains
Tiffany

Thanks for the extra info Pete,living over here I think I will end up having tomake them or ordering MTH premier parts if they are still available - they seem to be listed. Failing that Lionmaster if I can get them.

That engine of yours look great!

CHEERS MIKE