Trials and tribulations of ATSF Steam in O scale

SWRR,

A very convincing conversion from a Weaver Models Valley Flyer to a 1337 ATSF 2-6-2. You are correct in pointing out Pecos River's version of the ATSF 2-6-2 from New Zealand is extremely hard if not impossible to find. I'm somewhat amazed and surprised no one else thought of doing this conversion up til now. Very cleaver indeed!

Thanks but actually this is the 1337 class 4-6-2, but you suggest a good point I may be able to make a Prairie.

I love your conversion. Going to find one to do as I had no idea. ATSF steam is pretty limited. I've got a Westside 2-8-2 and two Pecos River hudsons, both versions.

nyccollector1 posted:

SWRR,

A very convincing conversion from a Weaver Models Valley Flyer to a 1337 ATSF 2-6-2. You are correct in pointing out Pecos River's version of the ATSF 2-6-2 from New Zealand is extremely hard if not impossible to find. I'm somewhat amazed and surprised no one else thought of doing this conversion up til now. Very cleaver indeed!

Your assessment lead me to do some research.  It turns out that four of the 1200 Class Pacifics were converted to Prairies.  These four even ran into the early 50s.  They were engine No. 1207, 1210, 1214 and 1215.  The conversion looks pretty easy and distinctive with a pilot truck similar to the trailing truck.

Interestingly, the 1270 class Pacific can also be created from the Weaver Valley Flyer with just changing the sand dome, after removing the skirting.  Stevenson Preservation also carries the correct sand dome

Ron H posted:

I love your conversion. Going to find one to do as I had no idea. ATSF steam is pretty limited. I've got a Westside 2-8-2 and two Pecos River hudsons, both versions.

If you have an questions how to do it, let me know.  The first time was with a soldering gun, not easy. Then moved to a resistance soldering unit, much easier.