Tumble Down Falls Railway: Bachmann Baldwin 2-4-2 "Lyn"

I previously owned the early Bachmann Lyn with the plastic valve gear, and was very disappointed with it, but I still wished to own a Lyn. This one is the Americanized version, part # 91199, and my plan is to convert it to its original prototype sold as part # 91196. to assist in this I used Bachmann Drawing: Boiler and Cab (Opens in new page) which identifies parts for the different version.

The loco will be converted to battery remote control, and this page will detail the work carried out. It was identified that the loco had previously been converted to battery, and then back to track power, and some of the "modifications" carried out during that conversion will be rectified.

Backstory

As this loco will carry the Lynton and Barnstable Railway livery, then it will be a loco on temporary load to the TDF Rly.

	With the cab and boiler removed from the chassis, it can be seen that the pillars on top of the gearbox have already been remove, as this is where the Rx and and sound card will be mounted, it just leaves to remove the original circuit board, which will not be used in this conversion.
As can be (just about) seen the pillars in side the boiler have also been removed, however this should not pose a problem and will be left as is. As the circuit board is being removed most of this wiring will also disappear.
	With one of the side tanks removed the weights can be seen. The weights on one side will be removed and this is where the battery pack (4S 14500 Lithium-Ion) will be fitted.
Inspection of the chassis identified that the leads for the "chuff" trigger were missing. On removal of the cover as per Drawing Lubricate the Gears and Bearings (opens in new page) the contacts were identified (circled in blue), and new wires fitted.
	The rear of the cab and coal bunker had been extensively remodelled to have the batteries fitted in the coal bunker, and a large American style light fitted. The area was repaired with plastic card, and new window grills made from brass rod. On reviewing the prototype, it was identified that the cab rear is black, not green, so this will be painted black.
To enable the previous owner to fit the batteries the speaker assembly was removed, and the baffle plate lugs removed. New lugs were made from aluminium angle, and a 40mm diameter speaker sourced from the internet. As the speaker is not the same depth as the original, a spacer was manufactured from tube.
	This show the majority of Americanization components removed, including the smoke box door. Just a replacement whistle required. Not sure on the couplings, however if chopper style coupling are used, then the front mount will also go.
This shows the cab in place, and again the rear coupling will need consideration.
	The inside had been hacked around a little, and at this stage I am considering using the area for attaching the electronics.
My plan is to smooth this out but add polyurethane two part resin. All the rough edges were cleaned, and certain areas masked off to prevent unwanted seepage, and the resin poured.
	A charging point and battery switch are required, and this is fitted in the smoke box, behind the door. the original panel is removed.
The double throw switch and charging socket are wired and fixed to the new faceplate. I have used a double pole switch, a single pole is all that is required, but for a slide switch this is all I have 😎
	To enable bench testing, and easy assembly/dis-assembly, especially when removing the boiler/cab from the chassis I like to ensure the majority of components can plug and unplug from each other
So far most of the effort has been on the boiler/cab, turning back to the chassis, at this stage I have decided to leave the track contacts in place (red and black wires), though not connected. The yellow wires are new motor connections, and the green/black are for the chuff sensor.
	As some components will be mounted on the chassis a plastic card bed was made to fit, with packing to keep it level above the various raised items. Seen here are the circuit board and the MLS sound card.
With the boiler mounted on the chassis and the smoke box door assembly removed, the void is checked to ensure there is room (height) to fit the various electronic components.
	Time to turn my attention to the damaged bodywork. The rear of the cab was sprayed matt black, though the Bachmann Lyn has is green here, the prototype is matt black. Also an ugly lamp placed on the rear wall of the cab is replaced by something closer to the prototype.
The smoke box was next to get attention. After removing the Americanized parts, some hole were evident, these were filled and sanded, and the "gunmetal" smoke box was sprayed matt black. Again a lamp closer to the prototype was fitted.
	Once I received the Rx and battery pack, the components were assembled and connected to the motor and bench tested on a rolling road.
Once the motor polarity was sorted to ensure to ran in the correct direction, the sound card that came with the loco was "tuned" to meet my requirement with this loco.
	This is the battery pack in position in the side tank. The battery is secured in position with Velcro, so removal if required is easy.
A hole is drilled in the boiler to allow the wires from the battery to the switch and charging connection. With the wires tucked away the tank is slipped over the top and secured.
	On assembly, though the body fitted over the chassis, it felt like there was some resistance, that I considered to be the wiring. The alternate fitment was to use the roof of the boiler or hold the components in place, and as usual these were held with Velcro.
With the body fitted to the chassis, it is now time to turn to the final finishing touches. Whilst reviewing the L & B prototype, I did notice that it only had a single hose front and rear, unlike the Bachmann # 91196, so this will on have a single hose.
	On choosing the make of figure for the crew, I bought a loco driver from Clavely (left) and Narrow Minded Railworks (right), after painting I decided to go with the Clavely figures. Photos close up do not do the painter any favours, but under normal viewing they look quite good.
The crew in the cab. The original speaker was missing but a similar diameter speaker was obtained and works well. The "blue blob" behind the crew is a single pole single throw switch to turn off the speaker when sound is not required.
	The forward view of the crew. The two brass stubs in the dome replaces the valves fitted to the original model, as the prototype does not have valves here.
Rear view with the makers plate in place rear lamp fitted, and vacuum pipe, the model has two, but the prototype only has one. Note; the number and cow-catcher have yet to be sourced and fitted
	This nice side view show the crew inside the cab, and the etched name plate. The boarder and lining is incorrect, and will remain that way.
General side front view showing the correctly placed whistle, vacuum pipe and lamp.
	As per the rear view the number and cow-catcher are missing, and still to be sourced.