43xx

I have a 'Mainline' 43xx 2-6-0 which I was planning to keep for a planned layout but have just had the thought that presumably being a split frame chassis, it would not be possible to convert it to DCC?

Is the Bachmann 43xx 'convertable'?

 

Short answer off the top of my head is yes!
Regarding the mainline model - This is the same basic moulding as the Bachmann one so if you wanted to keep her a way to do and also a cheaper way than buying another is you could just buy a Bachmann chassis for it - They are a straight swap and would allow you do what you desire.

 

Pete,
Many thanks for the answer.

 

Yes they were but were not numbered in the 43xx/73xx Rather the 93xx series. Bachmann realeased one exactly in the spec you described when they first released the model 9308 IIRC. Also preserved 7325 ran in this livery in BR days (it only became a 73xx in the late 50's) as 9303 there is a picture of it here - http://www.hmilburn.easynet.co.uk/library/steam/locos/gwr/9303.jpg Ok I know the picture is B/W but trust me it is in black in that picture!

 

To be correct for the period it would have to be 9303! In 1932, Charles Collett modified the original design and introduced 9300 - 9319 with side window cabs, outside steam pipes and a screw reverse. After passing into British Railways ownership, the Collett locos 9300–19 were modified back to light buffer beam design and were renumbered 7322–7341 between 1956 and 1959. The weighted buffer beam was also a modification on the earlier series - In 1925 7300–7304 were modified for better balance and had detail alterations. Between January and March 1928, due to problems with wear of the flanges of the leading pony truck, 65 engines of 5300 series received additional weight on the pony truck. This is the same as the 93xx's in the period the livery you are after.

BTW I hope you will post some pictures when it is finished as I would like to see it!