This is a quick kit bash of yet another Aristo C-16, this is a relatively straight forward kitbash of the Aristo C-16
model, turning it into something resembling one of the Rio Grande Southern's C-19s. The bash was done for Phil Sheilds,
a friend here in Auz, who runs an outdoor layout based on RGS rollingstock. His railroad can be viewed at this
web site
Phil is also the owner of the 1:22.5 scale K-27, RGS #461 I bashed from a
Bachmann 2-8-0
Phil was wanting a 2-8-0 of RGS heritage, from the era 1930-1952, but few models available are suitable kitbash candidates
for the RGS's C-17, C-18 and C-19 locomotives used in those years. The RGS had not used the smaller C-16s in some years.
I figured the only bashable loco that could be made to resemble an RGS C class was the trusty old Ariso C-16, but something
would be needed to be done about bulking it up if RGS 2-8-0s were to be made. The C-16's wheel setout is somewhat similar
to the C-19, but completely unlike a C-17 or 18, which were later designs of different firebox arrangement, allowing for
better chassis design. In the period leading up to the line's closure in 1952, there were only 2 notable C-19 still running,
RGS #40 and #41. #41 had been placed in moth balls in the 1940s, to emerge for servicing and shipping to Knotts Berry Farm
in 1952. This is the same loco that 'Big Joe' operated until recently at
Knotts Berry Farm
The Problem with the C-16's specs, for such a conversion are, the wheels are too small - 2" too small, the chassis is
too short, and the C-16 boiler too narrow. So I set about trying to at least create the illusion of a C-19, RGS #41.
The changes done to the Aristo C-16, in turning it into a C-19 are as follows:
Lowered the chassis that 1/4", using the Fletch patent technique!
Added new scratch made aligator crossheads, and lower guides and supports.
added working KD coupler to the pilot and widenned the pilot deck.
Moved the entire 8 wheel chassis block further to the rear by 1/4", moving the lead wheel away from the cylinders, and
effectively 'stretching the chassis'.
Made a new boiler with smokebox diameter 55mm, (which is some 5mm wider than the C-16 boiler). The boiler is also 1/4"
longer than the C-16's.
Wrapped the PVC boiler pipe with 2mm styrene, creating the step between smokebox and boiler.
Fabricated a new saddle from styrene.
Made new dome bases, increaded the height of the C-16 domes, and fattenned them up by adding 1mm in added diameter.
Made a new stack, headlight bracket and Headlight from Bachmann loco, new scratch made smokebox front and marker lights.
Created a cinder screen for the top of the stack using stainless steel mesh and brass rod.
Added all the new pipework, uncoupling levers hand rails etc.
Added new sides to the cab walls.
Removed the 1880s tender flare around the tender top, and added new straight sides to the tender using 1mm styrene
sheet. Then loaded the tender with real coal.
Installed a new air tank from PVC pipe, and added pipework.
The existing twin air compressors were re-used, lowered down, and details added.
All the decals/letting were design and produced by Stan Cedarleaf, including the tiny 'RGS' and 'C-19' at the base of the cab walls.
Overall the loco is still about 10mm too short to be a scale C-19 at 1:24 scale, but the boiler diameter and dome hights
match the C-19 specs. She provides the illusion of the RGS C-19 #41, and is now part of Phil's loco fleet.
These following couple of shots are of the C-19 running on my layout during her initial test runs
Two more C-16s will soon be bashed for his RR, but these will be visiting D&RGW locos, bashed into #268 Bee, and #278, similar
to bashes I've already done of these locos.
