AlpineCMR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> . . . where could I obtain suitable valve gear
> parts, or would I need to make them myself?

C&Ssteamer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I used the Walschearts valve gear parts off of HO
> scale Mantua locomotives for the conversion.
> These parts were pretty common at one time.


'At one time' was back in the 1950's, when I was still in high school -

The Mantua valve gear parts were sold separately as an add-on kit.  I remember seeing a Mantua 'Little Six' with the external valve gear added.  It was pretty simple, though — just some flat, stamped parts and a few rivets.

If you want a more realistic valve gear, you'll probably have to make the parts yourself; sheet and strip brass is pretty easy to work with, and solders easily.  If a bozo like Roosso can do it, anyone can (see [ngdiscussion.net]).

- Sincerely, Willie  (Wm. Claude Johnson-Barr III, Esq.)  
          "Not All Who Have Cell-Phones Do Twitter *
          "Not All Those Who Ponder Can Think . . . "

          * Only TWITS Twitter!