Hi Brian,
I guess I was not clear on what I was thinking. You are absolutely right on the FED being generic.
It was what got me to looking at the various 4-4-0s and inspired my questions.
When I looked at the C16, c17, c18, and c19 they all use very similar parts. Yest the wheel bases are different as are the boiler diameters. However, one HO scale inch is 0.01149" approximately (GRIN). I can use the same drivers, cylinder castings, cabs domes, stacks and other items. I probably can get away with one boiler diameter altered for each class.
If I can have a selection of parts (sort of like Legos) that can be attached in different ways, I believe I can reduce the costs.
I am now looking for the same things for the 4-4-0s.
Interestingly enough, the boiler for the Minera Mexicana Pinoles #3 0-4-4-0 that I had to alter for a motor is the same diameter as the wagon top portion of the class 42. The Smoke box on the MMP is the same as the smokebox on the class 42.
The MMP #3 had to be enlarged about 30% to get a motor into it - the 4-wheel tender did not have enough space for a motor unless I wanted to get into some of the odd N scale designs that include the motor as the boiler (or so it seems sometimes). The wheels for the N scale 4-4-0 are the ones I am using for the drivers for the 0-4-4-0.
The MMP boiler can be used to hide a motor for the Class A climax kit from Ye Olde Huff 'n' Puff.
The same can/coreless motor can be used in a C16 boiler I have.
So I can use similar parts for many hidden items between the 4-4-0, the 0-4-4-0 and the C16. Just like the Frame change FED used for their 2-6-0, I probably can get a 2-6-0.
I am also also looking into a class 25 2-4-0 and a class 35 2-6-0.
Just careful design and thought. I've basically given up looking for a job - I am trying to grow my small CD business into model locomotive manufacturing for HOn3/HOn30 and PRR electrics in HO SG.
Doug vV
