Heljan DP2 into Deltic?

[swiftbeam]

Hello,

 

Is it just a paint job and renumbering (and nameplate?) to get a DP2 into a Deltic? 

Or is the DP2 a little different because of the power plant?

 

Thanks.

 

 

[Hal Nail]

It’s a lot different. Just look at some images in Google.

[adb968008]

There’s quite a lot of differences, indeed apart from the fact they have similar nose ends, there isn’t much that is the same.

 

I read often suggestions that, each time the real D9016 comes into ownership issues that a suggestion is to convert it into a DP2, when I think converting a class 50 into a DP2 maybe much cheaper and simpler. But really why, would be my thought..DP2 is just a different shape of class 50, other than shape that it adds no value historically, as it was a successful proof of concept. The others that weren’t are far more historically interesting as they represent something lost.

 

Back to DP2, the Heljan DP2 is a fine model, however Bachmann offer both the prototype Deltic (via the NRM), and the production class 55’s at a similar price to DP2 so it’s easier (and much more abundant) to buy one of them and save yourself the work of conversion, unless you just feel like the challenge.

[Guest]

It would take a brave man with a scalpel... Not saying it couldn't be done, but unsure if the effort's worth it? If you particularly favour the Heljan chassis, a body swap with a Bachmann Deltic may be possible.

 

Image from Wikipedia, free to re-use, license information unavailable.

 

Image by Barry Lewis on Flickr.

Edited October 28, 2017 by Pete 75C

[Clive Mortimore]

Having built DP2 from a Lima Deltic yonks ago I would say the reverse is possible but why?

 

The Bachmann Deltic is fine.

 

If you want a challenge then stretch a Lima Deltic (or Hornby railroad one).

 

I am not a fan of the Heljan DP2, it don't look right.

[uk_pm]

I have 8 Deltics, all of which are worked hard.  I have always thought the Bachmann mechanism to be very poor, and the model is let down further by the unprototypical distance/disconnect between body and bogie.  However, both were cured in an instance by placing the Deltic body on a Helena DP2 chassis.  The bogies needed slight modification, but otherwise it is perfect and it runs like a dream - hauling 12-coach rakes at a scale 100mph for hours on end without complaint, and with perfect low-speed running (for that characteristic Deltic start) as well.

 

 

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

There is a very simple (and reversible) modification applicable to most of their designs (20 and 42 are definite exclusions) to drop the body of a Bachmann Diesel to correct height above the bogies, and this effects the immediate improvement of 'now it looks like the prototype'. (Bachmann supply the models with the body able to clear the wheels so that there is no chance of fouling on set track curves.)

 

The body casting has a cast rib inside, which rests on a table or collar near the top of the gear tower. Just cut down the table by the desired amount and job's a goodun. Restoration to set track operation condition by insertion of an appropriate thickness washer. Done this on 24/40/47/55 with complete success.

 

Unfortunately the early Bachmann Deltics had a poor implementation of their mechanism, driven on two axles, centre and end. (Can be improved in track holding by fixing the sprung undriven axle on each bogie.) The current mechanism is fine, drives on all axles.