The key phrase here is "so unless you are
willing to do some
major surgery to the frame and all the electrics its really not worth it at all".
There are some of us "risk takers", out here who are willing, and believe it is worth it. I've made some horrible, and expensive mistakes in my hobbies, and I've had some few great successes. I've learned from both, and therein lies the value of the risk,
learning !!. Not to mention that I have some unique and interesting things. My HOn3 outside frame 2-4-4-2, built from a MDC 2-8-0 kit, and an extra frame, is one of the successes. I've been running that engine for the last 21 years, with cleaning and lubricating as the only maintenance.
I am not downplaying the difficulty in a project of this nature, only saying that if you are willing to take the risk, and want the result, it is something which can be done. Well planned, and carefully done, step by step, with patience, it can be done.
So!, Canopus, if you decide to go ahead with this conversion, I, for one, will be interested in seeing the process........lots of pics!