06-21-2014, 08:02 PM
Trucks are in....
I used Precision scale commonwealth trucks, part #3127 They are the closest things to the prototype that I could find. Although they are about five scale inches too long it is hardly noticeable. This kit is not for the faint of heart, you have to drill out the sideframes to except the axles. This only leaves a paper thin section of the casting before you drill right through the journal box cover. I did this on a drill press, and it was still difficult, because it is very hard to clamp down everything square with the irregular shape of the truck. I also drilled the bolsters for 2-56 screws and not the metric ones supplied with the kit.
The other modification that I did was to add electrical pick up to the insulated side of the wheels. Now all the wheels can pick up power from the rails.
Now they are installed under the tender and wired with a back up light.
I used Precision scale commonwealth trucks, part #3127 They are the closest things to the prototype that I could find. Although they are about five scale inches too long it is hardly noticeable. This kit is not for the faint of heart, you have to drill out the sideframes to except the axles. This only leaves a paper thin section of the casting before you drill right through the journal box cover. I did this on a drill press, and it was still difficult, because it is very hard to clamp down everything square with the irregular shape of the truck. I also drilled the bolsters for 2-56 screws and not the metric ones supplied with the kit.
The other modification that I did was to add electrical pick up to the insulated side of the wheels. Now all the wheels can pick up power from the rails.
Now they are installed under the tender and wired with a back up light.
My other car is a locomotive, ARHS restoration crew