Well I did a lot. Wanting to prepare for three rail conversion, I shot ahead, not following the directions exactly, by order or example.
The important thing I discovered is, built as designed, this is an 0-42-ish locomotive, and will need a longer drawbar to even run on 0-36.
It can't run on 0-31 because the pilot truck can't swing enough as is. Later I may relocate it from the fixed post, to an arm to allow more arc necessary to follow the noses overhang on 0-31 or smaller; but only if it does OK on Super-O's semi-correct flat top profile at 0-36. It barely clears gauge from the pilot posts overhang on 0-36; so I might have to grind a hair off from the truck's plastic, in the guide slot's ends too.
That said, no connecting rods , 2wd, a bridge rectifier and 1 diode for a voltage drop, it at least runs. I think traction will be more a drawback than motor strength. Right now it seems it needs the former GG-1's pickup arm springs unwound a loop, and my custom pilot spring set up's downforce spring lightened or eliminated. Or more weight added?
