PM 3 engines and 'road tests' them. (UP 4-6-6-4, 4-12-2 and ACL 4-8-4)
UP 4-6-6-4 early challenger:
Video: Leaving Whitefish. This engine, also, has the smoking whistle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITridALQMLY
Failed attempt to make the back set of drivers rigid. I was successful in drilling/tapping a screw to secure the back drivers but the front set of drivers rotate at the center of the frame instead of at the rear (as all brass articulated 'do') so the front drivers would 'ride up' on the rails on curves.
Put some Kadee washers at each end of driver sets to reduce 'side' slop'.
BLI's electrical 'pick up' arrangement.
BLI did add some nice nomenclature not normally seen on steam engines.
Air tanks had to be tested and dated.
Builder plates and number boards.
The front set of trucks were derailing. Found that the cow catcher assembly was loose, 'drooping down' and hitting the front truck.
Had to remove the screws holding the front cylinders to the frame to gain access to tighten the loose screws for the front assembly.
Two screws securing the 'router' steam pipes, also, had to be removed.
Plus the steam pipes going to the pistons. Just a split piece of plastic used to secure the steam pipe to the boiler.
Even with the back set of drivers being able to 'rotate', not visible on the GN's curves.
The marker lights on the this caboose was flickering. Used a que tip to clean the wheels.
I find this method of electrical connection to the truck wheels works well for me.
All better! MMM: now I need to straighten the hand rails!
UP 4-12-2 by BLI 'road test'.
Videos: There's an 'intermittent' chuff which, I assume, is BLI's version of representing the 3rd cylinder on this engine!
Leaving Whitefish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=furhF2RF6LI
Entering Seattle's freight yard: Always enjoy the sound of the metal wheels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KdiyAlbbzQ
Leaving Tye:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhLlGJrNAyo
More Kadee washers on each set of drivers at 'each end' to reduce side slop.
ACL R-1 4-8-4 'road test'.
Video:
Leaving Seattle's freight yard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO8w1LJp-6Q
Took awhile to find why the engine was, periodically, shorting at random times; the front truck wheel was touching the air pump. Ground the bottom of that part with a Dremel 'cut off' wheel!
