Thanks for the info. I have been doing some research. Attached is the 2 tender side frame types MTH used alternatively on J and Class A.
As an example if you look at the 2015 Class A release. 8 models. 4 listed as Timken Side Rods, 4 no description. The Rods are different on the engine. Same goes for the J over the years. PS-1, 3V tether, 3V drawbar, PS-3. Multiple options within a model year.
I have found that which tender side frame was used depended on whether it was Timken side rod model or not. Both side frames used on different engine versions in the same year cataloged. So that is what I am trying to understand. I also assume as built in the 40/50 versus how rebuilt recently could be totally different too, effecting what MTH used on their productions.
Now that I know the outside brake cylinder Trail Trk side frame was never used tells me MTH just copied the Williams Model. Where Williams got that side frame??? G
