Building an "S Gauge" Trolley

I got the LVT trolley and freight motor when they were first available about 10 years ago.  At the time, I got detail parts from William Flatt outside of Toronto.  I used two Black Beetle drives for each trolley.  NWSL should have drives available too.  There haven't been too many trolleys available in "S" so I ordered these when I saw them.  I think the kits are well done and I lucked out finding the detail parts.  And I've used both the Black Beetle and NWSL drives in other equipment without problems.  (A friend of mine painted these for me - I can't take credit for that.)  If you need more information, let me know.

Greg,

Thank you very much for responding.  You have done an amazing job with very impressive results.  You can tell your friend he does very nice paint work also.  I probably won't do as much detail as you did in the chassis.  But I just bought the LVT shell kit and I am going to give it a go.

I know about NWSL, and  Stanton drives, but haven't used any yet.  I will have many questions for you, for starters does it need two drive units or would one be enough power?

Thank you,

George

George,

It's been awhile since these were built (and the memory faded when I moved on to the next project) but some of the factors for using 2 drive units:

- the cast resin shells have a little weight to them and the Black Beetles are small motors

- I ordered the Black Beetles directly from Steam Era Models in Australia since Pa Heritage Models was out of business by then.  So, considering lead time and shipping I ordered all powered units.  I wasn't aware of NWSL Stanton drives at that time or I may have used them.

- I already had a PHM trolley, which is smaller than the KND interurban and freight motor, and that has 2 Black Beetle drives.  What was good for them sounded good for me too.

All three of these units run pretty smooth.

You can try using a single drive and see how it does and, if necessary, add a second drive later.

I like streetcar models in any scale. At one time there were several 3D printed shells available in S scale through Shapeways, and given that 3D printing keeps gaining popularity, I’ll bet there will be more over time.

Jeff C

Greg,

Thank you, all good points.  I think I will just use two drive units to start with, no sense having an underpowered Trolley.

Looking at the NWSL site and the steamer era site reveals there are multiple wheelbase options for S gauge.  I have no idea what is appropriate for this car.  There may be some guidance in the instructions when I receive the KND kit, right now I don't have much information.

I did see that sideframes are included in the kit, so I guess that will dictate wheelbase.

Thanks again for your help,

George

Jeff,

Hello and thanks for your response.  Great site, and lots of build projects available in S.

George

Here are the specs for the Black Beetles I used on the interurban and freight motor.   NWSL should offer the same or similar:

Gauge:  S,  Wheelbase:  28.6mm (6' 6"),  Wheels:  110 Disc, 12mm (33") diameter (Steam Era label attached)

Not sure if these would apply to the smaller trolley you have.  And, it may depend on the sideframes you are using or can find.

FYI... I ordered a Stanton drive for a single truck trolley and had to request an HO drive (to get the smaller wheelbase) and specify it be gauged for S per their instructions.  It took them 2 tries to get it right but I got it and it works great.

Sorry - here is a better Steam Era label...

Gregg,

Thank you again for all the good information.  This LVT 812 kit is supposed to include side frames, hopefully measuring them will match up with the specs you have provided.

Steam Era, and Q-car seem to be good sources, although Q-Car says no more PayPal orders, Check or Money order only. I am looking forward to getting the kit and getting started.  Again, your LVT looks great, nice work.

George

Glad I could help.  Keep us posted on your progress with the kit.

Greg,

I would like to buy your SHS Christmas car.  For some reason I can't respond to that post.

Will you take $30.00 including shipping to NC 28166?

Thank you,

George

Sorry, George.  All of those cars were sold.

No problem, I know it was an old listing but didn't see any updates.

I got my LVT kit yesterday, I was expecting the shell to be a little larger.  Working on removing flash, and getting it prepared for primer.  And deciding who to order trucks from.

Also ordered this kit:

George

Are there any markings on the box for that second trolley?  I was trying to identify it but I can't find KND online.  Maybe they are out of business.  I know they made a trolley snow sweeper after the LVT interurban and freight motor but do not recall any other trolleys.

That makes sense.  Hoquat predates KND and I think they are/were separate ventures, but I could be wrong.  Glad NWSL gave you some direction on power trucks.

@amflyer336 posted:

That makes sense.  Hoquat predates KND and I think they are/were separate ventures, but I could be wrong.  Glad NWSL gave you some direction on power trucks.

Gregg,

I actually shared your Power truck details with them and they agreed.

Thank you,

George