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The PS4 Southern is my all time favorite loco, so probably overpaid a little, but I'm OK with that. So, for Christmas my company bought me a CLW PS-4 (Southern) that was described as running (with DCC) but needed tweaking to get it running better and to finish the paint job.  I got it, but only in the last few days have had time to take it apart and try to see what was wrong.  The guy I bought it from "thought" the DCC address was 3...it was not.  I got lucky tried 1-4 and #4 was it.  I didn't want to reset the decoder unless I had to.  There are only 9999 combos right?  So when I tested, it would run for a short period and short out.  So I took the tender apart (he said the tender held the DCC board...it does not!  So I took the boiler off and was not much to see.  The decoder  was stuffed inside the boiler and I couldn't see most of it.  Has a good sized speaker also...but no idea what brand...probably Tsunami like the decoder.  It does have a Pittman can motor in it.

Anyway long story short, I inspected all aspects of the loco...one of the tender brake shoes was touching a wheel causing a short.  I slightly bent the brake shoe and it is now alive!

It runs pretty well on straight track...haven't tried on curved yet.  All I have is 36" radius which I assume is too narrow.  Anyone know the minimum curve for this engine?

Here are a few pictures and a short video of it running.  I need to reinstall the front trucks also.  I wanted to get it running before I finished the paint job.  I still want to do more tweaking but was encouraged it is now moving on its own and making sound.  Now to clean and lube it better and make sure it runs on curves without shorting then on to the paint shop!

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Last edited by roll_the_dice
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@Yves posted:

Great result so far.

I have an old CLW PS-4 that I need to restore. I bought it assembled by the original owner but it is in need of a serious mechanical and electrical overhaul, plus a SOUTHERN paint job. Seeing your model running, is very stimulating.

Yves

Thanks!  Mine was also pre assembled by the Previous/Original Owner.  I think he did a really good job.  Show pictures of yours...would love to see it.

@Hudson J1e posted:

That's a very good looking engine. She runs very good too and the sound is very good as well. I wonder what the exact decoder the previous owner used? I agree Tsunami is very good guess.

I agree it is very stimulating to see an engine brought back to life like this.

Thanks!  The previous owner was pretty meticulous in the documentation he sent me with the engine.  I have the build instructions along with the original drawings that accompanied the build sheets.  He also sent the card that came with the decoder.  It is using a Soundtraxx Econami ECO-400 for Steam P.N. 881005.  I don't think this decoder is made any longer, but I do like the sounds. 

I can't decide whether to paint this myself or send it off to be painted.  I assume the green on the tender is standard Southern RR green...that will be the challenge to match the tender.

Andy;  hoping you might help me out. I have a lead truck kit from a central PS4, later run.  Its sprung and equalized.  However I'm not sure of its assembly . Would you be willing to email me a copy of its assembly directions and the dia. along with it or even a couple of photos of the one you have would be helpful to me.

Any help you might offer would be really  appreciated .

All the best

Franky-Ogee

@Franky-Ogee posted:

Andy;  hoping you might help me out. I have a lead truck kit from a central PS4, later run.  Its sprung and equalized.  However I'm not sure of its assembly . Would you be willing to email me a copy of its assembly directions and the dia. along with it or even a couple of photos of the one you have would be helpful to me.

Any help you might offer would be really  appreciated .

All the best

Franky-Ogee

Hi Franky--I will look through my assembly sheets and see what I have for you.  I will copy and email you what I have or at the very least take pictures of my lead truck if I don't have the assembly pages for the truck.

@Franky-Ogee

Unfortunately, I don't have the instructions for the leading truck assembly or diagrams.  I did take these pictures for you though and will email to you separately, but thought if anyone else needed this information they could find it here.  If you need other information or pictures please ask.  If I have the assembly instructions for it I will scan and send. 

I seem to be missing Section 3.  If anyone has it, please let me know.  I would love a copy.

I have the following assembly sheets:

Packing List and Assembly Sheet for Section 1

Packing List and Assembly Sheet for Section 2

Packing List and Assembly Sheet for Section 4

Packing List and Assembly Sheet for Section 5

Packing List and Assembly Sheet for Commonwealth 6 Wheel Tender Trucks

I have the following Drawing numbers:

1500 (Loco Frame layout and gear setup)

1540 (side Loco Detail part diagram)

1540-A (small piping Layout)

1540-R (Side drawing of Loco)

1540-E (front and rear loco Detail)

1580 (Tender Assembly with 6 wheel truck assembly)

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Last edited by roll_the_dice

ROLL THE DICE.   Thank you, the photos are perfect.  You are a nice guy for going out of your way to lend a hand. That's is the best part of this site, modellers helping each other.  I don't personally know many of the members here, but I feel like we are good friends.

Its all Model Railroading  N -HO- S- O  2rail- 3rail.   I am glad to be a part of this group of folks !!

Franky-Ogee

You are welcome Franky.  Glad I could help.  I agree that is what this board is all about!  I have been helped many times and I enjoy paying it forward when I can.

2023 is the year of the O scale meets for me.  I plan on going to Chicago and Strasburg for sure...so I hope to meet many new friends along the way from this board!

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