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Post your non-O scale stuff here!

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 decoder install and new delivery.

======

GTW U-4B 4-8-4.

Installing a TCS 1517 decoder with LED's.

LED wires are extremely small and my 'wire strippers' are useless so I have found that putting an X-acto blade on the wire and then pulling the wire (and not the blade) will strip off the insulation.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 81

Tender done.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 82

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 83

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 84

Had to route the connector and wires through the 'coal bunker' so the connector can be hidden inside the 'coal bunker' since that area was, already, open.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 85

Glad I drilled some holes in the 'coal bunker' before painting as I had to route the wires through the holes.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 86

Engine boiler had a hole under the deck so I routed the wires through that hole.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 87

This engine is unusual in that the motor is in the middle of the boiler instead of at the rear plus there were multiple pieces of brass spanning the bottom of the boiler.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 88

I had to reverse the 4-pin connector that, usually, goes from the frame to the boiler to a 3-pin connector from the boiler to the frame.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 89

There's, also, an 'ash pan' that is held in place by the frame and, also, forces all wires to go to the center of the boiler.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 90

Wiring complete.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 91

Had to caulk the 'fire box' glow LED to the boiler instead of the usual place on the frame.

The 'fire box' LED is always a 3 MM LED versus the 0402 LED for the rest of the lighting.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 92

I screwed 'something up' as I'm getting a 'short' on the 'programming track'.

Will have to diagnose later as I have other things to do.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 93

======================

New delivery.

UP 4-8-8-4 big boy made by Tenshodo in 1961.

Tenshodo made some others in 1958 but, what I've read, they only had the back set of drivers 'powered'.

This engine has both set of drivers 'powered' so I'm guessing it was made in 1961.

This is one of the first 'hand crafted' big boy's made.

videos:

Testing the back set of drivers with new tubing added but keeping the original open frame motor.

Surprised at how quiet the mechanism is, as I was expecting a lot of 'grinding' considering this engine is 61 years old!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV0BaM5C3cE

Both sets of drivers 'yard test':

Again, very quiet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEewdj0p5W0

The engine and tender came in 2 boxes.

The 'staples on the end of the box indicates it is an early model.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 01

No foam, just cardboard for 'protection'.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 02

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 03

The engine box had a wood base platform.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 04

Items that indicate a very early run.

A blue 'Tenshodo' label on the driver retaining plate.

From the appearance of the drivers, I don't think this engine had any run time, except maybe a 'short' yard test run.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 05

The inside of the cab has this label.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 06

The tender has this label.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 07

Disassembly to replace the rubber tubing.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 08

The back engine has number '120' stamped on it....

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 09

as well as the back of the cab under the deck (if you can read it with the blurry picture!).

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 10

Tubing replaced.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 11

I put some 'heat shrink' tubing over the 'rubber' tubing to strengthen it.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 12

There was about a 1/4" gap between the front and back gear boxes so I put a piece of 'metal' tubing in the 'rubber' tubing.

I have other things to get done and will get back to pictures of the engine assembled and comparing it to my 1981 Tenshodo big boy.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 13

Attachments

Images (26)
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 81
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 82
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 83
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 84
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 85
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 86
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  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 88
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  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 90
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 91
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 92
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 93
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 01
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 02
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 03
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 13

GNRW ops session.

With Christmas a 'week away' I figured it would be a 'light' attendance as only 2 'showed up' but all I need is one other railroader to have a 'good time'!

Besides there was more pizza for each of us!

videos:

Erie 0-8-8-0 camel back departing Seattle's freight yard:

The engine's first 'road test'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJb_NB1nokQ

PRR K-4 streamline 4-6-3 passenger train departing Seattle.

I was surprised this small pacific could handle a 14 passenger car train especially since 8 of the cars are 'brass'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGWpBEGDNf8

UP 8500 turbine freight drag departing Tumwater canyon trestle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7GtwRBvyec

PRR K-4 passenger train departing Tumwater canyon trestle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2rCGNNPjI8

DJ brought one of his diesels.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 01

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 02

Ben brought his C&NW cars to run with my new C&NW E-4 4-6-4 but the engine was too 'light'.  Will need to add some 'canopy' glue to the drivers.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 03

Skykomish.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 04

GN W-1 electric at Waverly.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 05

Seattle.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 06

Willmar.

GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 07

Attachments

Images (7)
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 01
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 02
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 03
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 04
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 05
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 06
  • GNRW OPS 2022, Dec. 07

UP 4-8-8-4 big boy Tenshodo model made in 1961 final assembly plus comparisons to present big boy's.

Video:

Yard test.  Runs remarkably well and quiet for a 61 year old engine (like 'dog' years, for a model engine that's ancient!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ugav4bgYcg

The front piston steam pipes are screwed to the piston cylinders.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 14

I cleaned up all the 'fuzzy' dirt.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 15

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 16

Some foam to keep the trailing truck from 'flopping around' and scratching the paint.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 17

A huge lead weight in this engine.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 18

The Tenshodo 1981 model is quit a bit lighter; like over a pound!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 19

This paint matched exactly the paint on the engine with a matte finish.

Fortunately, all the 'chips' were on pipes, etc. that are easy to 'touch up'.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 20

Assembled.

HMMMM: I reduced the pictures size from around 5 to 3, figuring it would not need as much light and give a better picture but it seems to have the 'opposite' affect as a lot of the pictures are blurry.

I never claimed to be a photographer!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 21

Fireman's side.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 22

Tenshodo instead of a builder's plate.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 23

Nicely detailed for a 61 year old engine!

From what I have read, Tenshodo were jewelers so they were true craftsman.

Also, this engine came factory painted which was just about 'unheard of' at that 'time'.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 24

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 25

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 26

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 27

Another 'Tenshodo' plate on the tender.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 28

This appears to be a 'paint stamp'.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 29

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 30

Top views.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 31

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 32

Those 'smudges' are oils from my hands!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 33

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 34

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 35

Engineer's side.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 36

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 37

Had to 'straighten' the 'ash pan' wheels.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 38

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 39

Comparison to the 1981 Tenshodo model on the right.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 40

Some 'extra' smoke stack detail on the 1981 model.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 41

Perforated walk boards on the 1981 model.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 42

Very similar. Tenshodo must of used the same 'dies' for all those decades!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 43

1981 has cab detail.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 44

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 45

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 46

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 47

Wood grain on the 1981 model.

Also, it appears the 1961 model has the water hatch on 'back wards'!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 48

1981 has 'boiler jacket stays' plus cab roof rivet detail.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 49

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 50

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 51

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 52

=======

The other two are (from top to 2nd in) are by BLI and Key (1981).

The BLI engine is all cast metal with lighted number boards, marker lights, etc plus a smoking whistle.

Engines seem to 'propagate' somehow!

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 53

The last is a 1984 model by Key with all the 'bells and whistles': ie functioning sand hatches and turret hatches.

Apart as installing a decoder.  The tape is needed so the hatches on chains don't 'move around' and scratch the paint.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 54

Functioning smoke box door with interior.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 55

Perforated walk boards.

UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 56

Attachments

Images (43)
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 14
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 15
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 16
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 18
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 19
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 20
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 21
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 24
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 27
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 28
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 29
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 35
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 40
  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 41
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 50
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 53
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  • UP big boy 4-8-8-4 Tenshodo 1961 56
Last edited by samparfitt

Train station move in Hamilton, Ohio.

Joe and I went to the location the day before the move.

There are 2 buildings and they are only moving the smaller one tomorrow.

'They' said at 9 AM.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 43

Large 'L' brackets on all corners connected by steel cables.

The walls have support wood under the entire length of the walls.

1" thick plywood to support the window openings.

Surprised they were throwing out a lot of this nice 1" thick 'ply' in the 'dumpster'.  4' squares and larger.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 47

The small 'connecting' building between the two buildings was 'torn down'.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 44

Original 'center building' that I took last summer.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 44A

Interior of the larger building.

They said it would take a couple weeks to 'prep' this building for the 'move'.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 45

Some sophisticated 'hydraulics'!

There's a couple 'side streets' that 'dead end' onto the main street that we can 'park on' tomorrow morning.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 46

Attachments

Images (6)
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 43
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 44
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 44A
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 45
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 46
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 47
Last edited by samparfitt

Train station move in Hamilton, Ohio.

Joe 'time lapsed' the move.



Hamilton, Ohio 2020 48

A train passed with some unusual freight cars.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 49

Moved, probably, about a 1/4 MPH.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 50

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 51

Remote control operator of all wheels that rotate independently plus 'hydraulics'  keeps it level.

On the road.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 52

Lots of spectators.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 53

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 54

Only about 1000' on the pavement.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 55

About a 1/4" thick steel plates laid on all dirt areas.

Departing from the street to the new lot.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 56

The 'final resting place'.

The foundation of cement already 'in place'.

They stopped moving the building so we left.

Only about 2 hours 'total time'.

Hamilton, Ohio 2020 57

Attachments

Images (10)
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 48
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 49
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 50
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 51
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 52
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 53
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 54
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  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 56
  • Hamilton, Ohio 2020 57
Last edited by samparfitt

New delivery and some PM.

Western Maryland 2-8-0 imported by Broadway Limited in 2022.

Always liked the big 'fire ball' on the tender so I acquired this engine from BLI.

There aren't very many brass engines made for WM plus there are no decals for steam engines so my choices were 'limited'.

From what I've read, this engine is a PRR 2-8-0 painted as WM as the head light should be in the center of the smoke box front plus I don't thing WM had marker lights on the pilot.  The engine was, also, marked 40% off list so I'll take what 'I can get'!

video:

Nice that BLI has the squealing brakes plus the 'keep alive' like my TCS decoders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6Bql860nCo

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 01

The 'smoke box' front and 'head light' came detached but was an easy fix as everything is 'friction' fit.

The boiler and tender are suppose to be 'cast metal' but the 'smoke box' and head light appeared to be plastic.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 02

Bottom views.

Traction tires.

The engine and tender doesn't 'feel' that  'heavy' for 'cast metal'!

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 03

'ON/OFF' switch for the 'smoke'.

A 'tradition' 'draw bar' but 'reversed' where the 'draw bar' pin is on the engine.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 04

2 speakers.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 05

Engineer's side view.

Lighted 'marker lights' and the side 'number boards' on the 'head light' are, also, lighted.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 06

The usual good paint finish.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 07

Deck plate plus cab detail and crew with light.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 08

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 09

Cool that the marker lights are functional.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 10

Fireman's side view.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 11

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 12

Functioning tender light.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 13

Legible builder's plate.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 14

Appears to be 'real' brass bell, 'pop valves' and whistle.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 15

Functioning cab hatch.

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 16

WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 17

=====================

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camel back engine PM (imported by Custom Brass models in 1984).

Last Saturday, the engine stopped 'moving'.  Found the hex pins on the front set of drivers are binding on the side rods.

Had to 'look' through my 'stash' of screws to find some that didn't recess into the side rods.

Will need to assemble and 'road test'.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 96

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 94

===============

CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson PM (imported by Tenshodo in 1971).

Last Saturday the engine started to 'short'.

Found the tender truck to be the problem.

These 3 axle trucks are functional in that the sides are not one solid side piece but 2 pieces as the 'prototype'.

CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 49

Had to add a Kadee 'insulated' washer to one of the wheel sets to keep the wheel from contacting the truck sides.

CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 50

CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 51

==================

C&NW E-4 4-6-4 imported by Nickel Plate products in 1975.

The engine was so 'light' that it could barely pull a few passenger cars.

Added some 'canopy' glue to the drivers 'insulated' side.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 106

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 105

Attachments

Images (24)
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 01
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 02
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 03
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 04
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 05
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 06
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 07
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 08
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 09
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 10
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 11
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 12
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 13
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 14
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 15
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 16
  • WM 2-8-0 BLI 2022 17
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 96
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 94
  • CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 49
  • CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 50
  • CP 4-6-4 Royal Hudson Tenshodo 51
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 106
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 105
Last edited by samparfitt

'Train running'.

Needed a 'break' from installing decoders!

MMMM: I modified my camera's parameters and a lot of the pictures look like those movies from the 40's and 50's with the bright colors.  I saw an 'option' where I can 'reset' the camera back to 'original' settings.  The camera, now, defaults to 'flash on' so I have to remember to change this option every time I 'open' the camera.

===============

I needed to 'turn around' a passenger set of cars so I used 3 engines to accomplish it.

PRR K-4 4-6-2 streamlined engine imported by BLI in 2020.

Departing the passenger yard.

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 59

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 60

Seattle's main 'yard throat'.

Camera was on 'flash' for this picture.

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 61

Skykomish.

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 62

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 63

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 64

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 65

Chumstick canyon trestle.

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 66

St. Paul's freight yard.

PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 67

I need to 'plant' these conifers!

trees 01

===============

Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 imported by BLI in 2022.

First road test.

video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUGJOv_Ej00

Upper return loop staging/interchange tracks.

T&P 2-10-4 BLI 2022 39

Willmar.

T&P 2-10-4 BLI 2022 40

==============

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose imported by BLI in 2022.

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsF4PErqIpc

Glacier.

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 49

Whitefish.

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 50

Tye.

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 51

Skykomish.

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 52

Back to the passenger yard.

SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 53

Attachments

Images (17)
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 59
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 60
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 61
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 62
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 63
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 64
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 65
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 66
  • PRR K-4 steamlined BLI 67
  • trees 01
  • T&P 2-10-4 BLI 2022 39
  • T&P 2-10-4 BLI 2022 40
  • SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 49
  • SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 50
  • SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 51
  • SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 52
  • SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose BLI, 2022 53

Thanks, Mark.

============

STUFF.

2 engines and 2 'cabeese'.

============

C&NW E-4 4-6-4 PM.

Video:

Marias pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ON6VJQG8E

This engine wasn't 'pulling' very well so I added some canopy glue to the back drivers plus all the insulated drivers.

I was getting poor electrical contact so I had to remove the canopy glue from the back 'pick up' driver.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 106

Found out that I was able to move the 'connecting' wires from an area over the drivers in the boiler to the back of the boiler so I could add some lead weight to the boiler over the drivers.

The original weight was in the boiler but had a space above it so I used one weight that slid above the original weight plus added some more weight using a screw to secure the two weights.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 107

Drilled and tapped.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 108

Some Kapton tape so secure the weight to the boiler.

I, usually, glue or screw weights to the boiler but thought this would be sufficient.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 109

Found there was space for one more piece of lead weight.

Had to use my band saw to cut this weight to the proper length.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 110

'tons of room' for the drivers.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 111

BEFORE:

C&NW 4-6-4 nickel plate 13

AFTER:

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 112

Road tested.

Only 'road tested' with 9 hoppers.

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 113

============

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camel back articulated.

Videos;  'road tests'

Waverly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMIL1jnUJ94

Willmar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0ou90IweKI

Departing Tumwater canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96JRs9i9JzM

Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkx8b4y1N-w

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkD7qaphkPY



The front drivers were, periodically, binding.

Found the front hex pins were deformed and 'catching' on the side rods.

I add some longer hex pins to the front drivers.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 96

There was no weight in the engine so I added some above the back drivers....

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 97

and, also, the front drivers.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 98

More canopy blue on all the insulated side drivers plus the back set of each set of drivers.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 99

'Road test' without the 'valve gear' so save me 'time' for 'adjustments'.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 100

All seems 'good' so I added the 'valve gear'.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 101

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 102

Engines ready for 'hauling revenue'!

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 103

BEFORE:

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 08

AFTER:

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 86

==============

'Cabeese' PM.

C&NW caboose needed some 'resistors' so the 'signaling system' can detect the end of the train.

C&NW caboose, roundhouse 02

Quick and easy 'wrap around' of the resistor's wires around the axles after turning one of them 'around' for polarity.

C&NW caboose, roundhouse 03

==========

SP caboose PM.

A few months ago I acquired this caboose at a train show.

It was highly detailed and only 15 bucks so I bought it.

Previously, I was going to add resistors to the truck wheels but they have 'rotating end bearings' and could not be rotated.

I thought that, maybe, I could route some resistors between each truck 'internally'.

I was surprised to find a decoder inside!

The caboose came with no box and I found no name on it but I'm guessing it is one of those new Athearn 'cabeese' with all the fancy LED's and interior.

SP caboose 4699 05

SP caboose 4699 06

SP caboose 4699 07

I put the caboose on the track and 'dialed up' address 03 on the throttle and, sure enough, it came 'to life' with a red led on each end plus interior lights.

SP caboose 4699 08

This caboose is highly detailed.

SP caboose 4699 09

See through walk ways and steps.

SP caboose 4699 10

A 'paint job' that I would have difficulty duplicating with the white window trim!

SP caboose 4699 11

'Rotating' bearings.

SP caboose 4699 02

Attachments

Images (29)
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 106
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 107
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 108
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 109
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 110
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 111
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 112
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 113
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 96
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 97
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 98
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 99
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 100
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 101
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 102
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 103
  • C&NW caboose, roundhouse 02
  • C&NW caboose, roundhouse 03
  • SP caboose 4699 05
  • SP caboose 4699 06
  • SP caboose 4699 07
  • SP caboose 4699 08
  • SP caboose 4699 09
  • SP caboose 4699 10
  • SP caboose 4699 11
  • SP caboose 4699 02
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 08
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 86
  • C&NW 4-6-4 nickel plate 13
Last edited by samparfitt

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 final assembly.

I thought this engine had a 'short' as I couldn't upload any data into the decoder.

I found out that the tender wheels are not making good contact with the truck's side frames.

The wheels were pre-blackened at the factory so I'll have to remove the wheel sets and clean all the ends of the wheel axles.

Used an old weight for the front of the boiler which was the 'perfect size'.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 94

The front weight cannot extend into the open area as the motor and gear box is in the center of the boiler.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 95

There was room at the back of the boiler for some extra weight; 2 rectangular pieces and then some 'plate' type weights over the wires.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 96

The 'ash pan' covers up the weights.

The trailing truck had to have the screw secured from the other side of the driver retaining plate to insure the truck was parallel to the 'rails'.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 97

After assembly the drivers were binding.

Had to detach the gear box to find the problem.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 98

The 'piston cylinder chest' (PCC) is secured in two elliptical holes but the center hole for securing the frame to the boiler was not aligned so I moved the PCC back to align the two holes but, now, the 'piston rod' was hitting the front of the PCC.

I moved the PCC forward and then filed out the hole so they were aligned with each other.

The original screw was badly damaged on the 'head' so I had to use a Dremel 'cut off disk' to remove it.  I used some of my black matte paint to touch up that area.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 99

BEFORE:

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 02

AFTER:

Front view.

Lots of work applying all those stripe decals.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 100

Fireman's side view.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 101

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 102

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 103

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 104

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 105

Decoder wires had to be routed through the 'coal bin'.

Will make a removable foam 'coal load'.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 106

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 107

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 108

Engineer's side view if a duplicate of the fireman's side.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 109

Next, the tender wheels need to be cleaned.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 110

Strange results on the the programming track using the 'throttle' screen.

The 'throttle' screen worked until about 6 months ago.

I thought I'd try it again and it's working again (go figure!).

It's nice testing via the 'throttle' screen as voltage is low so not likely to 'smoke' the decoder if 'wiring' is incorrect.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 111

Attachments

Images (19)
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 94
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 95
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 96
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 97
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 98
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 99
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 100
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 101
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 102
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 103
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 104
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 105
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 106
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 107
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 108
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 109
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 110
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 111
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 02
Last edited by samparfitt

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 final adjustments.

videos: 'road test'

departing Tumwater canyon trestle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJzGCc1m5xo

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olnOi3XpON0

Cut a piece of dark soft foam so it's removable for access to the decoder's wire connector.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 112

I must of shorted one of the tender LED's when I inserted the foam 'coal load' and I had to replace both of them.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 113

A 'brite boy' was used to clean the electrical side (right side in picture) of the tender wheels.

The factory put a 'heavy' amount of 'blackening' agent on all the wheels.

That cured the tender electrical problem.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 114

Some canopy glue on the 'insulated side' drivers.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 115

BEFORE:

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 02

AFTER:

MAN: I just noticed that the number boards are hollow so I could put LED's behind them and some clear plastic on the 'outside' (pictures always show 'defects'!).

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 101

===============

C&NW E-4 4-6-4:

BEFORE:

C&NW 4-6-4 nickel plate 13

AFTER:

C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 112

===================================

A fireman for the Erie 0-8-8-0 camel back.  Had to make a shovel out of brass as the 'original' was missing.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 116

Next, I plan on 'finishing up' the Virginian electrics.

GTW U-4B 4-8-4 117

Attachments

Images (10)
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 112
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 113
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 114
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 115
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 116
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 117
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 02
  • GTW U-4B 4-8-4 101
  • C&NW 4-6-4 nickel plate 13
  • C&NW 4-6-4 Nickel plate 112
Last edited by samparfitt

Thanks Den.

====================

Virginian EL-2B electrics.

Video: yard test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxCuUIL_xvA

I was assembling this engine last month but needed another TCS KAM-4 decoder.

These decoders have no sound.  Electrics only make a 'humming' sound so I see no need to install a sound decoder plus I know of no one that makes a decoder for 'electric' motive power.

One engine had the decoder installed.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 105

The decoder conveniently fits under the universal shaft.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 106

Both engines programmed into the 'roster' (A and B unit).

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 107

Nice that the 'throttle' screen is 'working'.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 108

Initial test of the motors to insure correct 'wire orientation'.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 109

Connector from 'drive unit' to the 'super structure'.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 110

BEFORE:

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 41C

AFTER:

Assembled.

These were the largest 2-unit coupled set of electrics made.

To the left is the GN W-1 electric which was the largest single unit electric made at about 101'; even the leading and trailing trucks were powered.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 111

Each engine has 16 powered wheels (8 axles) so a total of 32 (16 axles) powered wheels.

Lights, also, added under each ladder.

Unusual 'name plate' as one side had 'VIRGINIAN' and the other has 'VGN'.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 112

The 'box' had a 'draw bar' to connect the 2 units but I opted for 'Kadees' as it'll be easier to 'handle them'.

The  prototype had the engines permanently coupled so I'm guessing there was not a 'front and rear' plus it was unlikely that they would 'fit' on a turntable.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 113

'Windows' were added.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 114

Top views.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 115

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 116

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 117

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 118

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 119

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 120

Surprised at how heavy they are so I didn't added any additional weight.

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 121

All the 'main' gears were cracked and I had to replace them.

The truck gears were good but I bought some brass gears 'just in case'!

virginian EL-2B electrics painted 122

==================

Next will, probably, be the 1999 last Tenshodo engine imported; UP 4-6-6-4 challenger.

UP 4-6-6-4 challenger Tenshodo 1999 01

============

I added a fireman (a Weston figure) to the Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camelback.

Some canopy glue used to 'secure' him!

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 104

Some black soft foam for the 'coal load'.

Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 105

Attachments

Images (22)
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 105
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 106
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 107
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 108
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 109
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 110
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 111
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 112
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 113
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 114
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 115
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 116
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 117
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 118
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 119
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 120
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 121
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 122
  • UP 4-6-6-4 challenger Tenshodo 1999 01
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 104
  • Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 Custom Brass 105
  • virginian EL-2B electrics painted 41C
Last edited by samparfitt

UP 4-6-6-4 2-tone grey challenger and CNJ 4-6-4T.

UP 4-6-6-4 imported by Tenshodo in 1999;  decoder install (TCS 1517).

Made the 8-pin connector between the tender and engine plus 2 head lights and red marker lights for the tender.

Used an old PFM speaker. 

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 268

Some foam along the top of the tender.  The 8-pin connector protrudes out a rectangular hole under the deck plate.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 269

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 270

4 of the wires connected to the back engine and motor.

The other 4 wires go to the boiler.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 271

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 272

Soldered the wires on the 'other side' of the 8-pin connector.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 273

Programming track.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 274

New data loaded into the decoder and 'saved'.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 275

Next: route all the boiler LED wires and connect them to the remaining 4 wires.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 276

This engine has 2 motors so will have to 'diagnose' routing wires to it and still be able to remove the 'unit' from the boiler using another wire connector.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 277

===============

CNJ 4-6-4T imported by PFM (United) in 1969.

Installed the 0402 LED's in this engine.

For such a small engine (being a 'tank' engine) it'll be lighted like a Christmas tree.

Besides headlight, 2 green marker lights, plus....

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 31

Head light and 2 red marker lights on the 'tank' and 2 LED's for the 'running board' ligthts'

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 32

Attachments

Images (12)
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 268
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 269
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 270
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 271
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 272
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 273
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 274
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 275
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 276
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 277
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 31
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 32

UP 2-tone grey 4-6-6-4 challenger;  Tenshodo 1999 release final assembly and CNJ 4-6-4T assembly.

UP 2-tone grey challenger final assembly.

video: 'yard test'.  The engine sound 'cuts off' for a few seconds: must need to clean the wheels!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSZyV0b8ZsE

Wire routed for the head light with 2-pin connector.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 277A

Testing.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 278

Another set of motor wires (orange/grey) from the back motor to the front motor.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 279

2-pin connector for the front motor.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 279A

2-pin connector for the rear motor.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 280

Heat shrink tubing to protect the wires.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 281

Multiple pieces of 'heat shrink' tubing to the front motor for 'flexibility'.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 281A

4-pin connector from frame to boiler. The green pin not used as I didn't install LED's in the marker lights as I didn't want to drill holes into the front 'smoke box' cover.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 282

Had to caulk one piece of lead weight that 'fell out' during disassembly.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 283

Reinserted another piece of lead weight in front of the 'back head'.

Unusual place for lead from the 'builder'.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 284

All wires taped to the top of the boiler.

I used multiple pieces of 'heat shrink' tubing to route the 'running board' lights to the top of the boiler.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 285

While testing the decoder I noticed sparks and smoke coming from one of my 8 pin connectors.

I 'lucked out' as I thought, for sure, it would 'smoke' the decoder but nada.

I had just connected the front engine for testing when the 'smoke' occurred so I figured I hosed 'something up'!

After diagnostics, I found that the 8-pin connector was defective as 2 pins were touching each other.

I used my voltmeter to check all the wires and found that the grey and black wires (2 pins next to each other) had internal defects.

I was going to unsolder all the wires but the 'light bulb came on': hey stupid, just cut off the old pin connector and install a new one!

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 286

Retested on the programming track and all's 'good' 

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 287

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 288

Re-assemble, again!

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 289

8-pin connector from engine to tender.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 290

2-pin connector between the 2 motors.  This allows 'ease of disassembly' for any future PM.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 291

Program test, again, after attaching the rear engine to the boiler....

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 292

and, again, after attaching the front engine to the boiler.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 293

Front smoke box cover is a 'friction' fit.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 294

This plate that goes on the front smoke box fell off during disassembly.  Will use caulk to secure it.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 295

All exposed wires taped.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 296

There are 3 steam lines that are secured with screws for the front engine to 'articulate'.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 297

BEFORE:

Pilot and boiler was damaged.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 13

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 81

Front engine was 'binding'.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 14

Cab roof badly damaged.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 16

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 17

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 18

Dents on the tender.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 33

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 34

AFTER:

This was my first 'job' trying to restore such a badly damaged engine.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 298

Tenshodo imported a few of these as 2-tone grey so I painted this one a 2-tone grey.

I had one original 'elephant ear' from Tenshodo but had to make a duplicate for the other side.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 299

Running board lights added.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 300

Fire box glow.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 301]

Cab light added.  Nicely detailed interior.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 302



UP 4-6-6-4 1999 309UP 4-6-6-4 1999 310



UP 4-6-6-4 1999 303

2 head lights plus marker lights added.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 304

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 305

Engineer's side.

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 306

UP 4-6-6-4 1999 307

Wore out my soldering iron tip!

soldering iron 01

=================

CNJ 4-6-4T assembly.  Imported by PFM (United) in 1969.

Running gear assembled to the frame.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 33

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 34

Caulked the new can motor.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 35

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 36

Attachments

Images (49)
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 277A
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 278
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 279
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 279A
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 280
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 281
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 281A
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 282
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 283
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 284
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  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 298
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 299
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 300
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 301]
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 302
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  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 304
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 305
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 306
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 307
  • soldering iron 01
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 33
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 34
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 35
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 36
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 13
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 14
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 16
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 17
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 18
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 33
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 34
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 81
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 308
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 309
  • UP 4-6-6-4 1999 310
Last edited by samparfitt

CNJ 4-6-4T engine: routing all the LED wires.

There are 2 head lights, 4 marker lights and 2 running board lights so I had to route 16 very tiny wires!

Installed the 'brakes shoes'; having this option on an engine in 1969 was pretty 'fancy'!

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 37

'Heat shrink' tubing cut in short pieces for flexibility on the 'smoke box' front;  Headlight and 2 marker lights.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 38

Testing at all steps.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 39

Ready to route through the boiler.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 40

Some 'slack' on this end in case I have to do some PM. 

A longer piece of 'heat shrink' tubing is taped to the top of the boiler.

The 'running board' wires were also routed to the top of the boiler.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 41

Just enough room for the TCS 1517 decoder.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 42

'Keep alive' at the back of the 'tank'; inserted the frame with motor to insure everything 'fits'.

Wires for the 'tank' head light and marker lights, also, has multiple pieces of 'heat shrink' tubing.  Will protect the wires plus 'black' will be less visible from the cab.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 43

All wires routed to the decoder area.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 44

Final test with the 'signal tester'......

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 45

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 46

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 47

Tomorrow the decoder wires will be connected to all the LED's.

I love retirement; everyday is Saturday and I can work 8 -12 hour days on my hobbies

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 48

Attachments

Images (12)
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 37
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 38
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 39
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 40
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 41
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 42
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 43
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 44
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 45
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 46
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 47
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 48

Thanks Dallas.

I take hundred's of pictures so like a 'blind squirrel'; bound to find a good nut or two!

I did a 'camera' reset as I made changes and didn't know how to remove them.

=================================

CNJ 4-6-4T final assembly.

Video: yard test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEGXaQduo8Y



Managed to 'cram' everything into the boiler!



CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 49

The factory supplied weight inserted into the boiler.

Having all the LED wires taped to the top of the boiler allowed enough room for the weight.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 50

With no tender only one 4-pin connector was needed for this engine.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 51

Frame side.

Had to reverse the motor wires and then put tape over the contacts.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 52

The trailing truck is the 'tender side' pickup for electricity.

It is insulated from the frame.

MMM: need to paint that piece of brass I made for the 'ground'!

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 53

Programming done.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 54

Before:

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 03

After:

Front view.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 55

Fireman's view.

Nicely detailed, especially for an engine made in 1969!

I believe PFM only made one run of these so not very many are available.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 56



CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 57

No light in the cab as no detail plus it would only show all the wires!

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 58



CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 59

Engineer's view:

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 60

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 61

Had to put the small 'sugar cube' speaker in the 'coal load' area.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 62

Some black foam to cover the speaker.

CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 63

=====================

Next will, probably, be the GN Y-1 electric.

Imported by KEY in 1995.  Two motors plus the 'bus bars' on each end of the locomotive.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 06

Attachments

Images (17)
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 49
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 50
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 51
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 52
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 53
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 54
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 55
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 56
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 57
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 58
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 59
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 60
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 61
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 62
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 63
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 06
  • CNJ 4-6-4T PFM 03
Last edited by samparfitt

GN Y-1 electric decoder install.   

Imported by Key in 1995 factory painted with directional lights and functional windows and doors.

videos:

Yard test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgjv0ho5XDU

Yard test with the Tenshodo version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOEdUu4BVFo

6 screws secure the frame to the superstructure.

KEY used some 1-pin connectors for the lights in the cab and headlights.   The lights were incandescent so they were replaced with 0402 LED's.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 07

The TCS KAM4 just fits on the frame as there is little room with 2 motors and weights.

I taped the decoder between a weight and one of the motors, vertically.

The KAM4 has no sound as electrics are 'quiet' anyway plus there would have been no room for a larger decoder plus speaker.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 07A

All the old lights and wires, including the diodes, were removed.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 08

Connected the red and black wires to the trucks and the orange and grey wires to the motors and then 'down loaded' the new data with the engine on the programming track.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 09

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 10

Put LED's in the headlights and each cab.  Both are 'directional'.

Installed a 4-pin connector between the frame and super structure.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 11

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 12

Functional windows.

Unusual for an HO engine.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 13

Functional 'sprung' doors.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 14

LED added to the steps on each side of the engine.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 15

I did not add LED's to the marker lights.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 16

Detailed cab interior.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 17

The engine on the left is a Tenshodo model made in 1985.

I had to do some 'PM' on this engine as it was losing power about every 5 seconds.

I checked the decoder and no signs of 'smoke' and the circuit breakers were not being 'thrown'.

I cleaned all the wheels and that seemed to 'fix it' although the wheels looked perfectly 'clean'!

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 18

Previously, I installed a TCS KAM4 decoder in this engine including head lights, marker lights and lighted steps.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 19

I believe the Tenshodo model is more accurate with the orange pantographs and black running gear versus the 'green' running gear on the Key model.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 20

Key model.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 21

Tenshodo model.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 22

I have several GN electrics.

This is the GN Y-1 'green version' with DCC at Tye.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 23

The right engine is a Tenshodo Y-1 and the left 2 engines are Z-1 electrics (Oriental limited) that only were painted 'green'.

Both are DCC located at Skykomish.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 24

The top engine is a GN W-1 electric (custom brass) and the bottom 2 are the GN Z-1 electrics (Nickel Plate products; both powered).  These are in the 'yet to be converted to DCC' line.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 25

The last electric is another GN W-1 with DCC.  GN only had two W-1's.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 26

Testing both electrics.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 27

The Key model needed 40 MPH (2 motors) while the Tenshodo model only needed 25 MPH (one motor) to run at the 'same speed'.

GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 28

=================

Next will,  probably, be the UP 4-8-8-4 big boy by Key.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 56

================

Purchased some Kadee couplers and 'pockets' and some '3-in-1' oil.

GNRW layout 2023 01

====================

Got some old vintage metal Athearn/Varney and wood Silver Streak/Ambroid models that need some couplers.

Plus, it's time to send my daughter (executor) my annual inventory of all my possessions and their 'relative value'.

GNRW layout 2023 02

==================

Finished up labeling the bulk of my engine 'boxes' with the engine number and whether they have 'DCC'.

A 'low stick' scotch tape is used.

Will make it easier for my daughter to find the correct box for each engine when I 'croak'!

GNRW layout 2023 03

Attachments

Images (27)
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 07
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 07A
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 08
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 09
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 10
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 11
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 12
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 13
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 14
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 15
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 16
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 17
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 18
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 19
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 20
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 21
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 22
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 23
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 24
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 25
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 26
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 27
  • GN Y-1 with bus bar Key 28
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 56
  • GNRW layout 2023 01
  • GNRW layout 2023 02
  • GNRW layout 2023 03
Last edited by samparfitt

UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy imported by KEY in 1987.

Decoder install.

Tender:

The usual TCS 1517 decoder along with the usual PFM speaker and the usual 8-pin connector made.

This tender had no marker lights so only an LED was installed in the tender's head light.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 57

Usually, I like to make a rectangular hole below the deck plate on the tender but there was a lot of detail that I didn't want to 'butcher'.

The decoder wires have to make some 'sharp' turns so I used a lot of short 'heat shrink' tubing on the 8-pin connector.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 58

Fortunately, there were two small holes to route the wires.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 58A

Crammed everything into the tender.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 59

All 'closed up'.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 60

Connector wires routed so they don't interfere with the front tender truck.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 61

The usual yellow foam was replaced with black foam inside the tender since the tender water hatches open.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 62

Key didn't 'clean' all the parts thoroughly and some of the running gear had 'wrinkled' paint so I had to disassemble some parts,  repaint them and reassemble them.  Of course, I got a 'discount' for 'damaged goods'!

Some assembly still needed on the front drivers.

A valve linkage 'rivet' broke so I had to put some solder on the back to secure it.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 63

UP big boy, Key, 1987 64

The other side had the same problem.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 65

Boiler:

Tested all the LED's from an earlier 'work on this engine'.

With a 'fire box' glow in the cab I needed a 5-pin connector instead of the usual 4-pin connector.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 66

Glad I tested a 'dry fit' of the back frame to the boiler as there is no 'opening' for the 8-pin connector wires.

There is an ashpan that covers the entire 'fire box' so I drilled 2 holes in the fire box for the wires; 4 wires through each hole.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 67

Programming track.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 68

UP big boy, Key, 1987 69

Turned on all the LED's.

Head light, green marker lights and running board lights.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 70

'fire box' glow LED.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 71

Pretty cool; Key has the 'fire box' doors open for the 'fire'.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 72

Nicely detailed cab.

Cab roof vent has a metal tab to keep it open.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 73

A separate LED was needed for the 'external' fire box glow.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 74

Next will be final assembly and 'yard test'.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 75

Attachments

Images (20)
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 57
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 58
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 58A
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 59
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 60
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 61
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 62
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 63
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 64
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 65
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 66
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 67
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 68
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 69
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 70
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 71
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 72
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 73
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 74
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 75

UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy. Final assembly.

Imported by Key in 1987. Has many unique features: coast drive, 'see through,' walk boards, functioning sand hatches, turret hatches and cab vent hatch, glowing 'open fire box' door glow, functioning smoke box door with interior and tender functioning water hatches. A TCS 1517 decoder was installed including LED's for the headlight (engine/tender), marker lights, 'running board' lights, fire box glow below 'ash pan' and in the cab, and lighted cab.

Video: yard test plus 'coast drive' demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdIXU5qePtM

Tender:

Had the wrong screw for the front trucks as the 'short' screw was for the tender...

UP big boy, Key, 1987 76

and the longer screw to attach the front engine to the back engine.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 77

Following my 'normal procedures, I attached the back engine and then tried to attach the front engine but it was too difficult to attach the 'sliding universal' while inside the boiler.  Both engines had to be 'connected' before attaching to the boiler.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 78

After attaching the the boiler I was getting a 'short' so 'disassemble' for diagnostics.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 79

Thought the problem was in the boiler but one of the brass brake shoes (rear) was contacting the insulated driver.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 80

Original screws were difficult (plus the screwdriver slot got 'butchered') for attaching the center steam pipe so 'new ones' were used.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 81

Screws used to secure the two outside steam pipes to the boiler and piston assembly.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 82

UP big boy, Key, 1987 83

Headlight and 2-pin connector attached to the engine.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 84

Unusual in that the front truck axles had to be 'press fitted' to the truck.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 85

It appears this engine had little, if any, 'run time'.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 86

UP big boy, Key, 1987 87

Usually, I don't have 'left over' parts but I had no idea what this piece was 'for'!

Normally, this kind of piece would be on the front engine.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 88

Large and small hex pin screw drivers.  Even the small screws for the 'valve gear' had hex screws.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 89

'Left over' wiring for the old incandescent lights.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 90

Assembled, finally!

Front coupler rotates.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 91

Fireman's side view.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 92

'Heavily' detailed engine.

Even has the 'chain' guards on the 'valve gear' assembly.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 93

UP big boy, Key, 1987 94

UP big boy, Key, 1987 95

UP big boy, Key, 1987 96

Deck plate.

Glad I used a lot of short pieces of 'heat shrink' tubing as it was 'tight' between the engine and tender!

UP big boy, Key, 1987 97

Fire box glow.

The cab has 4 screws securing it to the boiler so the interior roof could be painted green.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 98

UP big boy, Key, 1987 99

UP big boy, Key, 1987 100

Functional tender water hatches.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 101

Auger.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 102

Functional cab vent hatch and turret hatches with interior detail.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 102A

UP big boy, Key, 1987 103

UP big boy, Key, 1987 13

Functional sand hatches.

Back sand dome.

MMMM: that 'low stick' scotch tape that's been on there all summer needs to have that residue removed!

UP big boy, Key, 1987 104

Front sand dome with interior detail.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 105

'see through' smoke stacks.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 106

'See through' walk boards.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 19

Functioning smoke box door with interior.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 107

UP big boy, Key, 1987 108

Engineer's side view.

UP big boy, Key, 1987 109

UP big boy, Key, 1987 110

UP big boy, Key, 1987 111

=============

Next is the N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 decoder install imported by Custom Brass in 1978.



N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 133

Attachments

Images (40)
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 76
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 77
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 78
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 79
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 80
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 81
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 82
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 83
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 84
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 85
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 86
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 87
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 88
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 89
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 90
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 91
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 92
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 93
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 94
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 95
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 96
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 97
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 98
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 99
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 100
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 101
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 102
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 102A
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 103
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 104
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 105
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 106
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 107
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 108
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 109
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 110
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 111
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 133
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 19
  • UP big boy, Key, 1987 13
Last edited by samparfitt

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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