Taming the Williams Hudson

One common denominator on this thread of Pete’s, ……ain’t none of us scared to cut a Hudson to pieces, and start over to make it better, ……😉

Pat

@D500 posted:

The detailing looks so nice. Brings to mind that I have yet to address the abbreviated valve gear issue on my detailed Williams J1 (and my "old" Lionel L-3 Mohawk), but I did on my streamlined (with ancient Wms brass add-on pieces and parts)  5344 J1e former "ATSF" Warhorse. Not sure if I have more parts. Wonder if Lionel does? Must check. It does look so much better, though.

And, yes - Legacy Schmegacy. Sounds like a cap or T-shirt to me.

This thing is an old ****-for-leather TMCC Pullmor. Bit of a beast.

D, I was able to get Vision 700E parts for mine when I did it three years ago including the steamchest and all the rods and valve gear required. Also the backhead fits with a smaller motor.
As Pat says a few parts are now NLA so it makes a upgrade more difficult. No parts shown for the Legacy J3s but some shown for the Legacy ESE’s that might work.

Vision backhead in the 773.

Pete

Vision backhead in the 773.

Pete

Backhead is a beauty.  I know someone putting one of these in my 773.

If you can ever find one for sale, the Williams Master piece edition Hudson is superb and easily super detailed. Notice the scale valve gear and brakes.

Runs well too. Here it is double headed with a Third rail Hudson.

We have a few of those Ron.

Pete

Pete, the backhead looks great.  Do you have a part number?

The two Williams Masterpiece Hudsons sport the same number but there are quite a few differences.  Are those before and after photos?  Did Williams produce different versions? Is one the Williams version and one a Norton upgrade?

Here you go Joe. Also used the rear bulkhead. These fit the 773 types but only with a shorter motor.

The bottom pic of the Williams J3 is stock. The top pic shows the J3 shell on a Lionel Smithsonian Dreyfuss chassis. I was toying with the idea of building a Super Hudson but never got a round tuit.

Pete

Donnie, thanks for the instructions.

Thanks Pete.  Me thinks my new to me 785 needs a backhead and a rear bulkhead would be enjoyed by the crew.

I used the same VL Hudson cab in my C&O streamlined Yellowbelly Hudson upgrade, really makes a big difference over having a big motor stick out.

That's where I got the idea.

@coach joe posted:

That's where I got the idea.

Since I like lights, I went a little crazy and lit the gauges and also added the flickering firebox.

It's a beauty John.  I'll be happy if I can get the back head to fit.

Norton,

I think the Williams 5430 is simply the best. rivals custom brass and it's painted to boot.

Ron

@coach joe posted:

It's a beauty John.  I'll be happy if I can get the back head to fit.

I cheated and sent it to Pat (Harmonyards), he was putting in the Pittman motor anyway, so I figured that mechanical work was right down his alley.  The quality of the fit did not disappoint, it worked out great!

Ron,

I agree.

I've got my eye out for a 5430 (Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series BS-03) for a future purchase, hopefully soon.  In this discussion this (Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series, BS-02) will have to do until I find one.  They're both so nicely detailed:

Mike

Williams Masterpiece are fine looking. What you don’t get is smooth running, command control or sound that you can actually tolerate.

Here are some pics of the Williams 773 with added detail. All brass was added with some coming off an MTH donor Hudson.

Pete

Just needs paint Pete!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Just needs paint Pete!

See above.

Pete

Didn't realize it was the same engine.

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Ron,

I agree.

I've got my eye out for a 5430 (Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series BS-03) for a future purchase, hopefully soon.  In this discussion this (Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series, BS-02) will have to do until I find one.  They're both so nicely detailed:

Mike

They run like crap IMO Mike, ……best to shove a MTH chassis under that beauty,…then you have it all, …stellar looks, and bulletproof performance,…..i upgraded a Smitty ( Smithsonian Hudson ) for a buddy of mine……what a bucket of bolts!!…..you can take that chassis out, take one hand and pinch off your nose, extend the the other arm out, chassis in hand, and walk over to your waste receptacle, and drop it in,….lift boiler shell, place on MTH chassis, …..problem solved…

Pat