As a summer project, I decided to get a PRR BB1 Boxcab engine.
Here is what it looked like out of the box:
It did not look like what I had seen in the Strasburg Museum:
Nor did it look like the one offered by MTH:
So, after painting the roof red, applying decal numbers in the lower right, and adding Keystones on each side and on the front, here is what it looks like now. I have not attempted to paint the window frames, as the windows are glued or epoxied in place, and I might break them trying to remove them.
I like it! Nice job!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Bob,
An excellent job and improvement.
Too bad the companies don't spend a little more money and get it RIGHT!!!!
Ralph
Train-O Bob, An excellent job and improvement. Too bad the companies don't spend a little more money and get it RIGHT!!!! Ralph
You may wonder why I didn't just buy the MTH version since I liked its looks better than Lionel.
As it turns out, the fact that it requires a minimum of O-54 curves was the clincher. I have had to pass on many nice looking trains for that reason.
Looks very good! How does it run?
My layout is put away for the summer, so I ran it on a 10' section just to make sure it works, and that the TMCC functions operate. The true test will be in October or whenever I setup the layout. There is a climbing curve that some engines had trouble with when it used O-31 track. That curve is now O-42, but it will be interesting to see how this new engine performs.
As long as the traction tires are OK, it should be fine for quite a few cars. Mine finally shed it's traction tires and I haven't replaced them, but it still seems to pull all right, just not as many cars.
SantaFe158 As long as the traction tires are OK, it should be fine for quite a few cars. Mine finally shed it's traction tires and I haven't replaced them, but it still seems to pull all right, just not as many cars.
FWIW, I noticed that there are a few spare tires in the box. Have you used them up?
I'm considering the alternative of using silicon sealer on the tires as a replacement for the traction tires. A "how to" was posted over on the OGR forums.
I hope if I give credit that a repost isn't against the rules here.
Replacing engine tires with Silicone. The product you want for this project is Silicone Sealant, not caulk. The brand I have is Loctite, but you may find other manufacturer's such as G.E.. First arrange to have a transformer at your workbench, a soft cradle for your engine to be set in upside down, and some wires with alligator clips, so that you can connect your engine to the transformer and run it slowly while it is upside down. Before you do this, if it is a command engine, turn down the sound, and turn off the smoke unit, while you have it on the track. It is also a good idea to remove the brakes as they are close to the wheel and can get smeared with the silicone. With the engine upside down in the cradle, get the wheels turning slowly, and clean the tire groove with your favorite solvent. I use denatured alcohol and Q-Tips. Caution: if you use a Q-Tip, keep it away from the gears near the wheels. If you touch a Q-Tip to the gears it will pull the fibers into the gears and jamb the engine to a stop quickly. If this happens you have to remove the engine's shell and turn the flywheel backwards by hand to get the fibers out. Once the tire groove is clean, and dry, squeeze a small amount of the Silicone into the groove while the wheel is turning. Next, I prefer to use a squared off Popsicle stick, or tongue depressor, like a putty knife action to press the silicone into the groove and remove the excess. Then quit and let it dry overnight. It doesn't have to be perfectly neat at this point. Next day, use an Xacto knife to trim off any excess rubber while the wheel is turning, or start and stop it if it is easier for you. Viola! You're done. Dennis Bracey 4/13/09
Bob.M SantaFe158: As long as the traction tires are OK, it should be fine for quite a few cars. Mine finally shed it's traction tires and I haven't replaced them, but it still seems to pull all right, just not as many cars. FWIW, I noticed that there are a few spare tires in the box. Have you used them up?
SantaFe158: As long as the traction tires are OK, it should be fine for quite a few cars. Mine finally shed it's traction tires and I haven't replaced them, but it still seems to pull all right, just not as many cars.
I bought mine used so no, I never had them. The manual also makes it sound like it originally came without them (for who knows what reason) installed and the user had to install them (they were already on mine).
I
I realize this thread is 2 years old now, but I just came across it again. Lionel and MTH were modeling two different eras for that locomotive. The one in the museum is even newer than the models are supposed to be.
Lionel got the Era and locomotive they were modeling correct.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month