Restification: PW RioGrande 221 and ZW

[pgtr]

 Been a while since I posted or read the forums. Needed to make some space out in the shop and finally got around to finishing these 2 projects. There are some before and after images of this old 221. Color is a bit off - it's actually YELLOW but looks orange in the images. I picked it up in pathetic condition at a train meet a couple years ago pretty cheap. You can see for yourself on the cosmetics and it ran about as good (or bad) as it looked. As you may know, the 221 is a VERY BASIC model. But I like Post War and I like western road names and that makes my selection rather limited.

The black marks on the body were a mystery. No amount of cleaning would take them off. They were perhaps more robust than the factory black stripes and lettering and appeared to almost be stains that slightly absorbed into the plastic. I had to basically polish them off very carefully using a plastic polish (while avoiding the factory marks). I rebuilt the motor and find a fault in the windings, new bushings, brushes. The single traction tire was replaced of course. The e-unit took a number of tries to get it 'adjusted' to work consistently. I ordered and installed several 'upgrades'. If you can't spot them they include a tool box, a plastic windshield, a lens for the headlight, a light bracket (internal), an LED bulb and finally an electronic horn/bell with speaker (internal).

It's not much of a puller with a single driven axle and only a single traction tire at that. But with a small load it's OK and ads some much need color and variety to my PW collection. Seems to run pretty good otherwise though it sparks a tad more than I'd like. The light is a bit harsh compared to the regular bulbs on my other PWs. And it shines a bit through the plastic around the nose area - may need to 'mask' it somehow. More radical options might have been to find a diecast chassis to fit the ALCO body to or upgrade the motor/rear truck to something better - 2 traction tires or something... But it's done and complements my SF F3s, UP ALCOs and steamers.

The ZW was another roughed up train show 'bargain'. I only had a single LW at home which I'd previously restored and couldn't pass up such a great price. One of the aluminum trim rings had to be removed and straightened (someone tried to pry off a handle w/ a screwdriver...?) and polished. Generally cleaned up the inside. Went ahead and replaced the working copper discs w/ solid state diodes. I replaced the rotten cord w/ a cord clipped from a hair dryer. The original circuit breaker tested OK (just under 1 second to activate if shorted). Replaced 1 bulb. Repainted some of the missing stamped lettering on the case. Repainted the red/blue marks on the aluminum rings. Polished the case. Replaced the completely scratched up emblem on top. Came out working great and has a nice finish. I was a little disappointed w/ the replacement emblem on top - the replacement was red, not orange in color! But it just wasn't worth it to me to send it back or hunt for a more accurate reproduction. Since my handfull of engines are all PW except for a lone Polar Express I haven't installed any fancy protection safeguards yet but might consider Transient Voltage Supressors and/or some sort of resettable modern fuses or breakers..

 

 

 

 

 

[phillyreading]

Looks like a very good job of restoring both the engine and transformer. For circuit protection that will work I use circuit breakers rather than fuses(have to keep replacing the fuse). Scott's Odds and Ends sells circuit breakers at 10 or 15 amp sizes, I think it is www.scottsoddsandends.com

Lee F.

[pgtr]

Lee - thanks - I agree w/ you on the breakers and yes that's the link that offers them.

thanks again

[bgreen]

I know the original post is over 10 years old but I'm gonna try anyway:  I am trying to return a 221 diesel to running condition for my grandson to play with.  I have not been able to find a part number for a replacement traction "tire" on the single drive wheel.  Any help appreciated.  Thanks.

[ADCX Rob]

bgreen

I have not been able to find a part number for a replacement traction "tire" on the single drive wheel.

The part you seek is 222-108 found HERE.

[bgreen]

Nice. Thank you very much!