Unique Perspective on the K-4, prototype to HO Model

[TomDiehl]

I've probably mentioned on the forum that I work with the group at Steamtown NHS that's restoring the PRR K4 that was displayed on Horseshoe Curve for so many years. I've also built the Bowser HO model of it. This weekend, we pulled out a section of the valve gear to work on, consisting of the link and trunions (the part that actually adjusts valve timing for forward, reverse, and cutoff), radius rod, and radius rod hanger. It was all four of us could do to drag it out to where we could pick it up with the forklift. Once we disassembled it, it was my job to clean up the parts in the parts washer. It took two of us to lift the link into the washer, about 150 pounds.

When I assembled the Bowser model, I picked this part up with tweezers.

And it would have been a LOT safer to drop that one. But a lot harder to find.

[Anonymous]

When we work with our minute model parts, it is difficult to remember the size and power of the original locomotives. That is especially true with the well known originals like the Pennsy's K-4.
Will

[davekelly]

Tom,

That is a very interesting thought. I've often thought this while working on various projects. How easy is it for us to put in a turnout versus the real thing?

Of course my mystery is why is HO so small when I'm painting window sills on a structure but so big when laying a track curve?

[dknelson]

Some years ago I was watching a crew clean up a wreck on the Chicago & North Western in West Allis WI. The derailment had torn up some track. Two guys would pick up a railroad tie and, huffing and puffing, carry it into position. Then one guy came over and picked up a tie by himself. My friend (himself very strong) said "Good Lord that guy is a gorilla!" A railroad tie is more than just a big solid hunk of wood it is soaked in creosote.
From a modeling perspective it is a good reminder that almost anything around a railroad is so solid and heavy that it needs mechanical means to aid the workers in picking it up and moving it around.
Dave Nelson

[TomDiehl]

The joke around the backshops is that a small part of a locomotive is one you don't need a forklift or crane to lift or move.

[HoosierDaddy]

You mean I couldn't pick up an F7 with one hand to rerail it in real life?

That's a good example you've given, Tom, as to how different things are between 1:1 and 1:87 scale. I guess we should just stop complaining about how small and delicate parts are on our models. At least we don't need a block and tackle or a forklift to change out couplers.:)

HD

[k41361]

Tom,
Please.So many want to know the progress on 1361.Can you please inform? It would be greatly appreciated.I can't wait to see it run.
Terry P.

[route_rock]

Wait till you need to get in and grease the pig!! I know I wish I could lift our Heisler and turn her over so I can add a drop here and there of oil, but i know I have to get my 6'4 inch 285 lb ogre frame under neath (watch your head the boilers hot! Hard too) watch out for the drive shaft reach back tot he main grease fitting (ICCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK) ok now do the slides the cross arms ok did I get that fitting?I hope I did. crawl out straighten up and oh &*^%$ I missed one!
Yes Id like to hear how the old girl is doing as well. Would love to come adn ride along sometime.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by k41361

Tom,
Please.So many want to know the progress on 1361.Can you please inform? It would be greatly appreciated.I can't wait to see it run.
Terry P.

Gee, by your screen name, I never would have guessed.

The new tender body is almost complete. Last Saturday, before the valve gear job I mentioned above, I was inside cleaning up the tar paper gasket material after the riveting was done there. The tender frame was brought into the building for evaluation and repairs earlier in the week.

We got final approval on the boiler repair around the steam dome and the base of the dome has been reinstalled. The first of the firebox side sheets is hanging in position for final fitting.

Although it's a bit behind, the webmaster is trying to get things up to date. In case you don't have the link:

http://www.trainweb.org/horseshoecurve-nrhs/k42.htm

Love the way he put in "stocker" instead of "stoker" in the captions.

[JimValle]

Having assembled three Bowser K-4s, I can sympathize with folks who have to work on the real thing. For me the biggest ordeal was drilling the little holes in the frame between the drivers so I could hang the brake rigging. Oddly enough once up and running the Bowser K-4 has more pulling power than any of the other Bowsers in the Pennsy series. I suppose that's because it's better balanced and has flanges on all the drivers. Prototype railroad stuff was built heavy in the old days I once rebuilt a Pennsy position light signal head. It was cast iron and weighed at least 100 lbs. It showed evidence of having been full of water at one time and the signal box was packed with maple tree seeds! It was rugged construction intended to survive in a brutal world. Modern designers of RR equipment, like the Acela trains, should take a lesson from that.

[route_rock]

I was on a dash 9 last night that had water bottle lids stuck up under the throttle adn reverser stand.This unit was nly 5 months old and already was rattling away like any good new ge does! Oh and papers stuck up in the side of the radio to keep it from vibrating and causeing a bucnh of noise.
they dont build em like they used to!

[k41361]

Tom ,
Just got to your answer today.Thanks,It looks like progress is being made.Thanks also for the web site.It looks like it will keep us updated on how it's coming along.

Terry P.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by route_rock

I was on a dash 9 last night that had water bottle lids stuck up under the throttle adn reverser stand.This unit was nly 5 months old and already was rattling away like any good new ge does! Oh and papers stuck up in the side of the radio to keep it from vibrating and causeing a bucnh of noise.
they dont build em like they used to!

Grab a roll of weather stripping. Jam it in there.

You be surprised what a good Freightshaker of the 80's vintage can do to the cab fittings.