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Adding snowplows

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Adding snowplows
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 14, 2003 9:47 PM
Greetings,

What is the easiest way to add snow plows to your diesels?

I see pins on the back of the snowplow that could attach to the shell? How do you mark and make sure they are level on the shell?

Or do you just glue them on with using the pins?

Any advice?

Thanks,

Mark in Texas
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Sunday, December 14, 2003 9:51 PM
Typically, it is easiest to drill holes in the pilot - remember that you need clearance for the coupler. Use your calipers (buy some if you don't have a pair - Harbor Freight has some incredible deals) to measure the location and size of the pins on the plow. Determine how high off the rails you want the plow to be. Measure everything several times, mark then drill the two holes, test fit. Use a dab of Gel Type CA to hold on to the plow pins behind the pilot.
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 15, 2003 12:20 PM
Details West includes a paper template with their snowplows. You glue the teplate to sheet plastic or cardstock, and pre-drill the holes on the template. You use the image printed on the template, and the pre drilled holes to make sure ou drill the holes in the proper locations.

Before installing the plow, make sure to file off any burrs or molding marks, and paint the plow to match the front pilot of your diesel.

Josh Ziegler
Spokane, WA
  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: Netherlands
  • 226 posts
Posted by Nieuweboer on Monday, December 15, 2003 3:18 PM
When we are on the sub ject of snowplows is there anyone who has an answer to my following question: did and do diesels have snowplows only on the front or (sometimes) on the rear. Especially the diesels of SF, UP, BN and SP.I looked at countless pictures but all are front views or front/side views, you never see the rear end. Thanks for helping me out.
  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: US
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Posted by wp8thsub on Monday, December 15, 2003 11:44 PM
"...did and do diesels have snowplows only on the front or (sometimes) on the rear."

Very few prototype diesel units have plows on both ends, but there are a few oddball exceptions. Most railroads operate diesels in multiple, which allows plows to be oriented front and rear in case the consist needs to reverse direction (as with a local freight "turn" or light helper set returning to its point of origin). The examples of units with plows on both ends are typically those intended to work both directions by themselves.

Rob Spangler

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: Kansas City area
  • 833 posts
Posted by Trainnut484 on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 8:24 PM
I think the UP, SP, SSW, and D&RGW used plows on both front and rear on some of their locomotives to plow through snow no matter if running forward or reverse through the mountains.

Take care,

Russell
All the Way!
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    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 9:10 PM
southern pacific sd45tunnel had a snow plow on the rear,,they were used as pushers and had to back down the hill,
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rivarossi question
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 9:16 PM
any one using the new steam engines from this company,,how do you install KD#5on the front,,do they have a can type moter,,am thinking of collecting some after they start comming in to the country again,,thanks,chuck
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 7:31 PM
I was wondering the same thing about snow plows

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