Trains.com

BOO y’all! October Coffee Pot. Mountains of pancakes topped with fried apple slices and maple syrup. Bobbing for GRITS over 18+ years.

7661 views
121 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 520 posts
Posted by Leverettrailfan on Monday, October 17, 2022 8:08 PM

I've seen pictures of those... they definitely ride pretty high, but look like fun!

Side note: I've thought about getting an O gauge PCC at some point, but the only road I'd want is one of the various operators of the Boston street railway system. And with one exception, all of the Boston PCCs had a set of doors on the lefthand side for use in the subway tunnels. Many cars also had a 'monitor' that ran the full length of the roof, I think for forced air ventilation. I don't plan to acquire any O gauge PCCs until I have a game plan worked out to modify one into a Boston prototype. Ideally a 'Picture Window' type car.

Latest and greatest from me is that I did finish getting my 'new' 253 running. The E-Unit fingers needed replacing, as did some of the wiring- I kept as much original wiring as I could, but some of it really needed to go. The drum for the E-unit was in pretty good shape, only needing a good cleaning. I would be surprised if the drum is anywhere near the age of the engine, I've had other prewar engines with E-Units who's plastic drums went all shrunken and wonky. 
But I digress... Now she runs fantastic, and reverses as good as pretty much anything else I own. An absolute treat to run, though with the way the paint is flaking off, and there's rust all over it, a restoration may be inevitable. If I do need to repaint, I will be keeping it in the original colors it wore.
Currently thinking over what is next on the repair list. At this point, I'm very close to having to start digging into projects that are "restoration neccesary", not entirely sure how I feel about that, but those transitional era passenger cars keep calling to me...


-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, October 17, 2022 9:34 PM

Leverettrailfan
Side note: I've thought about getting an O gauge PCC at some point, but the only road I'd want is one of the various operators of the Boston street railway system.

Understandable, you want one that looks like "home."  I've been looking for an MTH PCC in Public Service of New Jersey markings, I know they were made but I never see them anywhere. I suspect most disappeared quickly into New Jersey O Gauger's basements, never to see the light of day again for years.  That's OK, I'm patient, I can wait. 

did  luck into an NJ Transit PCC a few years back at a Greenberg show here in Virginia.  The seller looked at me funny and asked "You're not from around here, are you?"  Laugh

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 7:50 AM

Ellie - Those passenger cars are far from the basket cases featured on The Fabrik, Chip Channel, or Rescue and Restore (YouTube). I enjoy seeing how they take old rusty toys and returning them to shelf quality pieces. I will look forward to your progress.

YesCool

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 520 posts
Posted by Leverettrailfan on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 11:44 AM

Fife, I've seen a few of The Fabrik's restoration jobs... very impressive, but with a lot of tools and resources I don't have. Don't think I'm loosing hope yet, for sure! First step is take them apart, and get rid of the gunk all over them. Next, get the rust removed. Then figure out how many containers of filler I'm gonna need, and how much sandpaper Smile, Wink & Grin
I'm hoping somebody makes rub-on transfers of the lettering I need for these cars. I should make sure I know the positioning before I come close to taking off what's left of the paint.

Wayne, you're absolutely right, but there's an added twist. The museum I volunteer at actually has two ex-Boston PCCs. I'd like my model to represent the same type/generation as the ones at the museum.

In today's latest news, I made the rookie mistake of looking on eBay "just to look- not to buy anything". We've all been there, right? You know how this story goes...

Somebody had a really nice looking 0636 for sale. No tender, but it was complete, and the description said it runs well and the headlight works. I made them an offer, not expecting much.... and wouldn't you know it, they accepted. Not the cheapest I've gotten an HO locomotive, but I've been wanting one of the later generation versions. The 0635 I have is great and all, but it has a pretty noisy drive, only 4 wheel pickup, and tends to suffer from wheelslip. 
Later models like the 0636 should have a shorter drive train (a worm shaft going directly to a worm wheel on one of the driver axles), plus it has added pickups on one side and a traction tire. I expect it to be a much more reliable performer. Plus unlike my 0635, this one shouldn't need to be repowered with a can motor because someone gutted it!




-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 3:01 PM

Leverettrailfan
Wayne, you're absolutely right, but there's an added twist. The museum I volunteer at actually has two ex-Boston PCCs. I'd like my model to represent the same type/generation as the ones at the museum.

Understandable.  However I doubt MTH pursued the "nuances" of the various PCC's around the country.  Most likely they kept the basic PCC and just changed paint jobs. I'm sure if I really looked at an MTH PSE&G PCC I'd spot differences from the genuine article but quite honestly I wouldn't care.

That's a nice find on the 0636!  I'm sure you'll find an orphan tender out there somewhere to go with it!  

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 3:32 PM

A trip into a sandblast cabniet, and some good filler primer will get you there on those passenger cars Elie.

Slow on The North Bluff. We had our first fire in the fireplace last night. By order of the cat. Laugh We also had a handfull of the white stuff yesterday. Getting closer to train weather here day by day.

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 520 posts
Posted by Leverettrailfan on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 4:21 PM

Wayne- There's a zillion different variations in PCCs- I doubt MTH or Lionel would have an easy time making money producing them all. The options are limited to buying an expensive limited run shell from a small manufacturer, or kitbashing. Or if your pockets are really deep, buy a museum quality unpowered model from St. Petersburg Tram Collection for something like 650 bucks a pop.
I've seen a picture of a pretty good looking boston PCC kitbash that used a Corgi Pittsburgh PCC as a starting point.

As far as the 0636, I would eventually like to find an appropriate tender for it, but it can share my 0635's tender in the meantime. The only significant difference there is between (non-whistle) tenders for HO pacifics, is the trucks. 1959 trucks and 1960-1962 trucks both use metal sprung trucks with steel wheels, but work with slightly different couplers. 1963-1966 trucks are one-piece 'solid frame' castings, with plastic wheels and axles, that are designed to accept the wacky 1963-1966 couplers.

Also I double checked the listing pictures... looks like my 0636 does not have the later design with the shorter worm drive. Looking at pictures on the web, of various models, frankly it looks to me like the only models to have this later direct worm drive were the uncataloged 0637 and the cataloged 0647.

KRM- sand blasting will be a last resort. I would like to avoid damging what I have left- sandblasting might blow through some of the more compromised metal. I'd have to work very very carefully, and even then, who knows. 
My thinking is to use either vinegar or evaporust on the parts first, and then see where I'm at.

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

  • Member since
    July 2020
  • 1,610 posts
Posted by pennytrains on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 6:09 PM

Ellie: try soda blasting.  I hear it's less likely to eat through the metal.

Wayne: try Williams by Bachmann.  They ran a fair amount of paint schemes on PCC's a few years back.  I've been wanting one of the Cleveland Transit cars with the Raymond Leowy paint scheme.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 1,986 posts
Posted by 8ntruck on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 9:26 PM

Another paint removal method that is not as aggressive as sand blasting is dry ice blasting.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 9:53 PM

pennytrains
Wayne: try Williams by Bachmann.  They ran a fair amount of paint schemes on PCC's a few years back.  I've been wanting one of the Cleveland Transit cars with the Raymond Leowy paint scheme.

Really?  I didn't know Williams (by Bachmann) did PCC's.  I know they did Peter Witt streetcars for a while, nine variants actually, and the Cleveland Transit version was one of them.  I'm looking at my 2012 Williams catalog I've kept for reference as we speak.  That Cleveland car was nice!  But no Public Service cars although the gray and white Philadelphia car's pretty close.

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 6:57 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Breezy and chilly along the Potomac Highlands. In other words, snugglin' weather has arrived.

Safe travels to all the YORKies this weekend. Wish I could be there to see some friends. Trainworld had a podcast with Rich and Andy from MTH, whom will have a small display in the Orange hall.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 11:48 AM

fifedog
Safe travels to all the YORKies this weekend.

Amen to that, and best of luck on the hunt!  

I'll make it up there sometime, I'm not in a rush. Not really looking for anything either.  Usually the stuff finds ME anyway! 

  • Member since
    March 2022
  • 114 posts
Posted by TheWaysideRailroader on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 12:17 PM

It's a little chilly here in Georgia, so I'm just staying inside for now. (Mid 40's with cold wind blowing)

Nothing new to report here train wise, just staying warm.

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 1:17 PM

Sandblasting is only as dangerous as the opperator.  Laugh

Your thought of using evaporust is a great choice to try. I have used it on the inside of a fuel tank on a 1964 moped and it worked wonders.

Fall weather, bright sun, cool and leaves falling like rain.

I was at Menards and I sure like the Cripple Creek water tower and I have just the spot for it on the layout. I need to show it to wifey and tell her to tell Santa. Smile, Wink & Grin

Display Main Product Image 1

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    March 2022
  • 114 posts
Posted by TheWaysideRailroader on Thursday, October 20, 2022 10:07 PM

Evening,

Not much to report here, just watching videos on YouTube of Eric's Trains as well as videos of the Illinois Central Gulf....

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Friday, October 21, 2022 7:46 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Crisp and clear along the Allegheny front range. Some shopping, some gathering, some traveling today. Still a bit ginger with the feet, but driving is fine.

Spent last night working on the milk car, and just couldn't get it to fire. Gonna have to find someone with the "know how" for this one. Also worked on my American Flyer handcar, cleaning about 50 years of carbon. Made me wonder how Sturgeon Phish is doing these days. Still amassing my orange and black consists for this week.

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 520 posts
Posted by Leverettrailfan on Friday, October 21, 2022 3:15 PM

Had a consultation today for some medical stuff.. it went well. On the way back, decided to stop by a hobby shop- the owner always rubs me the wrong way, but it's hard to find anywhere else in the area to go. I ended up finding a couple new cars for the collection- a battle worn Marx '36000' gondola in discolored blue, and a partially repainted Lionel 0860-200 Pennsylvania derrick car. The latter was a bit pricey for a repaint, but I decided it was worth it since the derrick looks to be complete and intact. It still has the diecast brakewheel too!


The outdated Greenburg Guide considers it rare, but the book is full of errors (I'm still looking for the more recent edition books, but haven't found one in my price range yet). Regardless, if you look past the poorly obscurred lettering, the car is in fantastic condition. Perhaps if I find another car with good paint, but a missing or broken derrick, I can swap the best parts over to make a "good" car.

Fife, I have to start planning my Black & Orange consists too... the time fast approaches. My prewar Orange & Terracotta consist may well steal the show from anything else I own, though!

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Friday, October 21, 2022 4:14 PM

Leverettrailfan
On the way back, decided to stop by a hobby shop- the owner always rubs me the wrong way, but it's hard to find anywhere else in the area to go.

Yeah, there was a place I used to go where the owner was a bit "eccentric," but not in an irritating way, just a little annoying, and I did get some good deals from time to time.  

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 520 posts
Posted by Leverettrailfan on Friday, October 21, 2022 5:38 PM

In my case, I'm being rather delicate with my language. I've heard him say some things that have really taken me aback. If there were any other comperable hobby store to go to, I'd take my business elsewhere. As it is, I just avoid going there most of the time.

20-30 years ago, there were a good number of hobby stores all around my area, including a pretty substantial one that was only about half an hour away, and an authorized Lionel dealer. By the time I was old enough for trains, those days were long gone, it seems. I remember as a kid, asking my dad many times if we could visit a train store... and I stood patiently as he looked through our yellowbook, and called up each of the stores listed. Every single one of them was gone.

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

  • Member since
    June 2013
  • 632 posts
Posted by smokey1 on Friday, October 21, 2022 6:13 PM

I wish there was one close to me. I think the closest to me would be Trainz and thats 4+ hours away. 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Saturday, October 22, 2022 7:19 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny & 30 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Youngest Princess is home for her 22nd birthday weekend. 

Apparently, it was gremlin night in the train room, last night. The track cleaning I performed the prior evening created wheel slips aplenty. The tender on my AF 303 popped a truck side frame. A Prewar tender had an axle failure. A portion of hidden trackage has developed a slight sag, but fortunately it's in a spot I can easily access. My ever reliable Williams steamer threw a traction tire. Mainline developed a power drop at a bridge. Add that with the temporary inability to self-medicate (BeerDrinks), and my train room took on the atmosphere of a dungeon.

At least there's Cake to eat.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, October 22, 2022 9:10 AM

fifedog
Apparently, it was gremlin night in the train room, last night.

Well, the one thing we love about out train rooms is it's our own little world where we have total control and everything makes sense.

Except for those times when it doesn't!   Crying Angry Bang Head

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, October 22, 2022 9:15 AM

Leverettrailfan
I remember as a kid, asking my dad many times if we could visit a train store... and I stood patiently as he looked through our yellowbook, and called up each of the stores listed. Every single one of them was gone.

Yes, unfortunately time keeps marching on. Frequently the shops disappear when the owner wants to retire and no-one wants to take over the business.  It happened to two very good train shops here in the Richmond area that were here when we arrived in 1987.  Luckily we've still got one that's doing well and not going anywhere.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, October 22, 2022 9:19 AM

fifedog
My ever reliable Williams steamer threw a traction tire.

Man, I detest traction tires!  If they go bad and the engine doesn't miss them I just leave 'em off.  Of course in my case I've got a small 4x8 with no grades to worry about and I can't put super-long consists behind the engine anyway.

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Monday, October 24, 2022 8:19 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny and 43 in the Potomac Highlands. We took youngest princess back to college, but not before having an excellent meal at Olive Garden (Hagerstown). Came home and watched the Homestead race. Today is a "big" day in Fifedom, because FifeMax turns 11. Lots of frisbee throwin', ear scratchin', and a little Cake after dinner.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,962 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Monday, October 24, 2022 12:28 PM

Happy Birthday FifeMax

from our 11 year old  Nina

It seems like yesterday that he joined your family.

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,037 posts
Posted by fifedog on Monday, October 24, 2022 1:40 PM

"Thanks, Northwoods."

"Thanks, Nina."

  • Member since
    March 2022
  • 114 posts
Posted by TheWaysideRailroader on Monday, October 24, 2022 11:13 PM

Well, I received two Diverging Clear Productions dvds from eBay.

the Illinois Central Gulf (Showing ICG from 1985-1988 before it was spun off and reverted to the Illinois Central name)

and Illinois Central: Back in Black (showing the "Death Star" era of the IC)

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 9:35 AM

Been trying to get on this forum for 10 days now - it's either FORBIDDEN 403 or SITE IS OFF LINE

I don't get it - - - 

Well, hello, there - 

4 boxes made it to the attic and 2 more may make it by days end - More to log into the spreadsheet and then away it goes.  I brought down the Polar Express Remote Set to send to FLA USA with the Princess, her future husband plays with it all the time, anyways, lol

Saturday we attended the season ending car club bonfire was a success and good fellowship among all.

Yankees are done so it's on to Devils Hockey

Rained Saturday night into this morning - up to 68F later

We watched Clerks II (Jenni is not happy with the movie) and Better off Dead (her favorite)

Not much else - hopefully, this will post.

Back later!!!

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 12:28 PM

anjdevil2
Been trying to get on this forum for 10 days now - it's either FORBIDDEN 403 or SITE IS OFF LINE

Yeah, there was flaky "stuff" going on on the "Trains" magazine Forum last week with various topics showing exactly what you mentioned, although I didn't see any of that here.  Who knows what's going on?  Some log-in failures too with some people.

It's Halloween season though.  Suppose something's haunting Kalmbach's IT department?  Devil

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month