Great Northern S-1 4-8-4

[Anonymous]

Where can I verify what road #'s were used from Tenshodo when they manufactured the GN S-1 in the "crown" issue? And what year?

[jrbernier]

Many of the 'Crowns' have the serial number on the bottom of the frame....

Jim

[jimrice4449]

I think you mean the GN road #. If so the S-1 (Belpaire firebox and 75" drivers) were numbered in the 2550-2574 series. The S-1 was the GN northern in the regular "economy" series of PFM imports.

[GN-Rick]

There were only 6 prototype GN S-1s produced. Road numbers 2550-2555.
2552 was the only one equipped with a vestibule cab. Tenshodo/PFM's
model is of an open cab version. As mentioned, they are in the "Production"
series of PFM models-not Crowns or "Limited Production"-except for the "LP"
1974 run. There was also the '79 run with working power reverse. According to
"The Brown Book" over 4200 of these were imported in many runs over
the years. I know of no particular reference showing road number correlation
to production runs or years. My best guess would be any of the series of
old PFM catalogs. I couldn't say where to find them. Perhaps someone else
would have that information. The prototype had 73-inch drivers-not 75. Of course,
the "Brown Book" is not the absolute bible as far as Crown ID is concerned.
I personally own 2 GN P-2 class 4-8-2s that the BB lists as 'Limited Production'
but the boxes state 'Crowns'. Also one of my R-2s is the same.
Hope this helps.

[De Luxe]

I have 2 questions concerning the Tenshodo Great Northern S-1:

1. I heard that this model can run very well through 22 inch radius curves. But has anyone of you S-1-owners ever tried to run it through something below 22 inches? I have 20 inch radius curves so I wonder if this engine can probably still run well through it or if those 2 inches already make such a difference that this engine slows down and binds or derails in a 20 inch curve...

2. Since I would like to install DCC with sound in case I purchase the model, what kind of can motor is recommendable as a replacement for the original open frame motor?

[emdmike]

I think you will be ok on 20" radius, I remember running mine thru some 18" radius stuff slowly, didnt like it but made it.  I prefer the Cannon EN/CN22 series motors, there is someone on ebay selling them for a good price, single shaft and was the common can motor in brass once the can motor era started.  After than I like the swiss Escap and Maxon series motors that can be had for a good price at that same place.    Mike

[De Luxe]

Sounds promising! If it didn´t bind or derail in a 18 inch curve, it surely shouldn´t in a 20 inch curve as well. Thanks for the advice about the motor!

[don7]

Hi, I have one of the GN S-1 Tenshodo HO steamers and the enclosed fact sheet indicates the minimum radius is 22" for this engine. All of the drivers are flanged, so I would think that the 22" radius is bare minimum. I have an innere yard ara with a 20" radius main gate and attached yard and this engine and not access the S-1 can not enter the yard area,  The S-2 demands a 24" radius.

[twhite]

De Luxe

Sounds promising! If it didn´t bind or derail in a 18 inch curve, it surely shouldn´t in a 20 inch curve as well. Thanks for the advice about the motor!

 

DeLuxe:

My Tenshodo S-1 has gone through 22" radius on a friends layout with no problem--if run slow and careful.  One thing that might hang it up on a 20" radius is the front truck, which has outside truck bearings similar to the lead truck on a cab-forward locomotive.  It might short out against the cylinders.  But those Tenshodo S-1's are a nice, smooth-running loco as is.  At least mine is, and I bought it used back in the 1980's. 

Tom