Ho traction who does it ?

[Jetrock]

You can get trolley wire from customtraxx.com, I have used it and it does the job. Alpine Division sells overhead fittings, including frogs for switches, hangers for trolley or pantograph, crossing hardware, etcetera, although I have bought them from George of Customtraxx at train shows.

[trolleyboy]

We've probably gone over this once or twice but besiddes the pole issue who makes the best scale trolleywire should one want to juice it up? Also overhead frogs for switches ? Scratch bbuild only or are there any commersial parts? TB

[trolleyboy]

MisterBeasley: I have used and have both the Bowser and the Bachman PCC's. the Bachman's do sit higher than the prototype from what I understand is this is due to an older motor design which they no longer use but they have not reworked the shell tooling. If you want to lower the chasis Bowser makes a replacement drive(s) to retrofit the Bachman PCC's and the Bachman Brill's.Alot of people don't like using the Bowser matal bodies and prefer the Bachman shells,myself I like the Bowser shell better as it's an older style PCC but the repower option is available direct from Bowser or customtraxx. I tend to use non-powered overhead and will likely use dummy wire as I too run conventional diesel on my pike(or will once it's retracked). I'm not a DCC user and will likely use conventional DC for the forseeable future so I'm not really versed on the advantages and disadvantages of DCC with overhead wire, I'm sure that there are lots of DCC guys and threads out there which may be able to better answer that question for you sorry.Rob

[MisterBeasley]

Yes, all of the Boston MBTA lines have different equipment. The system is as much of a working transit museum as San Francisco, although nobody planned it that way, and many of its daily riders see it more as "old junk" at times. The MBTA also runs the commuter rail lines, with even more car and engine types. I'm fortunate enough to be only an occasional rider, so I can enjoy every trip. I think the Blue Line is still running with pantographs (and the same cars from 30 years ago) because there would be no safe way to use a third rail once it becomes a true surface line with grade crossings and ground-level platforms.

[BR60103]

The Boston Blue line out to the airport runs as a third rail line in the downtown tunnel and under the river, the switches to overhead pantograph for the rest of the run. (At least it did when I was there 30 years ago!) The line used very short cars because the downtown loop was built for streetcars. Whn I rode it, a motorman noticed my copy of Trains and invited me to ride in the cab and I got around the loop and saw how they switched the power.
Boston then had 4 lines downtown, and each had different equipment because of varying clearances.

[Jetrock]

I am still debating about powered overhead--my intent is to set my layout when both diesels and electrics operated, which means that I won't be able to give up two-rail operation (unlike the PE, the SN didn't put trolley poles on their diesels to activate signals.)

The other downside to overhead wire is that access to the track is limited--for someone like me who prefers to uncouple and throw switches by hand, I'll have extra obstacles. I'm trying to plan in a manner to limit these problems, like using poles with solid arms to allow better access to the track from off the layout, and strategically adding magnetic uncouplers, but I'm sure I will eventually slice myself open on the trolley wire at some point.

Switching power-supply methods wasn't uncommon--the SN ran using third-rail power on its north end and trolley wire or catenary on the south end, and motors were often equipped with third-rail shoes for the North End, pantographs for the South End, and a trolley pole for operating on the SN's ferry, and many could be switched to run on 600, 1200 or 1500 volts depending on the part of the line they were running on...

[MisterBeasley]

So far, all I have to go by is pictures on the Web. To my eyes, the Bachmann PCC seemed to sit very high above the trucks, as opposed to the lower-mounted Bowser which looked closer to prototype. Does anyone who has handled both of them have a more informed opinion?

How many people are using rail power vs. running from the overhead wire? How many use the wire for "decoration" but don't run power through it? For DC control, the wire option would give independent control for overhead vs. rail-powered engines, but with DCC that advantage quickly evaporates.

It's been a while since I rode those trains, but I seem to remember the train crew lowering the boom on a Boston inbound train as it transitioned from a surface to subway train, and I believe they run on rail power once underground.

[trolleyboy]

The Bachman Brill and PCC's are still very avilable and none to expensive as well also look at the repower kits that Bowser and customtraxx put out they are more expensive but I've found that the newer gen of Bowser drives with flywheels run quite smoothly at the lower speeds once they are broken in. if one is scratch biulding and kitbahing bowser does sell the power trucks and motors seperatly so a person could use them in just about anything. trolleyboy[8D][tup][8D]

[Jetrock]

I have an NWSL PDT knocking around--they're okay, although low-speed control isn't that fantastic. One could certainly run leads from the truck (they're accessible) to a second truck to add two-truck power, or just add a second PDT. One could theoretically add a flywheel to them, but it would be tricky to conceal.

Actually the power truck in the Bachmann Brill trolley is not bad at all--it isn't as low-profile as the SPUD but the truck wheelbase/wheel diameter is very well suited to trolley modelers, and it includes power pickup via the second truck. Slow-speed control is surprisingly good.

[MisterBeasley]

My trains have been in boxes for 30 years. The newspapers I wrapped them in have Vietnam war stories in them. Right now, I'm exploring all my options for the subway cars. At the top of the list right now is a Bowser PCC. With the right decal set and some help from the artistic ladies in the family, I think I could come up with a passable MBTA car or two. Right now, I've got to concentrate on the benchwork and get away from this silly computer!

[Paul Milenkovic]

On the subject of traction models, does anyone here have recommendations for power units when scratchbuilding/kitbashing? Any experience with the Tenshodo, NWSL, or Black Beatle power trucks?

The NWSL power trucks have good specs in terms of top speed and small size and they come in a whole variety of wheel sizes and wheel bases. One concern is power pickup -- is there anyway to add power pickup from a second truck when using one of those things?

[trolleyboy]

Mrbeasley: The seashore museum is a very good one , our museum here in ontario has had lots of dealings with them in the past, we've swapped cars spare parts expertise etc. You will find that the traction museums are a close nit bunch no matter what country or continant they are contained in! If you are doing the subway line in HO are you scratching the trains or are you going with the Proto cars? Trolleyboy

[MisterBeasley]

Full-scale trolley fans might want to check out the Seashore Trolley Museum (www.trolleymuseum.org) in Kennebunkport, Maine. They are also responsible for operations at the Lowell National Historic site in Lowell, MA. The Lowell area is an interesting "piece of history" exploration of the Industrial Revolution, and has working trolleys. (The one I rode was from the St. Charles line in New Orleans, as I recall.)

The Boston subway system (the MBTA, formerly the MTA of "Charlie" fame) is a combination of commuter rail, subway and Light Rail trains in a hub-and-spoke configuration. The Light Rail is elevated, surface and subway, so it's an interesting subject. I'm planning to build a subway loop, with a couple of stations visible only from the layout sides

[trolleyboy]

Jetrock: It's not that suprising that you hadn't heard if them before they are a little known Prairie company along with Juneco not sure if Juneco has a web sight but they also make an interesting bunch of steam and early diesel details mostly cn/cp but their stuff is white metal and a little easier to work with. Thanks for the bru***ip I've been looking at some small baby bottle nipple brushes from Gerber and Safety First which other than needing to be died (they are snow white) they appear to be close to the size that I need(the old horseshoes and handgrenades rule)[:D] That mutant piece of eqipment sounds fun I hope you do build it any thought about using a small German nor z scale coreless motor to power the truck you may be able to power both an almost real traction motor type effect any way good luck talk to you soon and happy new year. Trolleyboy

[Jetrock]

You might try hacking up a bottle brush for the sweepers themselves--just find one of the correct diameter and slice out chunks with a diagonal cutter.

I'm considering MoW equipment myself: the SN didn't use powered MoW equipment but had quite a few assorted cars. The PG&E Sacramento trolley line had two MoW cars. One was a fairly common sort of flatbed, with a control cabin and pole at either end, which I have seen modeled in brass. The other was a bizarre homebrewed beast, basically a 30' wooden flatcar with a single pole supported by a rickety-looking metal frame in the middle, with a variety of equipment (including a rail grinder, air compressor, line-car tower for trolley wire work, and assorted toolboxes) bolted onto the body--a real hodgepodge. I plan on building it someday but it would be almost impossible to power unless I can find an HO power truck that fits entirely in the space of an arch-bar truck. Still, it'd be a real eye-catcher even if it was unpowered!

The PG&E and SN didn't use sweepers--it doesn't snow in the Sacramento Valley.

Never heard of Miniatures by Eric before--the website looks intriguing, heck, I may be sending them some money before long myself!

[trolleyboy]

here's an update on what I've been mulling over and working on. [%-)] My two pet projects for the new year are as follow's I'm building a double ended snowsweeper and either a snowplow or a line car. any of these will be a basic box with trolley details and I've already sorced or picked up most od the detail parts I will need.Minatures bby Eric has a smile on his face I'm sure[8D] Since I know that the double ended sweeper is a lock as one of the car projects I'm wondering if anyone knows of any sweep broom detail parts that may be available save me spending $500 on a brass brill sweeper a couple LHS have them in stock( old trade ins which barely work) besides I'd rather have the russell type sweepers one of which resides at our museum which makes my scratchbuilding job a bit easier,also if no comersial parts are out there I'm at a loss as to what to use for these very important detail pieces. any in all thoughts are welcome thanks in advance trolleyboy [swg] [8D]

[trolleyboy]

Supermicha: Yes is the short answer to your question. Most of the larger street railways in Canada and probably the US as well had steeple cabs box motors etc for the extra $ 's derived from freight traffic. Indeed the CP electric lines from my local ran freight only electric's for close to 5 years after they closed down their passenger service. There are many examples of freight only electric operations in both countries as well, so power up your juice jack's and have fun! trolleyboy[:D] [:D]

[Anonymous]

trolleyboy, I do appreciate your comment that nothing I try to sratchbuild or kitbash could be truly hideous, but you haven't seen some of my disasters!! lol. Of course that is the fun of the hobby. I will get it right someday!

[Supermicha]

I´m not sure, does traction also include electric locomotives??? Thats my favourite collection theme...

[Anonymous]

If you will just go to Trolleyville on the web, and to EPTC as well, you will find that HO traction is ANYTHING but dead. In fact it is growing. If you will keep up with the news in TRAINS magazine, you will find that prototype traction is enjoying a remarkable expansion as well.
Don Lewis
Lamedeer Light Railway[:)]

[trolleyboy]

nothing you try to kitbash or recreate can be truly hideous. our first Peter whitt attempt was a little off but not unlike Dr Frankenstein we keep trying. [xx)] i've also put together some box motors and some work flats which were a bit unusual but if they get to out of hand they tend to get remanufactured ie give up their best bits for something else I figure that I keep minitures by eric and bowser in business by buying their trolly detail parts. Traction modelling is the stuff of crativity and scratch building so have fun keep creating and hopefully some of the big manufacturers will come by and come up with some real light street rail gems. Rob

[Anonymous]

I think traction is a fascinating part of the railroading world. I remember riding PCC cars while I was a college student in Philadelphia in the mid 1980's - way cool. Although I don't have a traction layout, I am planning a short trolley line in the urban section as well as some interurban action (MP54's and electric MU's that will be bashed from Athearn RDC's). Also currently working on a subway station.

If any of this comes to fruition I'll post results - unless they are just too hideous! lol

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SP4449

[2c] This is slightly off topic but jbarney mentioned the death of Mr Orr. Unless Richard (***) Orr died in the last week, he is still alive but not as active as he would like to be. Several small strokes this year have robbed him of most of his speech ability. And, he celebrated a birthday on Dec 18. [bday] I have known *** since 1974 and have great respect for the man and the product even though I am not a trolley modeler. [bow]

Just thought you might like to know.

Many, many thanks for the correction. In my memory, I think his bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome got crossed with Mr. Carl Hehl's unfortunate demise. Totally my error, for which I apologize.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[SP4449]

[2c] This is slightly off topic but jbarney mentioned the death of Mr Orr. Unless Richard (***) Orr died in the last week, he is still alive but not as active as he would like to be. Several small strokes this year have robbed him of most of his speech ability. And, he celebrated a birthday on Dec 18. [bday] I have known *** since 1974 and have great respect for the man and the product even though I am not a trolley modeler. [bow]

Just thought you might like to know.

[trolleyboy]

thank you for everyone's Orr line input I have gone a head and spent my xmas loot [;)] to order some rail the tool and a couple of switches for a trial run on the layout.Actually even though the bench works been done for a couple of years this will be the first laid track [swg] and since the wife is a huge traction fan expanding this track work ergo budget will be simple and won't require me having to sleep in tha basement with the cat!! [}:] If anyone wants some CP diesels I may be getting rid of themsince it seems the trolly's are winning out! Rob]

[Jetrock]

Orr track is interesting stuff--you need a special bending tool to work with it. George Huckaby of www.customtraxx.com has a nice tutorial on how to use Orr girder rail at www.trolleyville.com in the library section.

The only problem with the European catenary/pole kits is that they aren't really anything like American-pattern trolley poles--simple trolley wire (wire simply hung from poles without a catenary to keep it straight) was used in cities or any place where slow speeds were the rule, and it isn't all that hard to hang. The Euro catenary I have seen also always looks way too thick.

[Anonymous]

If your interested in it Tony Koester often talks about it.

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy

Has anyone used or knows about the Orr product line. I would love to have proper girder rail and such but I've had no luck tracking the product down up here in the great white north, any of the Canadian members do you know where this product could be found I'm still lery about ordering stuff onlineas I have had bad luck in the past. Rob

Rob,
Custom Traxx took over the Orr line when Mr. Orr died. There's a nice description of Mr. Orr and his work at Trolleyville:
http://www.trolleyville.com
I haven't ordered from them, but if you use a credit card, that offers a degree of protection when ordering from anyone. Custom Traxx's URL is:
http://www.customtraxx.com
Hope this helps.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[trolleyboy]

Has anyone used or knows about the Orr product line. I would love to have proper girder rail and such but I've had no luck tracking the product down up here in the great white north, any of the Canadian members do you know where this product could be found I'm still lery about ordering stuff onlineas I have had bad luck in the past. Rob