"My two fixed-up Big Boys now run and look acceptable. I should mention the electical pick-up could have been designed better. The tender has no electrical contacts. All power from one rail connects only with two wheels under the cab. The other rail connects with eight drive wheels. The engine can stall if the two wheels are on a dead spot on the track."
Garry,
My old Rossi Big Boy picks up power from the RH rail with the front engine and lead truck, and from the LH with the rear engine and trailing truck. Two drivers on each engine are equipped with the plunger type pickups. That's a bizarre pickup arrangement. Is that as manufactured?
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Hello Nelson,
What you just described would make much more sense to me. But that's how mine are. I really don't know all the adventures these units experienced between being built at factory and when I acquired them. They were in very rough shape.
They are both number 4005 if that's a clue. I suppose I could modify them with pickups as you described. I have drawings similar to the SP cab forward, and I should be able to work from them. Thanks.
Garry
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU