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[MadLatvian]

I know the early NYC Hudsons had 6 wheel tender trucks and the late ones had centipede style tenders but when did the switch occur and was it rairoad generated (NYC shops after delivery) or was it manufacturer generated (delivered that way)? I have seen a picture of 5441 and it has the centipede style and also have seen pictures of the mid 5300's and they have 6 wheel trucks. Please help me for modelling purposes. Any info would be appreciated.

[PBenham]

Well, I can recommend to you two books, both are out of print or might be. "Thoroughbreds" by Alvin F. Staufer and Edward L. May, published by Staufer. The other is "Memories of New York Central Steam" by Arnold Haas, published by D. Carleton Railbooks. Staufer's books rotate in and out of print, but are relatively easy to find, as to the Haas book, try EBay and good luck. As for what I know from those and other books, The Centipede tenders were replacement tenders built by NYC, Alco and Lima between 1943 and 1946. All NYC Hudsons were delivered with the six axle tenders. The PT tenders were not only able to carry more coal, but had high speed relief valves to permit taking water from track pans at 79 MPH without damaging the tender. Staufer's other NYC books that also cover this are "Central's Later Power", co-authored with Ed May, as well and the first book he published, "New York Central Steam Power", which is probably the most difficult to find, and the least specific.

[nssr9169]

BIG STEAM[:P]

Alll the hudsons I've seen have the centerpead tenders.