1. Looking at the Blair line kits and comparing them to some of the proto-pix on this site got me thinking...so many of the proto depots differed only in Baggage/Freight room size, what would be involved in lengthing the Blair line kits? Would there be enough interest to approach Blair Lines with the suggestion? Or does everybody but me scratch build their depots? 2. Looking at the Baldwin pix. and considering the number of units which were re-powered, Has anyone come up with an easy way to model the BLW/EMD superstructure? Is there a way that is as easy as the RS-2 (P2K GP-18 hood on P2K (or KATO) rs-2 chassis)? 3. Has anyone got a source for those little metal leaf springs for caboose trucks? Didn't Walthers make those? (back when we pushed our toy trains around on the floor because electricity hadn't been discovered yet...some of remember, I'm sure!) Good Night, Glenn in Tulsa
I'd suggest the best way in HO to model the "Bettendorf" caboose trucks with the double leaf springs is the Tichy #3051 truck. Ken
I am pretty sure I have one of those metal leaf spring trucks complete if you want it. Its only 1 truck so not much good to me anyway, but would have to do some digging. I also managed to get 3 pr of the Eastern car works plastic Bettendorf leaf spring caboose trucks # 9051. I would be willing to part with a pair of those too, if it would help. I just finished putting the last coat of dullcoat on the SLSF 1102 and used the Tahoe Model Works part # TMW 204 Bettendorf caboose truck. Very happy with the looks and results of those trucks, excellent molding and very free rolling. If that is the truck your looking for. " Hard work will set you free" Tom Grand Junction
Glenn, I enjoy scratcbuilding structures, but kitbashing is preferable when I can do it! That said, which kit are you considering? I'd think your idea of lengthening the kit on your own with appropriate wood siding (say, from Northeastern Scale Lumber) would be doable. If you're looking at the Grandview Depot, I'd think lengthening the hip roof would be trickier but certainly not impossible. If you give it a whirl...be sure to include photos or details here (or send them to Richard Napper for publication in a future edition of "The Meteor!"). Best Regards,
Glenn, I am with Ken on the Tichy 3051 truck sideframes. If you add in Intermountain 33" wheelsets, you have a combination that can't be beat. Ship IT on the Frisco! Rick
Yea the trucks I am using are the "swing motion" leaf spring Bettendorf cab trucks and a little different from what you guys are talking about.. But I did find that truck with the little metal/copper/brass/bronz spring clips that fit into the side frames. It might be what your looking for. No name on the metal truck, maybe Central valley or the like. Anyway would be glad to send it to ya if you want it. Cheers Tom
Thanks for the help and insight on the caboose trucks. I have a couple pair of the Tichy trucks on the way. Glenn in Tulsa
