I don't know where else to go to ask this question, so bear with me on this because it's not really a "Frisco question." Back in the 1930s, certain new lightweight cars (SP's DAYLIGHT cars come to mind) were built with trucks that were informally known as "Napoleon Bonaparte" trucks because of the triangular journals, which somewhat resembled the tri-corner hats worn by French soldiers of the Napoleonic era. Question is, what is the actual designation for these trucks and is there a reference available? Thanx! GS
I don't know about a reference or the manufacturer, but I think those trucks were called "41-N." Tom G. Edit: Might be something of interest here: http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,2512739
Pullman Standard 43-R lightweight triple-bolster truck. http://sscale.org/s-scale-resources/s-scale-passenger-trucks/ "...43-R triple bolster truck with its distinctive “Napoleon hat” journal housings furnished on all Pullman-Standard passenger cars delivered in 1938, including the NYC and PRR (notably for the 20th Century Limited and Broadway Limited), the AT&SF, UP, and others. A second version, the SP-43, for the Southern Pacific, has plain journals instead of roller-bearing journals, and two brake cylinders per side instead of one."
43 R is in the prototype CYC no. 6. Page 94 Just as information, you may know anyway. William Jackson
RP Cyc #6 is probably the best reference to lightweight passenger car trucks. But, it is out of print. However, the 43-R is discussed in the Feb 2005 issue of Model Railroader, and in the March 1982 issue of Mainline Modeler. Ken
Greg, if you are interested, their is a lot of Prototype CYC on Ebay right now. I have no idea what they will go for, the last auction went pretty high. Just remember some are still available. Bill Jackson
