The last Tenshodo imported by PFM and 800 more conifer trees!
Tenshodo UP 4-6-6-4 challenger imported by PFM in 1999.
This was the last Tenshodo engine imported by PFM.
Last century PFM always had the back of the MR magazine to show their latest release.
They did this for decades and I always drooled wanting those engines!
This engine has many features:
FACTORY PAINTED - LIGHTS - COAL BURNER/OIL BURNER - BLACK/2 tone grey & SILVER - TWO MOTORS - WOODEN BOX - FULLY SPRUNG TENDER - EQUALIZED TPE LOCO - ONLY ONE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS MADE #3975-3983 - 50TH ANNIVERSARY TMS MODELS.
Very few were done, and there were many variations. There were 41 built, and 33 different variations, so virtually every model is unique in some way.
The model was INSANELY priced but I got this one for about 75% off due to a lot of damage in transit.
This engine came from, I believe, Japan and the box must of got dropped about 50' in transit.
Normally, I wouldn't even think about restoring most engines, even if it was given to me, but this is the exception.
Label. The white label, to me, indicates this particular engine was sold in Japan by Tenshodo.
Tenshodo sent some to PFM and, also, sold to the 'locals'.
Beige box.
Tenshodo wrapping paper.
While in the Marines and in Japan, I made contact with a hobby shop owner and he sent me a lot of Tenshodo engines.
I would get a cashier's check made out in Yen and send it to him and the engines always was wrapped in Tenshodo paper.
All mine is blue; still have it.
Just noticed that there is some 'printing' on the plexiglass.
A very nicely stained wood box with a sliding lid.
Comes with track and presentation display.
The pilot got broken off.
The front smoke box was off but they are just 'snug fit' into the boiler.
Nice wood display.
The bottom of the boiler got bent when the front drivers got 'mashed' into it.
The bright brass is part of the pilot that got 'snapped off'.
Fireman's side.
All good.
The roof that extends past the cab is badly bent.
Haven't decided how I'm 'tackling' this yet!
Engineer's side.
All's good.
'Scissors' draw bar used by Tenshodo.
Tenshodo engines had a 'number' plate on the back of the cab.
I believe this doesn't as, I believe, those that stayed in Japan didn't have them since it said 'PFM' on the plate.
Bottom is good.
Drivers are 'blackened'.
Boiler lagging.
See through smoke stacks.
See through walk boards.
Tender also has some damage.
Fireman's side.
A dent over the 'N'.
The 'rear' has some dents.
Better view of the dent.
Should be able to 'remove' it.
Any suggestions on repairs is always welcomed.
Engineer's side is good.
Unusual in that the tender wheels are sprung.
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Disassembly.
Screws secure the steam pipes to the front 'engine'.
Instead of the usual 2 screws from the back of the cab, there is one screw securing the back 'engine' to the boiler, which has already been removed.
Back engine removed. Dual motors.
Front engine removal.
The front engine is binding so some diagnostics.
Initially, I thought one of the driver axles was 'frozen' in the brass 'bearings'.
Front motor removal.
Back engine works fine.
Here's the TPE suspension system. A piece of metal connects two of the drivers.
The front driver is TPE'd to the front trucks.
Brass was bent.
Some pliers fixed it. No need to solder as it "ain't going anywhere"!
Found that the side 'piston driver' side rods were binding in the 'piston' chests.
Had to remove the valve gear assembly.
plus the piston chests.
The front of the frame got bent at the narrow part of the frame.
Pliers to straighten it and a straight edge to insure it is parallel to the rest of the frame.
Fortunately, the frame was not deformed.
Reassembled.
Front trucks added.
All better.
Tender disassembly.
Option to make it a coal or oil burner.
Back of the tender brass sheeting is bent.
I plan on painting the engine a 2-tone grey as some of these engines (this picture is one of them) came in 2-tone grey.
I have a Tenshodo 'elephant ear'.
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800 conifer trees.
When I was building this layout back in the 80's I used 'golden rod' to 'populate' my mountains as it was cheap (like free) and since I had a family of 5 on one income I didn't have extra $$ to be buying trees. 43 years later, I have the $$ and building a 'basement size' layout isn't cheap (one of the reasons I 'hand laid' all my track and 100 #10 turnouts)!
Some of them arrived.
There are 40 in a box ranging from about 2.5" to 5.5". Good for background trees on the mountains.
Couldn't 'live' without this!
Before:
AFTER:
The 'front' trees are 15-18" tall that I made several years ago.
This tree has pine needles.
Furnace filter type.
Also, made 100-150' deciduous trees several years ago.
Several years ago I installed about 600 trees along all my 'rock cliffs'.
Right of the steps is about 30' long of rocks.
To the left of the steps are more 'rocks' that have been populated with trees.
Logging area.
I move one of the Digitrax 'receivers' back about 4' hoping for better 'reception' from the wireless throttles.
Used a PRR GG-1 to turn a passenger train 'around'.
More trees.
BEFORE:
I've already planted some new conifers.
AFTER:
Before:
AFTER:
8 boxes used up quickly and I didn't have enough trees to finish up this area!
Rest of the trees will arrive in 3-5 weeks.
Put some at Glacier.
