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Can anyone identify this old 2-rail power truck with 7-pole motor? Obtained from a deceased acquaintance and I have no info on it. It runs well and I am looking for a way to use it in something. The wheels have inside bearings; the side-frames just hang outside on the ends of the axles.

2012-3229-O-gauge-power-truck

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I don't think it is either Ives or Marx.  

 

It looks like a self-contained 2-rail truck.  the sideframe castings look like bronze.   I don't think either Ives or Marx ever did 2 rail.   It is an AC or DC  motor?

 

I have never seen what Adams and Sons put in their diesels, but that might be a possibility.   The sideframes are definitely a representation of the EMD Bloomberg truck.    Adams and sons made kits for a number of EMD locos I think.

 

It does not appear to be ALL Nation or General Models.   I have seen a lot of their mechanisms and never saw one like this.  

 

Just some thoughts.

It has what appears to be a wound field, so its an AC/DC motor that can run on either current. A rectifier would be needed for reversing.

 

It likely dates from the late 1930's to early 1940s. Adams and Son is a possibility or it could also be an early Lobaugh power truck, with that type of axle geared drive.

 

Good observations by prrjim and Ed Bommer, Thank You very much for the input. Yes, it can run on AC or DC. It's 2-rail O-gauge, certainly not Ives or Marx.

 

The truck sideframes are an add-on, so MAYBE the mechanism is prewar ... but postwar seems more likely ... ?

 

Wentz FT circa 1947 ???  I can't find any info on that so far.

 

Here are a couple more pics, with the sideframes removed. 

 

2012-1664-unknown-power-truck

2012-1662-unknown-power-truck

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Last edited by Ace
Originally Posted by Ace:

Wentz FT circa 1947 ???  I can't find any info on that so far.

 

Wentzco was the vendor. The EMD "FT" diesel was the engine being modeled. They were a brass or bronze kit way back when. If you search for Wentzco, you might pop up some info. I have seen them discussed various times and places.

 

Simon

Originally Posted by bob2:

Don't get too excited - even doorstop collectors turn noses up on these things.

It's not a doorstop, it's a functioning motor with a possibly interesting history. It appears to have been a high-quality item in its day, with a 7-pole motor and fully enclosed gear train. The axle-boxes can rotate slightly relative to the motor to give equalized suspension, as compared to a rigid frame.  

 

I plan to install it in another vintage item, so I will have a fully operational relic.  

 

From my research so far, it doesn't appear to be an Adams & Son item. Their FT's had some oddball chain-drive trucks, as pictured below.

 

WCCo-AdamsDrive04

Adams & Son FT power trucks

Adams FT power truck chain drive

 

I posted another mystery motor in a 3-rail thread and had very helpful and interesting input:   https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/4245430052273116

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  • Adams FT power truck chain drive
Last edited by Ace
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