Conversion of Sunset 3rd Rail Diesels to P:48

I love it!

P:48 wheelsets for the start and for phase II the P:48 replacement bolsters to make the trucks the proper width.

OF COURSE dependent on the P:48 community's support.    And I'll support by purchasing wheelsets.

Now the rest of the community needs to step up with those 40-2 orders. 

Rob,

When I first approached Scott about all of this he mentioned narrowed bolsters.  Depending on what people want we may do it.  In my mind, this would require standardization of the the bolster design.  In other words, a two axle truck has one design for all models and a three axle another.  This may not even be possible with the various trucks being produced.  Keep in mind, when I say standard design I don't mean the bolster for 3r & 2r would be the same width as the narrowed P:48 bolster.  I'm saying everything about the P:48 would be the same except the width.

Jay

Jay, I agree with Rob.  This move by you and Scott is VERY beneficial to the O scale community at large as it makes trying out P:48 easier than ever.  I'll definitely take a set of these P:48 axles for my E8, and eventually for Scott's upcoming PA's, E6's and F3's!!

Thank you for coming up with this approach and working directly with Scott. 

...gregg

Gregg,

I'm building a set with 36" wheels for your E Unit tonight.

Jay

Jay C posted:

Rob,

When I first approached Scott about all of this he mentioned narrowed bolsters.  Depending on what people want we may do it.  In my mind, this would require standardization of the the bolster design.  In other words, a two axle truck has one design for all models and a three axle another.  This may not even be possible with the various trucks being produced.  Keep in mind, when I say standard design I don't mean the bolster for 3r & 2r would be the same width as the narrowed P:48 bolster.  I'm saying everything about the P:48 would be the same except the width.

Jay

Jay I have to admit when I first saw your post and decided to reply, the bolster statement was an afterthought.   I know little about Sunset's designs but I was pretty certain that while the wheelsets may be somewhat standard that drives and bolsters have evolved over the years and may not be.   Thus your caveat to "accept" just the wheelset.   

Just the fact that this is getting "traction" is a great thing.   I have zero basis to speak as to how well of a seller these would be.

As for me, after years of trying to assemble a viable PRR steam roster I'm running out of time and patience in finding even close to accurate models for my (lines east) branch to start with.   I might just have to move into the the diesel era and start with F3's and FA's (of which I sure wish Scott would do).  Easily available P:48 would make this a done deal. 

Anyway, I don't suspect that my wants are going to be what moves the project.   It's the modern era boys (and girls) that are going to be the ones that want this the most.

Rob,

Thank you for the input.  I believe Scott is bringing in an F-3.  Is he doing a PRR?  I don't know.  I'll check the website.

I'm a transition era modeler so late steam and early diesel.  Looks to me like Scott is doing more early rather than late.  The latest is the SD-40-2 and it may not happen if they don't get enough reservations.

Jay

Lookin' good!  For the record, what's the gear ratio on these?  They don't LOOK like 1:1 axle boxes... is it a CLW-like arrangement with a drop-down gear tower and ~10:1 in the box?

They are defiantly not 1:1 but I'm really not sure what they are.  They come directly from the factory so whatever they were when they left the assembly line is what they'll remain.  Next time I turn one upside down I'll rotate the input shaft to see what the reduction is on the axle.  Between the motor and the output shaft going to the trucks will probably remain a mystery for a while because we don't have to take the shell off or disassemble any of the rest of the loco.

Jay