Hadn't posted to this Forum category before. Even though I still have my HO 'stuff'...stored...my realm has been O3R for several years now. Just finished up installing LED's in 8 such passenger cars...a humbling experience to encounter at this stage of life. I needed a diversion...
So, we had acquired an eclectic collection of trains from a local friend. Among the various items was an HOn3 rail truck...
...but it didn't look anything like this...yet.
When we first saw the item it became a 'Whatzit?'. Also, as received it had been given an o/a paint job of flat black. . The 4 wheels are brass, had been spared the paint, but they were well oxidized. Solder remnants on the front bumper/beam indicated that there had once been something more attached to the front of the truck. The cab/chassis is die cast metal. The rear box compartment is of wood...with some pieces missing as received.
The model showed a gear drive/motor to the rear axle. I had a short section of HO dual gauge track. The little beastie didn't run...of course. I had set it aside on the workbench for that so-called rainy day. After the O3R 8-car LED conversion...it was, indeed, a 'rainy day'...tears of relief. Time for that diversion...
A glass of wine to steady the nerves, an Optivisor to help the aging eyes, and a heavy dose of pity for the poor little beastie...I began. I found an old cast HO pilot...cowcatcher, if you must...in the accumulation of HO parts that seemed to reflect how these homemade rail cars/trucks may have looked. (A few old photos in the meager home library helped some.) I was able to replicate the missing pieces of wood to rebuild the rear box. Added a rear step, a surgically-altered worker (Jethro) stuffed into the cab through the windows. Repainted to add color and highlight the various details worthy of such. (More wine, please!). Sheesh!...and all of this for a 'whatzit?' a mere 2-7/8" long!!! (No wonder I had wandered over to the O3R realm!!!
)
Now for the ugly. Brass oxidized wheels, only 1 axle of electrical pickup, bare wire feeder on the backside of the power wheel. If this beastie is to run, it all...track included...must be squeaky-shiny clean in the electrical path. And so I tried. LaBelle 108 (a drop!) on the bearings, 102 on the gear drive, Bright Boy track scrubber, and...
Amazing! And quieter than many an O3R lokey!
But, even with all the cleaning, it sometimes needs 'encouragement' (pinky-poke) to shift out of neutral and move!
Anyhow, it lives! Successfully diverted, I am! And all 2.875" of it ready for a home!
So, does anyone recognize any brand associated with this beastie? IOW, is there a manufacturer's pedigree associated with its general 1:87 nature?? Or was it some clever dude's creation? It took care of my psychoses, but I hope to find it a better home.
More pics...
Thanks for taking the time to read/look.
KD
