How to 2-rail a 3-rail Weaver B60b and/or R50b?

Ed Kelly posted:

It probably is easier than I am making it out to be but I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks,

Ed

How about changing out the 3-Rail wheel sets and replacing them with Northwest Short Line wheel sets?

the Weaver B60 should be fine with changing out the wheelsets in the trucks and replacing the couplers.

You can also do that with the very MTH R50b, but it sits a little too high.   I wrote an article in 48/ft explaing how to lower it too.

HW,

Is that all there is to it, besides changing the couplers?  Any idea of the NWSL part number?

Thanks,

Ed

hey, IF you can save the 3 rail couplers, I would like to purchase them from you.

a detailed article to convert the MTH R50b to 2 rail was published in OST. I've done 3 of them.

the story details extending the underbody center beam, converting the trucks by 'flipping' the truck bolster, and some paint touchups.

http://www.oscalemag.com/docs/ost_35.pdf

Ed

To order wheels from NWSL you need four pieces of data: wheel diameter, axle length, axle end style (flush, point, blunt, or shoulder) and tread width.  The B60 and RB50 prototypes rode on 36" wheel sets.  NWSL's  .045 tread is a compromise profile  that works well for guys in our group and looks better than the old .072 tread.  Remove the 3 rail wheels to measure the exles and see what end style they use.  The NWSL on line catalog is informative and easy to use.

Weaver 2 rail B60's trucks use wipers to power LED marker lights on the car ends.  You'll need to  fabricate  pickup  wipers if you want to use the marker light feature.   I removed the wipers on my B60's to reduce drag as they don't run on the rear of any of my passenger or mail and express  trains.

If you have several B60's and want a different look you may want to consider putting a set of  Kiesel "tender" trucks under one like the PRR did.  Here is a photo of a NJCB B60's riding on Lobaugh Kiesel trucks.  I have a spare set if you want to go that route.

Ed Rappe

Chris,  I have that article and an MTH R50b.  It is on the "to do" list.

Ed,  Thanks for the information.  It has been a long while since I ordered wheelsets from NWSL.  The Kiesel trucks certainly do give the car a different look.  I will have to think about it.  Thanks for the offer.

Regards,

Ed