Looking for info on Williams Brass RF-16 A+B set

The Williams brass sharks are scale size, but have some shortcomings with regard to details.  The windshields are too vertical vs. the slope on the prototype and the top of the hood is nearly horizontal vs. sloping down away from the windshields as on the prototype.  Williams used Blomberg trucks (like those found on F3's) on the sharks, but the trucks should have been AAR-style as found on Lionel, MTH and Weaver shark models.

Given the shortcomings and the fact that making a TMCC/Legacy antenna for a Diesel with a brass body would be complicated, I would recommend looking for a Weaver model instead.  It will still be inexpensive, the details are MUCH better and the plastic body shell will make TMCC installation much easier.

Thanks Bob,

Do you happen to have a set of these? I'm curious to how many pieces make up the car body. I'm not afraid of getting the Dremel out and doing some surgery if it's possible. I'm guessing the nose and windshield need to be moved a 1/8 to3/16 of an inch.

The trucks if the wheelbase is the same as Lionel or MTH, I could get the side frames and mount them on the Williams trucks.

For the TMCC antenna I was thinking I could isolate the shell from the chassis and use it for the antenna, not a good idea ?

Doug

@trnluvr posted:

Thanks Bob,

Do you happen to have a set of these? I'm curious to how many pieces make up the car body. I'm not afraid of getting the Dremel out and doing some surgery if it's possible. I'm guessing the nose and windshield need to be moved a 1/8 to3/16 of an inch.

The trucks if the wheelbase is the same as Lionel or MTH, I could get the side frames and mount them on the Williams trucks.

For the TMCC antenna I was thinking I could isolate the shell from the chassis and use it for the antenna, not a good idea ?

Doug

Unfortunately, the lionel side frames are scale length and are a bit too long for the truck block being used. Your best bet is a williams plastic RF16 truck sides.

I've even considered mounting the brass bodies on modern frames. You don't necessarily need an A - the brass versions have a nice, un-swinging pilot - which is appealing.

But, all that is just spitballing - I have never even measured any of this. And, the proportions of the nose, etc., as mentioned above, are not truly sharky. I just like the looks of brass diesels and fixed pilots - it's not a switcher, necessarily.

And - are you sure that yours are actually "bad runners", per your needs? They may go down the track better than you fear. Flywheels are preferable, but not necessary.

Modern Williams scale Alco FA's have a fair version of the AAR side frames you need, and I think that they are a bit under-scale-length. But, I've never measured.

prrhorseshoecurve, Thanks. I figured it couldn't be that easy.

D500, I don't have a set of them yet to test. I've been on that auction site and they're running from $140-$165 range. Road name don't matter as I'm going to strip'em and paint'em in NYC Cigar Band theme. Also I have a TMCC package and Cruise M to use hence these engines.

Thanks, Doug

@D500 posted:

I've even considered mounting the brass bodies on modern frames. You don't necessarily need an A - the brass versions have a nice, un-swinging pilot - which is appealing.

I did just as you wished for my A-B-B set. You will have to notch out the frame for the rear end ladders and fyi, the holes in the frame don't match up to the ones on the brass body.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I did just as you wished for my A-B-B set. You will have to notch out the frame for the rear end ladders and fyi, the holes in the frame don't match up to the ones on the brass body.

Wow. Too, too sharp-looking. Got that brass "thin-look". The fixed pilot looks so much better.  After all, we accept most 3RO steamers with non-functional front couplers.

I also wish that I hadn't seen this - I don't need another project. Gosh, no.