I'm looking at several re-powering options for an early 1980's Sunset PRR G5s. A 2 rail Weaver G5 mech is one of the possibilities. At this point the two dimensions I need are the driver diameters and wheelbase (center of #1 driver to center of driver #3. I've been generally pleased with the running and build quality of several Williams/Weaver Samhongsa O Scale 2-rail steam locomotives I've owned. The Weaver PRR G5 boiler and mech is elongated for the pilot truck to clear the cylinders on 3 rail curves. However, if the running gear dimensions are reasonably close to protype I'd consider modifying a 2 rail chassis to mate with a scale length boiler. Assistance appreciated.
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Not sure I can help, but I have a lone Saginaw G5, and happy to measure that. I agree - the Williams and Weaver locomotives I have experienced have been good runners, especially with an extra power lead between tender and locomotive.
Ed The drivers are 68'' From the cab to cylinders Driver one to driver two 8' driver two to driver three 6' 8'' driver three to cylinder centre 8' 8'' lead truck wheel base 6' 8'' 33'' wheels cTr.......( Choose the Right )
Thanks for the responses guys. I must apologize for not being clear - I have a full set of PRR G5 data - what I don’t have is the data on the Weaver chassis to determine if it could be a reasonable starting point for a re-powering project. Bob - if you have time I’d appreciate having the Saginaw chassis dimensions while I hunt for the Weaver data. Finding a Weaver G5 to cannibalize for the chassis may be more likely than a Saginaw - but I’m open to options.
Way more likely - I have had one eye open for the Saginaw main frame for several years, and offered to trade an H10 frame for it. On the other hand, I can make one when I feel like it.
Ed
I've got one in storage. I'll dig it out tomorrow and get the measurements you need if no one beats me to it.
Without taking off the rods I couldn't get the calipers in. I did measure (my best guess) for 68" over the tires on the drivers and 6 1/2' 1st to 2nd drivers and 8' to 3rd. Hope this helps.
Thanks Scotie - just the info I want. I’ll be on the lookout for a 2 rail Weaver G5. Meanwhile I’ll be researching a possible plan B: retaining the Sunset chassis while replacing the gearbox with a NWSL 0.6 and a higher torque Canon motor.
What I haven’t mentioned is that I have a beautiful scratch built G5 boiler by my late friend Frank Miller. To my eye the Sunset G5 boiler doesn’t capture the look of the prototype as it has a straight vs. tapered boiler top. G5’s are a special favorite as growing up in Ronkonkoma on the LIRR they were the first steam locomotives I got to see -including being invited into a cab by the local hostler.🙂
When complete I’ll number my G5 for PRR 5741. That locomotive is on display at The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and for a brief time was leased to the LIRR. It was the only PRR G5 to ever trail a Kiesel “K4” style tender. My plan is to equip the model with both a standard PRR 70P82 tender and a LIRR 110P82a tender. That might catch some eyes in the model display room at a PRRT&HS meet.
I lived a couple of houses from the Patchogue station during steam. Diesels were just coming in. I remember taking a trip and being disappointed we didn't have a C-Liner.
If we could only go back.
Sunset did great work, but left off boiler tapers on truly significant and otherwise superb models. I noticed straight boilers on SP Mike, Deck, and 4-10-2. A straight boiler on a K4, G5, or E6 is a blasphemy. Of course, so is any U-shaped boiler. These are unforgiveable sins.