MTH AS-616

Nice loco; I have this in an early version (horn only, I think) and in UP colors - which I don't care for, actually. Your Bessemer scheme is pretty sharp. I ought to sell the UP and get a later version, like yours.

I have always felt that the AS616 (and similar later Baldwins) are just about as good-looking as a diesel-electric hood diesel can be. Better-looking than the Alco RS/RSD's and just as good-looking as a high-nose EMD SD7/9/24.

Call it a "cheese box" if you will - it's handsome. 

Love Baldwins. Their diesels are either extreme or cheese boxes- go figure. I gotta tell you, the weathering on those submarines is beautiful (also the hopper). The layout is fantastic also. Not sure I want to go back in my train room!

Rich

Rich,

Thank you!

I think the Baldwins and Alcos have the best sounds.  The longer I am in this hobby, the more I like the ugly ones.

Dave

Nice engine Dave.  I do not have any Baldwin's on my rosters, but I do have a few Alco's.  Love that unique sound they have too.

If MTH ever makes a Reading Baldwin AS616 I would be in.

Awesome Dave and i like the sounds of those old alco's even when in notch 8 sound great.

D500 posted:

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I have always felt that the AS616 (and similar later Baldwins) are just about as good-looking as a diesel-electric hood diesel can be. Better-looking than the Alco RS/RSD's and just as good-looking as a high-nose EMD SD7/9/24.

Call it a "cheese box" if you will - it's handsome. 

No frills, nothing fancy, except rounded corners on the "cheesebox." Plain, heavy duty hauler. I have three of 'em, in Pennsy.

Wish I could replace the blind wheelsets though

Rex,

I was wondering how to replace the blind wheels too.  They are terrible!

Dave

David Minarik posted:

Rex,

I was wondering how to replace the blind wheels too.  They are terrible!

Dave

 

The blind wheelsets allow operation on short curves. I suspect replacing them might require O-72 or greater; that  is my curve minimum.

I dimly recall a thread on the subject. Perhaps someone remembers and can post it.

If  the truck block can be disassembled, I'd think that something could be procured from MTH (maybe with gears that can be broken off). If the wheels are pressed onto the axles, fixing them is beyond my meager skills.

David Minarik posted:

Rex,

I was wondering how to replace the blind wheels too.  They are terrible!

Dave

 

I totally agree with you. The Lionel PA's with blind wheel trucks look horrendous.

This is an old MTH truck design.  If I feel motivated, I will press some pizza wheel on and let everybody know the outcome.

Rex,

I have some generous sized curves.  I should be OK.

Thanks,

Dave

MTH uses a heavy press- fit.  You will need to support the back of the wheel when pressing on the axle.  I use a large drill press, but an arbor press would be better.  Putting the new wheels on will be easier, but still, use a press of some type to avoid wheel wobble.

I agree on the Baldwin, but am always a little shocked at how short the AS-616 is.  I have used the Baldwin trucks under an F-M, and think it looks great!

I think Northwest Short Line had replacement wheel sets for the "floater" on the old-style trucks for a 2-rail application, but I'm pretty sure they could cut you some with hi-rail flanges. As stated above, you need a good press to push the new wheels onto the axles.

AGHRMatt posted:

I think Northwest Short Line had replacement wheel sets for the "floater" on the old-style trucks for a 2-rail application, but I'm pretty sure they could cut you some with hi-rail flanges. As stated above, you need a good press to push the new wheels onto the axles.

A good press, and the skills to use it. Aye, there's the rub.