PSC SP T-31 (2-rail)

You just missed a T-31 on ebay last week. Ed

Hi Ed,

I think the PSC SP T-31 you are referring too was up for auction on 'ebay' late last week and was 'withdrawn' by the owner during the bidding phase. Apparently he decided to keep it when he learned it was 1:48 not 1:50 scale or so he said. He also claimed the original PSC tender which came with the engine was incorrect and replaced it with a Sunset tender of obviously lesser quality.

I believe the Sunset replacement tender was both inferior and poorly detailed compared to the original PSC version, even though he maintained the PSC tender was supposedly 'incorrect'.

Anyway, I'm still in the hunt for a T-31 and will continue my search until I find one.

I bought my PSC SP T-28 in 1986.  As originally imported it was famous or infamous for the wheel gauge being a little narrow for O gauge (but easily corrected).  This also made it a desirable steam loco for conversion to P48 gauge.  If you are looking for a small loco to use on sharp curves, a 2-6-0 or 2-8-0 would be a better choice.  The four wheel lead truck and long driver wheel base on this loco has a hard time with 48" radii.

Charlie

I always forget which is which, but the T-28 and T-31 are among my absolute favorites.  I have three, all with the larger 79" drivers, and all in 17/64 scale.

I had a PSC here for some light maintenance, and I was less than impressed.  If you want a mantel piece, then this one is for you.  Try not to handle it very much, and do not expect it to run.

I have found that models with narrow fire boxes are best powered through the tender.  Putting a motor in the boiler destroys the essence of the model.

All, of course, opinion.

Here is one.  The prototype is about 35 miles from here.

Here is the first one - has a Swiss heart pump motor in the firebox.  Boiler taper is difficult to do - this one took three attempts.

I think this one is a T-32, and the previous one is a T-31.