Reading T-1 4-8-4

I am assuming you mean Lionel T-1? # 18006 Electric RR should have something for a sound upgrade. Don't know about upgrading to the wireless tether. 

 

I have the MTH version of the Reading T-1 with PS-2 and like the engine. The only thing I didn't like at first was the extra wide cab and tender swing on curves, as it knocked over a few things on my layout.

 

Lee Fritz

First......

Send it off to Frank Timko for a new can motor and smoke unit and he can also upgrade it to DCS or tmcc

 

Second.....

I have only seen one with wirelesstether and that was done by Bob Kara's a few years ago when he took (I think) a Lionel Mohawk electronics with the wireless tether in the unit.  Otherwise do a search on Reading T-1 here on the forum and see how people have done amazing extensive modifications on these beasts

First......

Send it off to Frank Timko for a new can motor and smoke unit and he can also upgrade it to DCS or tmcc

 

That's what I did with mine although I just sent the engine chassis and frank replaced the AC  motor.I did DCS upgrade.. This is one smooth runner.  I'm not sure whether I'd replace the motor for a TMCC upgrade though, Nice engine.

Reading Steam Guru painted and detailed mine as 2124

 

Frank Timko is the man to ask about upgrades, as 3rdrailMike and Gregg posted. For maximum pulling power, he may be able to add traction tires on the rear drivers. A wireless drawbar would need new electronics. My T-1 had been upgraded with a QSIndustries 3000 sound system, but that requires conventional operation. Go to www.the-scaled-tin-rail.com and click around. Another source is Wayne Renga at www.jandwelectronics.com. He replaced the MTH/QSI sound system in Southern Ps-4 1401 (20-3006-1; 1994) that I had purchased from a Forumite with a newer circuit board and sound chip that are compatible with modern transformers.

 

 

Here is my Ps-4 and the first QSI/MTH reverse unit and sound system. The only programmable feature is chugging volume.

 

Welcome to the Forum. Thank you for devoting your first post to my favorite locomotive.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, too

Greetings Galen

 

This is a video of the Lionel READING T1 modified by Frank Timko.

A DC motor was added along with a new smoke unit and ERR TMCC

 

 

Charlie, thanks for the nice video of the Reading T-1. I am impressed of the pulling power without traction tires. I really like the Reading T-1, watched it on Horshoe curve, and American Freedom Train.

 

 

I would like to get in touch with Frank Timco to see about upgrading Lionel Challenger and older model Lionel K-4. I serched his name on the forum and did not locate.

Can someone provide me Frank's e-mail address?

I watched The Freedom Train round Horseshoe Cuve, too.

 

Frank Timko advertises in OGR as Timko Repair Depot. His email address is FTimko@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for the e-mail address.

Must have been a awesome site to see the Freedom Train on the curve.

WOW...Thanks everyone!  What a great forum!  To answer a few questions above...yes, It is the Lionel T-1 RDG 2100.  I couldn't pass it up!  The video is great!  Looking forward to corresponding more!  Happy New Year to All!

 

Best Regards,

 

Galen

Yes, it was. The train spanned the Curve and both approaches.

I went down to Atlantic City to see the READING T1 and tour the Freedom Train.

Then went down to Winslow Junction to watch her under steam on the way back.

I toured The Freedom Train near Harrisburg - in New Cumberland Army Depot, I think.

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/5512461242985418

I haven't done any electrical upgrades but I've been doing cosmetic upgrades to my Lionel T-1.  I grew up riding behind 2102 on the Blue Mountain & Reading in the late 80s.

I had Frank Timko put in a can motor and grooves in the drivers for traction tires. It then went to Train American Studios where Mike Regan installed TMCC, a new smoke unit and Railsounds. It was worth every penny. It is a great engine.

 

Vic

I also recommend Frank Timko. He has my 1995 Lionel C&O yellow belly being upgraded to a new can motor and dcs. It was one great engine from Lionel but a lousy runner, I now expect it to be smooth as silk. 

I got to see the Reading T-1's at Steamtown in Scranton a few years ago, # 2102 (was being repaired) and 2128(at least I think that is the number, it's out front) the T-1 is a very large steam engine. Climbed up on the T-1 out front, looked into the cab area, have a photo of this somewhere.

 

Lee F.

It's 2124 at Steamtown.

2124 was painted in her freight scheme this year.

I can see that I will have to contact Mr.Frank Timko...  Obviously he is the man to talk to.  Thanks so much for all the replies!

 

Best Regards,

 

Galen

You're welcome. Happy New Year!