STEAMday Sunday (11/10/2024 edition)

Thanks for the steam up Arnold! Here is my MTH PS1 Mallet 2-8-8-2 PRR 373 with a cut of tankers.

Good morning, Steam Crazies!  Arnold, did I ever thank you for inventing a topic just for me (LOL)?

Today I’m featuring the first ever steam lash up on the Steam Crazy Lines.  Lionel B&M Mogul no. 1455 is paired with MTH 0-8-0 no. 613.  As you’ll see, they put on a virtuoso performance!

OK, at least one of you has to be asking, “how does he get a Lionel and MTH engine to run smoothly together under conventional control”?  The answer is the Mogul is now a dummy with smoke and lights!  It was one of the first modern engines I bought about 2005; I wore out the motor by running it so much.  A new motor isn’t available, so I had my repairman pull the motor and hook up the lights and sound.  It’s a lot better than having the Mogul on a shelf and it gives me a whole new, fun way to operate steam!

John

Photos show my MTH Premier model (20-3237-2 with scale wheels) of Central Pacific #60, Jupiter, delivered in 2006. Central Pacific #60 met pilot-to-pilot with Union Pacific #119 at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory on May 10, 1869 for the pounding of the Golden Spike to mark the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. MTH also made a comparable model (20-3238-1) of Union Pacific #119.

Central Pacific #60 and Union Pacific #119 were scrapped in the early 1900s.

Beginning in 1975, based on photographs and engineering data from the 1870s, O’Connor Engineering Laboratories of Costa Mesa, California began to design and build replicas of CP #60 and UP #119 as they were on May 10, 1869. The resulting locomotives are said to be dimensionally accurate to within one-quarter inch of the originals and were present at the 110^th anniversary celebration of the Golden Spike on May 10, 1979.

I haven’t determined how accurately the MTH models represent the replicas or the original locomotives, but it seems that the tender is larger than it should be to allow room for the PS2 electronics.

The MTH model of #60 came with a plastic insert atop the tender to represent the wood fuel that it burned. I replaced it with real wood “logs.”

MELGAR

Happy SteamerSunday!

This week PRR #94, 0-4-0 A5 switcher (K-line) is pulling a ore car drag.

My ore car collection has expanded/ doubled this week since RMT's new cars have finally hit the train store shelves.
I received 2 L&NE from Pat's Trains, and 2 LIRR from Trainworld. One of the LIRR cars needs to be exchanged, it has a broken side frame where the axle sits.
Also shown are 2 Menards PRR cars, and 1 MTH LIRR.

Bob

Happy Steamday Sunday, posting this for Veterans Day weekend, PW Lionel K4 pulling U.S. Army Troop train God Speed to all are Veterans!

@Steam Crazy posted:

Good morning, Steam Crazies!  Arnold, did I ever thank you for inventing a topic just for me (LOL)?

Today I’m featuring the first ever steam lash up on the Steam Crazy Lines.  Lionel B&M Mogul no. 1455 is paired with MTH 0-8-0 no. 613.  As you’ll see, they put on a virtuoso performance!

OK, at least one of you has to be asking, “how does he get a Lionel and MTH engine to run smoothly together under conventional control”?  The answer is the Mogul is now a dummy with smoke and lights!  It was one of the first modern engines I bought about 2005; I wore out the motor by running it so much.  A new motor isn’t available, so I had my repairman pull the motor and hook up the lights and sound.  It’s a lot better than having the Mogul on a shelf and it gives me a whole new, fun way to operate steam!

John

@Steam Crazy,

John,

That is a very clever idea.

I also have Lionel's B&M #1455. It's one of my most prized models so I don't run it often, partly due to the parts situation that you mention. I may have posted it just once on Switcher Saturday but, of course, it isn't a true switcher so I usually post it on other threads, such as Steamday.

The model (SKU: 6-38019) has a Pittman motor so I'm surprised that it wore out. How much did you run it? Forum member @harmonyards may be able to replace it for you and get it running again. Are you sure the problem wasn't electronics rather than the motor?

I want to buy a newer model of a B&M Mogul so I've been waiting for Lionel to rerun it. The most recent Legacy version had some issues that were the subject of much discussion on the Forum a few years ago, so I didn't buy one. That probably wasn't a wise decision on my part.

Here's a photo of mine...

MELGAR

Thanks Arnold for keeping the boiler steamed up and getting us rolling today!    Here are some archival photos of steam on the Freee State Junction Railway.  Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!  

@MELGAR posted:

Photos show my MTH Premier model (20-3237-2 with scale wheels) of Central Pacific #60, Jupiter, delivered in 2006. Central Pacific #60 met pilot-to-pilot with Union Pacific #119 at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory on May 10, 1869 for the pounding of the Golden Spike to mark the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. MTH also made a comparable model (20-3238-1) of Union Pacific #119.

Central Pacific #60 and Union Pacific #119 were scrapped in the early 1900s.

Beginning in 1975, based on photographs and engineering data from the 1870s, O’Connor Engineering Laboratories of Costa Mesa, California began to design and build replicas of CP #60 and UP #119 as they were on May 10, 1869. The resulting locomotives are said to be dimensionally accurate to within one-quarter inch of the originals and were present at the 110^th anniversary celebration of the Golden Spike on May 10, 1979.

I haven’t determined how accurately the MTH models represent the replicas or the original locomotives, but it seems that the tender is larger than it should be to allow room for the PS2 electronics.

The MTH model of #60 came with a plastic insert atop the tender to represent the wood fuel that it burned. I replaced it with real wood “logs.”

MELGAR

That’s a sweet looking engine Mel, do you have a video of it?

Gene

MELGAR, thank you for your advice!  In answer to your question “how much did you run it?”, all I can say is A LOT, because I had no way of measuring it.  My collection was much smaller when I bought it, so it got more run time.

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t an electronic problem.  The  Mogul locked up and wouldn’t move.  Prior to that, I had to give it a push to get it going.  My repairman, a MTH tech with lots of experience (he did PS3 conversions on Atlas and K-line steamers for me), thinks worm and gear wear is the culprit, even though I always kept it lubed.  The motor isn’t available on the Lionel website.

I’m sure Pat @harmonyards could, help, but I’m content to run the Mogul as is for now.  The engine served me well, I don’t regret running it as much as I did.  As the saying goes, “it doesn't owe me anything”.

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

Good morning, Steam Crazies!  Arnold, did I ever thank you for inventing a topic just for me (LOL)?

Today I’m featuring the first ever steam lash up on the Steam Crazy Lines.  Lionel B&M Mogul no. 1455 is paired with MTH 0-8-0 no. 613.  As you’ll see, they put on a virtuoso performance!

OK, at least one of you has to be asking, “how does he get a Lionel and MTH engine to run smoothly together under conventional control”?  The answer is the Mogul is now a dummy with smoke and lights!  It was one of the first modern engines I bought about 2005; I wore out the motor by running it so much.  A new motor isn’t available, so I had my repairman pull the motor and hook up the lights and sound.  It’s a lot better than having the Mogul on a shelf and it gives me a whole new, fun way to operate steam!

John

That is a cool idea John and it also smokes👍. I like you put the Mogul as the lead engine, who would ever know.

Gene

Thanks, Gene.  Full disclosure: the Mogul has to be the lead engine because it has a scale coupler on the pilot!

John

@Genemed posted:

That’s a sweet looking engine Mel, do you have a video of it?

Gene

Gene,

Sorry - no video. Never been run...

The more I look at it, the more I think that both the engine and tender are oversized compared to true scale.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Gene,

Sorry - no video. Never been run...

Thank you anyway Mel.

The more I look at it, the more I think that both the engine and tender are oversized compared to true scale.

I’m too inexperienced to see the difference, but a knowledgeable modeler like you would know.

MELGAR

A double-headed express for today.

Lionel Legacy K4s with mostly GGD and Atlas cars with a couple Weaver and MTH.  No smoke due to lack of ventilation.

An MTH, Imperial, USRA, PRR B-6 switch engine bringing some coal hoppers into the yard.

MELGAR, I agree Jupiter's tender looks too big.  Re the size of the locomotive, how about comparing to one of your scale steamers?  If Jupiter is scale, it would look pretty diminutive.

John

Here's my U.P. Challenger smoking it up!

Last night, a local TV station showed the 1974 movie Murder on the Orient Express that is based on a work of fiction by English writer Agatha Christie published in 1934. The story takes place on the Orient Express as it travels between Istanbul and London and becomes snowbound in Yugoslavia, where a murder occurs onboard and a detective (a passenger) investigates the crime.

My wife and I watched and attempted to follow the complicated plot and finally understood it at the end. We really enjoyed the movie.

The picture is not primarily about railroading but there are excellent views of the train and its European (French?) steam locomotive as they make their way through the snowy and remote countryside - and the scenes of the elegant interior of the passenger car where most of the story takes place would fascinate any railroad enthusiast.

Just thought I would mention it...

MELGAR

my favorite steamer.  Only "runs" when the TV is on

- walt

Well steam fans here is one a little unusual for you.  The Hornby 101 0-4-0 tank engine in the livery's of several UK railroads was available post war from 1947-1954 and the very similar No 1 tank engine was available from 1924 to 1941 so this outer shell was in the Hornby line for a considerable period, making it quite common.  It also happens that this shell almost perfectly matches the Marx 0-4-0 motor and drive mechanism that powered almost all of the Marx steam engines from the 1930's to the 1970's.  Hence if you wanted an electric Hornby tank engine, you found a shell and inserted the Marx motor and drive. I am told this was quite common in England in fact I was once told that a number of Hornby enthusiasts used to send a representative to York to buy up Marx engines (very cheap) and bring them back to the UK for re-powering Hornby tank engines.  I have no idea if this is true but it makes sense.  I have 3 re- powered 101 tank engines all run remarkably well (Marx always does) and their price (for a running locomotive) was very cheap (under $10 each)

So here is the Hornby No 101 Tank engine, formerly clockwork (you can see the opening for the key) and now electric, powered by Marx.  This one is in the LMS livery although it does not have the RR logo on it.

Here she is at the head end of a short string of Hornby LMS passenger cars.

Here she is at the head end of a "double header" as we had a number of those on the post today.  The second loco is also a re-powered Hornby No 101 tank.

Best Wishes, Don

NOT SURE ABOUT BOXCAR SUNDAY .......but I saw this going on in the layout for  "  STEAMday Sunday  "   (  it seemed apropriate)  when we came home from Mass today.

Have a great day today and God Speed all. 

Love the look of this Lionel Boston & Albany #618 Hudson made in the late 1980s:

It’s a no frills conventional runner but I like its puffs of smoke and it’s speed works well for passenger service as it pulls traditional sized Lionel NY Central Madison Heavyweights:

Lionel 618 Hudson wearing a tuxedo! classy steam  power!

@Genemed posted:

Perhaps I can help. Here are the Jupiter and the Union Pacific 119.

@pennsyfan posted:

Perhaps I can help. Here are the Jupiter and the Union Pacific 119.

Very nice Bob, thank you for taking the time sharing this.

Gene

@Dallas Joseph posted:

NOT SURE ABOUT BOXCAR SUNDAY .......but I saw this going on in the layout for  "  STEAMday Sunday  "   (  it seemed apropriate)  when we came home from Mass today.

Have a great day today and God Speed all. 

Great looking steamer Dallas, smokes great!! God Speed!

Here’s me having fun on Halloween dropping candy bars with a Lionel Lines 2-4-2.  Meanwhile on the floor of “Andy’s Room”, the Prairie Pioneer 4-4-0 travels in the opposite direction.  I love the steam sounds

@Sitka posted:

Great looking steamer Dallas, smokes great!! God Speed!

Thank you Mark.

It's an RK ps3 Challenger and like my other MTH locos it will put out a good amount of smoke.

One of the best topics on the OGR Forum, lots of beautiful steam power from all over the USA and foreign countries as well… and the scenery is the stage for these performers… Happy Railroading Everyone

@Steam Crazy posted:

MELGAR, I agree Jupiter's tender looks too big.  Re the size of the locomotive, how about comparing to one of your scale steamers?  If Jupiter is scale, it would look pretty diminutive.

John

I found a scale drawing of Central Pacific Railroad #60 – Jupiter – in “Iron Horses to Promontory” by Gerald M. Best (Golden West Books 1969) and compared dimensions on the drawing to those on my MTH Premier model. The O gauge model scales up (1:48) to be considerably larger than the prototype. Original drawings of the locomotive no longer exist. Those in the book were established from photographs.

General:

Length (Overall) – drawing = 49’6” – model = 66'6”

Engine:

Length – drawing = 34’ – model = 40’

Height (Cab Roof) – drawing = 11’6” – model = 13’3”

Height (Stack) – drawing = 14’8” – model = 18’

Diameter (Driving Wheels) – drawing = 60” – model = 66”

Wheelbase (Rigid) – drawing = 7’6” – model = 8’6”

Wheelbase (Overall) – drawing = 21’6” – model = 24’

Tender:

Length (Over Sills) – drawing = 17’9” – model = 25’

Height – drawing = 8’ – model = 11’

MELGAR

MELGAR, nice analysis of the dimensions of the model vs the prototype.  “Our eyes didn’t lie”.  It occurred to me we’re used to models being scaled down in this hobby, but not scaled up.

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

MELGAR, nice analysis of the dimensions of the model vs the prototype.  “Our eyes didn’t lie”.  It occurred to me we’re used to models being scaled down in this hobby, but not scaled up.

John

Lionel made scale-sized brass-hybrid models of American 4-4-0s in 2019. CP Jupiter was unpainted (1931670) and a length of 13.5 inches (54 feet full scale) is quoted on their website.

Two notable K-Line O gauge models that I believe were oversized are Lackawanna Coal and Lumber Scale Shay (K3438-0002CC) and  PRR A5 Steam Switcher (K3180-0913S).

MELGAR

MELGAR, I believe Williams BL2s are oversize, too.  They look rather hefty compared to my scale GP7s.  On the other hand, I think MTH RS3s are slightly undersized - compared to the GP7s, my MTH RS1 and my new Williams RS3 - even though they are advertised as scale.  None of this detracts from my enjoyment of these models!

John