As part of the next chapter in 3 rail modeling, converting brass locomotives to 3 rail has been one of the most exciting, & rewarding challenges yet to be faced by a select few of us here on the OGR, …..the challenges present so many levels of thought processes…..can I pull this off?…what kind of budget can I keep?..can I build it bulletproof?…and mostly, will it be an accurate model?….making these locomotives is a very exciting process, with so many highs & lows, it keeps you on your toes, tests your skills sets. & keeps you searching for that right part, at the right time, at the right price,….to keep these projects in check, and not have the preverbal run away train, we look for intact or even pristine 2 rail examples. The resale value of the unwanted ( by us ) 2 rail parts ( chassis, wheel sets, trucks, etc.) really helps keep these fantastic works of art in check and sometimes even below the cost of a new Legacy or PS3 scale locomotive!…brass locomotives are known for their finicky operations, delicate drive mechanisms, and fragile parts, …..we’ve turned that on it’s ear……by incorporating known proven performing 3 rail chassis, high quality motors, robust gear boxes, and good electronics packages, we’re building brass O scale models, with durability, power, & performance not seen in the brass world,…..when I say we, I’m specifically mentioning my good buddies, Pete ( aka Norton @ West Albany Shops ) & Lou ( aka Lou1985 @ Topeka shops ATSF ) …..The boys at West Albany have been instrumental in aiding with designs, theories, parts, fitment, you name it!!….also, these NYC projects would never get off the ground with out the walking encyclopedia of all things NYC, Mario ( Centralfan1976) if I we need to know where a pipe goes, where a fixture mounted, how tall a driver is supposed to be, or even what rivet does what letter land on, Mario has the answers in minutes,….so with all that out of the way, …..I present the QUEEN of the rails, the finest J1 4-6-4 Hudson to ever grace 3 rails ……
West Side Models, KTM made this supreme model of the J1e, …….detail is just jaw dropping, this has to be one of the nicest cab interiors I’ve ever seen,….West Side is known for very high levels of details, …….I began fitting a bulletproof MTH chassis, and drive line……lots of milling and trimming of the chassis to make a good precise fit….the object here, was never to cut on the Westside boiler course…..or remove any parts from the boiler,….so the chassis, & steam chest ( cylinder block ) were extensively modified to fit the West Side boiler,…..a custom flywheel was turned down to clear the cab sides, as well as slight relocation of the motor mount for clearance, again, not trimming or cutting on the West Side boiler, or firebox…..the tender presented the most challenges, there’s simply no room,….I’m really a fan of early Lionel Railsounds, and when cleaned up with better speakers, old RS 2.5 - 4.0 IMO really pounds the ground, and the QUEEN must be heard!!……fitting 2 speakers, and all the board sets was really a challenge, so the coal bunker had to be employed for space, the Cruise Commander fits well in the bunker, and a very nice “ coal pile “ was fashioned with the antenna bottom mounted to it,…..MTH 3 rail tender trucks employed to keep the QUEEN’s supply of fuel & water a step behind…….keeping the details going, I’ve turned my attention to details rarely seen on 3 rail models, …..the flex hoses and couplings that carry water & steam to and from the tender,….Pete gave me the idea of these extension springs to make the connections between the two, each hose will be permanently attached on the locomotive side, & the tender side, ….magnets in the middle connect the two hoses for servicing …..the tether is straight plugged, and lives right where the flexible section of the coal auger would be & of course, a deck plate for the crew, …..after some more detail work, she’ll get painted and numbered 5333,……in conjunction with Phil @ Jr. Junction’s custom Hudson that was the first Hudson into the new Syracuse station, 5333 was the last Hudson to go down Washington St. with the Empire State Express,…..enjoy the pics, and of course I’ll update the thread…..it’ll be a while, as I’ve got to get some other fella’s Hudsons up & going,….😉
Pat 
