The Wonderful 320 Hudson...

@Strummer posted:

I just today picked up an example of this model; what a beauty!

I used to think the K5 was their nicest steamer, but now I'm not so sure...

It's been my understanding that Gilbert stamped the inside of their boilers with a date; I cannot find such a stamp. It has the (2) brass "buttons", which I guess means a 1946 build...(?)

It's such a joy to work on something this basic; a few screws, a 1/4" nut driver and that's all it takes.

It runs very nicely: smooth and quiet, except:

3 of the 4 flanged drivers have loose tires: what is the recommended glue for securing these?

As always, thank you in advance.

Mark in Oregon

I've had  my Hudson my whole life (actually, prenatal), so the K5 was new to me.  They both are beautiful, well crafted (for their day) engines.  The brass buttons say 1946 to me.

Mark, I use a super glue gel to adhere the tires back on to the wheels.  I've used naphtha to clean between the wheel and the tire before the super glue.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Thanks Tom.. that's what I will do. 👍

Mark in Oregon

How about a photo or three Mark?  AM familiar with the several 322's, 325 etc but not a 320.

The 320 is a Hudson without smoke and choo choo. Originals (unmodified) are easy to date. A 1946 will have brass buttons, round head valve gear rivets, New York Central on tender and a thin shank link coupler, no weight. The 1947 has no brass buttons, hex head valve gear rivets, American Flyer Lines on the tender and a thick shank coupler, no weights.

I do like Tom, just use a couple drops of superglue to reinstall the loose tires to the white plastic insulators.

...🙂...

I got this without the tender; that's why it was very inexpensive. Gives me something else (!) to look for...🙂

I went ahead and did the "super glue" thing last night; seems to be holding so far, thanks. 😁

I also changed the brushes and cleaned the commutator; it runs great, although I don't think quite as silently as my 310 or (2) 300s... 🤔 🙂

Mark in Oregon

Its a 1946, the round head valve gear rivets are visible in the first picture.

@AmFlyer posted:

Its a 1946, the round head valve gear rivets are visible in the first picture.

Thanks Tom; guess that makes it 76 years old. 👍 😊

Mark in Oregon

Older than me. Too bad it was separated from its tender.

@Strummer posted:

Thanks Tom; guess that makes it 76 years old. 👍 😊

Mark in Oregon

'olt, not obsolete'

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Thanks fellas. Now the number makes sense to me as I as my first set was the 310 PRR K5 with Pennsylvania on the tender no smoke or choo choo.  Still have it and painted it Brunswick green many years ago. No photo as its packed away. Santa brought it for Christmas in '48 or '49 I think it was.