WESTSIDE Pennsy J1 Upgrade

Beautiful workmanship and attention to detail - thanks for sharing.   I was little surprised by the choice of a Westside PRR J1 as the starting point for an ultra-super detailing project as it has undersized drivers and a less than scale length tender.  The  equally smooth running Sunset PRR J1, while less detailed than the Westside/KTM  model, IMO has better "bones" as its major dimensions are closer to prototype than the earlier Westside model.

Many O scale Pennsy fans have been been frustrated by the approximately 2 scale feet too short KTM PRR long distance tenders (welded and riveted) that MG, USH, and Westside imported over the years for their I1sa, M1a, Q2, and J1 models.  Legendary SPF Ted Stepek was so disappointed with his new Westside J1 tender that he sawed it in half aft of the coal bunker and "welded" in sections of sheet brass to get the correct size and proportions of coal to water space.  Fortunately Key, Overland, and Sunset PRR long distance tenders behind similar prototypes are the correct length - in part due to better access to PRR drawings found in the PRRT&HS archive.

Super detail work and very smooth!  I'm curious, is that still the OEM Westside gearbox?  What's the gear ratio on this beastie?

I got seasick and had to turn it off.  Someday I shall have the Sunset version.  Thanks Ed for the heads-up.  I had heard that Sunset is the only one to do an accurate boiler!

Wow! Over 700 detailed parts added. Simply incredible. Harry you are an outstanding craftsmen in model trains. I would be very proud to own any of your upgrades and painted models.

Harry

Nice work and amazing detail

Steve

The reason that Dave and I chose to display this model was to inspire other modelers and fan the flames of craftsmanship which seem to be dying out in this wonderful hobby. There were many many other details both working and non working which could have been included but compromises were made in the interest of time, money and operation. I honestly expected questions like "How did you machine the bolt circle on the smokebox front", or "What did you do to represent the adjustable stay bolts?" or "How did you augment the driver counter weights and compensate the side rods and keepers". Dave and I consulted with the truly credible and knowledgeable Pennsy Experts. ie George Kushner and Jim Williams who was behind the well detailed Key engine. George pointed out the tender .380" and driver 1.42"  vs 1.37" discrepancies which for several reasons we chose to ignore (bang not worth the buck) was the main one. Doesn't anyone want to know how I designed the eccentric hinge mechanisms for the tender hatches or dog house door? How did I design the antenna to make the dog house removable? How did I get it to run fully flanged thru #5 1/2 switches and 60" radius? How did I lag those pipes? How did you set the color tints and reflectivity? Ah c'mon rivet counters and nit pickers, there is a lot more red meat here but I'm not giving any more help or hints.   On the other hand, truly earnest and forth right modelers can email me directly at any time.

Ted, the gear ratio is 24.5 to 1, I believe. Stock KTM gear box.  We had a chance for a 25 to 1 SOFUE coupled with a 150 OZ-INCH FAULHABER but the gear box deal fell through.

Harry

Captain John,

Thanks for your support as always.  You are a gentleman and scholar.

Harry

Thanks for your support Steve!

Harry

bob2 posted:

I got seasick and had to turn it off.

Ain't that the truth! Pitifully out of focus video! I really wanted to watch that one.

Thank you for your diligence and devotion. There is much more to our hobby than rivet counting.

I wish that I had your skills.   Great job!!!!!

what exactly was wrong with the Key Imports J1 drive mechanism?

Well I loved the video, and it inspires me to get my J1 out and do some more work on it. Thanks for the boost!! Just beautiful work and I love the paint work.     cTr...( Choose the Right )

Stephen Bloy,

This is what it is all about~each of us doing our part to inspire and share in positive ways. I am so glad to hear you will be working on your J1. I do not get on the forum much as I am usually in my shop working away, but will try to keep an eye out for any posts about your J1.  Best of luck and have fun!!

I had started with the smoke box modification, as the model follows the C&O configuration, I then moved to building a new tender, and then it ended up in the cupboard as I become distracted on another project. I cant tell you how impressed I am with your build, these projects are so time hungry, its closer to art than anything else.     cTr...( Choose the Right )