Williams Shark questions

Williams by Bachmann sells 4 different Power Upgrade Kits to convert dummy units to powered units. Each kit comprises two power trucks and a reverse unit. A kit can be wired to start in reverse if it is installed in a trailing A unit. I think that there are no changes to the chassis, and that truck sideframes are used again on the new power trucks.

A few years ago, OGR published a review of one of these kits when one was installed in a dummy A unit (PA-1, maybe) to pull a long passenger train. It worked like a charm.

Lee:

Since you indicated you're looking for freight power, you'll want to limit your choices to the RF-16 and FA-1 as the B&O's E units were dedicated to passenger service.

I have an FA-1 pair in Erie Lackawanna livery. The FA is quite powerful and capable of pulling a heavy train. I imagine the RF-16 offers comparable performance. A few comments regarding minor detailing discrepancies on the models are as follows: On the Shark, the angle of the windshield rising from the nose is a bit too sharp. Also, on both the RF-16 and FA, the Type B trucks are somewhat compressed. Neither of these shortcomings in appearance jump out at most folks but I thought I'd mention them anyway.

One last note: B&O didn't roster the FA-1 but did purchase the very similar FA-2. This information may not be important in your selection process but I thought I should point it out to you.

Good luck in your selection process.

Bob    

A few comments regarding minor detailing discrepancies on the models are as follows: On the Shark, the angle of the windshield rising from the nose is a bit too sharp. Also, on both the RF-16 and FA, the Type B trucks are somewhat compressed. Neither of these shortcomings in appearance jump out at most folks but I thought I'd mention them anyway.

 

One last note: B&O didn't roster the FA-1 but did purchase the very similar FA-2. This information may not be important in your selection process but I thought I should point it out to you.

 

Good luck in your selection process.

 

Bob    

also note on the Williams, the type B truck has incorrect friction bearing detail instead of the correct Roller bearing detail for that truck. For the $$ if you are looking for B&O FA- get the Latest Weaver FA-2 with scale proportions, details and Railsounds.

The Williams diesels all use the same motor and the same gear ratio. The FA and the Sharks use identical drive systems and the E has six wheel trucks.

Williams makes powering units that can be installed in dummies with only a screwdriver - and a lot of screws.

The pulling power is very good and performance at all speeds can be obtained if you have a good power supply, especially one with 100 speed steps.  We use TPC's by Lionel on the club layout and the Williams diesels run great there.

I like to run 4 motors, so that none of them are working too hard. Can motors will pull until they burn out, without giving much warning, except for getting hot.

The Sharks are from old molds that are very sturdy, but have some accuracy issues.

The FA and the E locos are from the newer batch of designes, are generally closer to scale fidelity, have lots of added grab irons and such, but are maybe just a little too fragile for a kid. I have sets of all three and thay are all great in their own way.

ERR installation is easily accomplished in any of these locos and will really turn them into first class runners.

Old molds?  I thought they were brass?  

Thank you for the information Gents.

I hope to acquire a shark set. And then a FA2 set.

And then focus on the new layout work afterwards. One pass, two freights should be plenty for it.

Williams made brass Sharks a while ago, maybe 10-15 years. Current production Sharks have plastic bodies.

Time flies.  The Williams brass Sharks came out in 1984, 28 years ago! 

The Williams Sharks and others need to have the non-powered truck replaced by the powered truck because they have no gears on the un-powered units wheels, and no spacing for a motor and gears to fit inside, just a solid casting.

With the power up-grade kit you get the powered truck assembly and circuit boards and wheelsets with gears and motors, and center rail rollers, but NO couplers. Have to swap the couplers over and any steps or brake sections if so equipped.

WBB does not make brass engines. Only Williams did a while back.

Lee F.