Remotor-ing a good friend

[bparrish]

I couldn't stand it any longer. 


I scratch built this trolley box motor about 12 years ago and put a Bachmann 44 ton sub frame under it.    It was from the early version with the twin motor, three pole, mechanism.  It had the problem that if one motor woke up first it would walk the other truck off the rails.  Also it was noisy.

Version 2........... I found a later Bachmann 44 ton loco with a single motor and both end drive.  It worked better but it was SUPER growly ! ! ! !  Just take a guess of what I think of Bachmann now ? ? ? ?

Version 3 is shown below.   I modified a Bowser trolley frame down to fit the shell.

The shell was kit-bashed ....... scratch built from a Labelle baggage car.  Actually I built two of these and gave one to a trolley modeler friend.  He has since died and it was passed along to another trolley modeler here in downtown Idaho.  I think I will now need to modify his also.

I called Rick Steele at Labelle and asked for just the side base panels and a clerestory roof.  He is used to me calling for only parts of his kits.  All the rest....... ends..... are scratch built.  He is terrific and will work with anyone who might call directly.  No I don't work for the company ! ! !  About half of my rolling stock is from Labelle over a period of time that goes back to 1961.


Here is a photo of the three different power units I have used over the years.





Here is a better shot of the Bowser modification.   I put 1.5 ounces of car wheel balance weights in the roof and a quarter ounce directly on the gear case.  It will pull 12 cars on a flat with only a single truck drive.  The loco is used for shunting service in my Nampa yard and never gets very far out onto the main line.




Here are two shots of the car going through some road testing.







Below is a capture from Ricks page at Labelle Woodworking of the side panels I started with.





All of this is to offer support to anyone who wants to re-motor something for better operation.

The box motor is headed tomorrow to the paint shop.

see ya
Bob

[GPdemayo]

Great job Bob.....I always enjoy seeing your trolleys.