Locomotive Spotlight #3-2022 / Erie Lackawanna PAs and upgraded EL Passenger Train

 Greetings All,

Locomotive Spotlight #-2022 

Erie Lackawanna Alco PAs 

The Holiday Trackage Rights and Holiday Passenger Trains of December 2021 led to the refurbishing and upgrading of  International Hobby Corp smooth side Erie Lackawanna passenger cars and a pair of Rivarossi heavyweights as detailed in the Working with IHC Passenger Cars post.

This also has led to the purchase of an additional Proto 2000 EL PA1 to help move the passengers and freight thru the NYCTL. Alco PA1#857 arrived  new in the box in December 2021.

Prototype Information: 

The Erie Lackawanna RR was formed in 1960 from the merger of the Erie and Delaware and Lackawanna RRs. Fourteen EL PAs (#850-#863) were purchased by the Erie RR between 1949 and 1951. Built for passenger service in Schenectady NY by ALCO and partner GE the A1A -A1A locomotives were built with high speed gearing for passenger trains and could be found on freight trains as well.

The Erie Lackawanna PAs retained their Erie RR numbers and could be found on passenger trains, freight trains and even local trains.

Model Information: 

The Proto 2000 EL PA #859 joins P-2000 EL PA #857. Both are DC powered, have large motors with flywheels, heavy chassis and six wheel powered trucks. These are powerful engines.

The DC P-2000 PAs mu together very well and will be used in both passenger and freight service like the prototype.

I forgot we had an Athearn dummy PB!! The EL however did not roster the PB. But maybe they should have!

The PB trucks have been painted black to match the PAs. You've got to admit this is a good looking consist! 

I really like the way this lash up looks!!

A pair of Erie Lackawanna IHC "Pocono View" vista domes had their seats painted red and 1/100th scale passengers added. 

Enjoy the Alcos and the upgraded passenger train rolling into and out of Empire City Station.

The EL passenger train upgrade project is now in the books. The locomotives and passenger consist make an eye catching train that now runs consistently well. This is another enjoyable train to railfan.

Additional Reading / Photos

ALCO PA History

Atlantic and Pacific Express Trains

Phoebe Snow Passenger Train

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

See you soon!!! 

Workshop Report: Working with IHC / AHM and Rivarossi Passenger Cars

 Greetings All,

Workshop Report

Working with IHC / AHM / Rivarossi Passenger Cars

Welcome to another Workshop Report put together to help HO scale modelers with common rolling stock they may have in their respective fleets. 

Today's workshop will focus on working with(or fighting with!) the old Rivarossi / American Hobby Manufacturers (AHM) and International Hobby Corp (IHC) passenger cars. The goal here is to increase overall reliability and provide wobble free performance.

Coupler Height Adjustment

Our first subject cars are International Hobby Corp smooth side passenger cars that were purchased new from IHC about 20-25 years ago. This is their version of the NYC Mercury diner. It had been pulled out of its box and for whatever reason the replacement coupler, a McHenry #52 long shank knuckle coupler is now too low.

Over the years these cars have received weight (they had none), Proto 2000 metal wheels and the McHenry 52 replacement couplers. The truck is now screw mounted to the bolster for better control against wobbling.

To provide coupler height adjustment a hole is drilled into the truck from the bottom for a 1/8th" 2-56 screw. An Exacto #11 blade cleaned up any plastic left at the top of the truck where the coupler will rest.

The 2-56 screw is installed and the truck is held in place by a 6-32 x 1/2" screw.

Maybe a quarter turn or thereabouts and the coupler is spot on with the Kadee height gauge. Note the bottom of diaphragms have been cut down so the coupler does not snag on it.

Installing Intermountain 33" Metal Wheelsets. 

The stock 31" plastic wheelsets for the IHC cars are in one word, terrible. Replacing them with a good reliable wheelset should be a priority. In the past I used Proto-2000 33" and 36" metal wheelsets with mixed results. These wheelsets required drilling out the trucks to accept the longer axles and they didn't always roll that well. 

Recently I've found the Intermountain 33" wheelsets with their thinner metal axle ends could at times be a simple drop in replacement. Most of the time though a small diameter drill in a pin vise was used to remove a little material at a time from the truck to allow the wheels to turn freely. Go slow and clean out a little material at a time. You will be amazed how freerolling these IM wheelsets will be.

Kadee #508

This IHC SS Lehigh Valley Combination car received a Kadee #508 adapter set when this car was new about twenty years ago and operating terribly. A lot of shaving of the 508 adapter was needed as you can see. This car just received Intermountain 33" metal wheels and a push pin to hold the truck in place has been replaced with a 6-32 screw as part of a rebuild program for these LV cars.  

Raising Car Height for Coupler to Clear Diaphragms

I used to cut the lower part of the cars diaphragms off so the McHenry couplers would not snag on them on a curve and cause a derailment. I just found out by trial error that a #10 washer fits perfectly on top of the truck and provides enough clearance for the coupler so that no cutting is required. Now we know!!!

Adding Weight

This interior view shows I've added two additional ounces of weight using self stick wheel weights I sprayed flat black with a rattle can. This amount of extra weight seems to be working very well in preliminary testing.

Using a 6-32 Washer For Added Stability

The bottom view shows that I've used a 6-32 washer for additional stability. I'm not sure this was needed as the IM wheels roll very well after the trucks are tweaked as necessary.

Using Kadee #27s for Heavyweight

RPO and Baggage Car Couplers

I wish I discovered this easy to install Kadee #27 coupler set up twenty years ago! I used a Kadee #213 20 series coupler box that is mounted to the truck with a 3/8" 2-56 screw and gray Kadee fiber washer.

The screw protrudes slightly but is not an issue. Gold axle 33" wheels from either Bowser or Roundhouse replaced the original IHC wheels. During this project I was out of metal wheelsets and found these turned freely in the trucks and were fine for getting the coupler modifications done.

A #4 washer is placed over the bolster to give clearance between diaphragm and coupler. I'm using the push pins here for now while I test the coupler system with the #4 washer.

Perfecto!!!! Time to install the grab irons!

Using Kadee #5 Couplers on the HW Passenger Cars

The remaining six cars of this eight car heavyweight set were also in need of knuckle couplers. Not being a big fan of the McHenry Couplers that are purported to be drop in replacements I tinkered around and came up with a way to mount a Kadee #5 coupler using the original horn hook coupler shafts. 

The old coupler head has been cut off and I drilled a hole for a 2-56 screw to mount the Kadee #232 coupler box and #5 coupler. The #4 washer is in place for the necessary clearance.

Perfecto!!! Again!!! 

As you can see this was another trial and error project as I learned wheelsets that fit one truck did not fit the other. With two ounces of black spray painted wheel weights added these cars are now ready for final assembly and testing.

Long Island Railroad Heavyweights

Ready for Service

My eight car set of IHC LIRR HWs are finally ready for passenger service after a second visit to the workbench on February 21, 2022. This visit included adding the cars grab irons, ladders and other detail parts.

Also included was the installment of screws to replace the pushpins that hold the trucks in place and all cars receiving Intermountain 33" metal wheelsets.

Replacing Original Rivarossi Pizza Cutter Wheels

A few original Rivarossi passenger cars with pizza cutter metal wheels are in the combined fleets of my sons and I. For many many years the cars did not run after I used code 83 track for a part of the layout.

I really like these old cars and decided to try and swap the pizza cutter wheels for RP-25 wheels. To my surprise the Intermountain 33" wheelsets were basically drop in replacements. This Lackawanna diner with it's full interior is now in service.

HW Pullman "National View" received the IM 33" wheelsets and rolls smoothly and reliably. I should have did this 20 years ago!!!

Adding Passengers to the Lightweight Vista Domes 

With everything running smoothly and reliably and the cars opened up I turned my attention to the Lehigh Valley and Erie Lackawanna SS Vista Dome cars that were part of this large ongoing project. 

The vista dome seats from the factory were either black or a clear plastic. I painted them with rattle can red and added 1/100 scale seated figures using Aileen's tacky glue which will dry clear and not fog the "glass" like CA.

Passengers in the finished Lehigh Valley vista dome admire the New York Central cars across the platform at Empire City Station. Even  non prototypical cars deserve passengers and good views!

Erie Lackawanna passengers in vista dome Pocono View have a great view of the action at Empire City Station and will be ready to view the Poconos once they travel off layout.

Final Comments

This was a big project that took several weeks to complete and I am glad it is over. As of this writing all of the Rivarossi, AHM and IHC passenger cars in our combined fleets except one eight car IHC Daylight / Sunbeam set that I just remembered are now in service.

The biggest catalysts for this project were purchasing the self stick steel wheel weights and committing the funding necessary to purchase the Intermountain metal wheelsets. Without these two things these cars would have remained in their boxes.  

Now that these cars are running and ready for primetime we'll spotlight the Lehigh Valley and Erie Lackawanna trains in action around the layout being hauled by newly added locomotives just for these two trains. We'll also spotlight the Long Island Railroad heavyweights in action now that they are "in service"

Thanks for reading!!!

See you soon!!!  

Locomotive Spotlight #2 / Lehigh Valley Alco PAs 609 and 611

 Greetings All,

Locomotive Spotlight #2 of 2022.

Today's subject of the Locomotive Spotlight series will be Lehigh Valley PA1s #609 and #611

Prototype Information

The prototype fifteen Lehigh Valley PA locomotives (601-614) were delivered from Alco in 1948 with a Cornell red and black stripe paint scheme. The units did not have dynamic brakes and the LV did not order any PB units.

Primarily a passenger train locomotive the PAs could often be found paired back to back hauling Lehigh Valley varnish like "The John Wilkes",  "The Maple Leaf" and "The Black Diamond".

When not in passenger service the LV PA1s could be found in freight service as seen in this 1951 photo. In the first quarter 2022  Trains of the Past magazine in the working with Alco's article by Mike Bednar there are two photos of the LV PAs working freight trains from 1963 and 1956. In the 19656 photo a single PA is on a local in between passenger runs.

The Models

Both models are Life Like Proto 2000 products that were purchased as new in the box old store stock in late 2021. The models look like their 1:1 counterparts and the paint and lettering is crisp and clean. 

As posted in the Locomotive Shop Bulletin both engines required lubrication before being put into service on the layout. The engines come with the old Proto knuckle couplers that I swapped out for Kadee #5s on  the rear and Kadee #26 long center set shank couplers on the front. 

The Proto 2000 LV PA1 #611 arrived in early December 2021.

The model was set up for revenue service on the layout and then stored awaiting the arrival of sister unit, LV #609.

Santa delivered the 609 for Christmas and it poses here at Terminal Yard. The P-2000 PA1 models are nicely detailed and run extremely well.

The units are coupled together and with each featuring all wheel drive, can motors with large flywheels and a good amount of weight this pair should be able to handle any assignment they are given. 

The PA1s were purchased for passenger service and will be featured in that role with an upgraded IHC John Wilkes passenger train.

When the Lehigh Valley ceased intercity passenger service in 1961 the big Alcos could be found in freight service.

The 609 and 611 would spend their final years hauling Lehigh Valley freight tonnage until their retirement in 1965.

The Lehigh Valley PAs haul a freight train past RA Tower.

Coming soon the LV PAs will be featured in passenger service with the upgraded IHC LV passenger cars.

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

See you soon!!!

Locomotive Service Bulletin #2-2022 / Preparing New in Box P-2000 Locomotives for Service

 Greetings All,

Locomotive Service Bulletin #2-2022

Preparing new in box old stock Proto 2000 locomotives for service. 

Lehigh Valley PA1 #609 is still new in the box over ten years later. To remove the chassis and shell PLEASE read the instructions prior to attempting to do this. The foam insert has holes behind each and they are removed by using your fingers to push them carefully out of the foam. The shell comes out with the foam insert that inside and protruding from the shell.

Lubrication

The motor and bearings are definitely dry after ten plus years and should be lubricated prior to placing in service. The power chassis has a very large weight, a cab with figures and circuit board covering the tower gears and brass bearings that we need to access. Note the wires are affixed to the frame with a double sided tape.

Gently remove the taped  down wires from the weight. Unscrew the weight and then the locomotive cab and gently lift to access the front power truck. Add a drop of your oil of choice to the bearings and gears but not too much.

To access the rear power truck unscrew and gently lift the circuit board and add your oil of choice to the rear truck gears and bearings. With everything loose you can move the weight enough to access the motor shafts. Put a drop of oil on a rolled paper towel tip and insert between flywheels and motor to lubricate the motor shaft. When done carefully reinstall circuit board, cab and weight. 

Couplers

With the chassis reassembled turn it over to access the coupler pockets. The P-2000 PAs have body mounted couplers that can swing from side to side. The new model will have either Proto knuckle couplers or horn hook coupler already installed.

To open the coupler box use a small screwdriver to pop off the lid. For the rear coupler I've added a Kadee #5. 

The model comes with coupler doors on the front. If keeping them on the model remove front coupler and reattach lid. If removing the coupler doors follow instructions and pop them out towards the front. Use caution they are in there tightly.

LV PA1 609 and sister engine 611 both received Kadee #26 long center set couplers for the front. Both front and rear couplers of the PA locomotive lined up with the Kadee Height gauge.

Attaching Shell to Chassis

Slip front coupler if attached thru front coupler opening and hold chassis on top of shell. Using a small screw driver move the ladders to allow chassis to slide into shell. Place chassis into shell until it locks onto the tabs. That's it!

Break In

With locomotives now oiled, and assembled it's time for them to be broken in. I found the best way to do this is to run them forward and reverse for awhile. This should allow everything to break in evenly, get oil moving thru the gears and provide an opportunity to inspect and discover any issues.

This is also a perfect time to railfan the new motive power you have added to your fleet and enjoy your trains!!! 

A Locomotive Spotlight featuring the LV PAs will be coming soon!

 

Thanks for reading!!!

See you soon!!!

Penn Central Car Movements #90 / Part 7 / Conclusion of Op

 Greetings All,

Welcome Back to Penn Central Car Movements #90

The PCCM 90 virtual op with my NYCTL layout interchanging freight cars with PC Ralph's Kings Port Division concludes today!

We open up our concluding installment with 1:1 Sir Neal getting North Side Yard ready for the arrival of the Long Island RR transfer freight.

North Side Yard is ready for the interchange of freight cars with the LIRR.

Sir Neal and PC Ralph talk it over as they await the LIRR train. 

LIRR engineer Jimmy Alco brings the Alco RS units onto the Bedford Secondary.

LIRR Train MA-3 heads to Empire City.

 

LIRR Train MA-3 arrives at North Side Yard.

The LIRR engines have been uncoupled from the MA-3 and head to the east side yard exit.

Jimmy Alco takes advantage of the move and heads to Pizza Land for lunch. What will he get? Looks like the Stromboli Shuffle to me!

Jimmy Alco couples up his Alcos to the LIRR power cars.

LIRR Train MA-4 eases out of the yard and around the westside. 

 

The tail end of LIRR Train MA-4 features caboose #12 protected by  NYC boxcar #164000 which was placed in the consist at West Mill.

Train MA-4 passes Bedford Tower.

Train MA-4 rolls thru Bedford.

Train MA-4 heads to Fresh Pond and this concludes PCCM 90.

Put it in the books!!!

New Life for the Alco FAs

I've used a good amount of modelers license to include the Long Island RR power cars in this PCCM. Here is a photographic link to the LIRR power car FA roster. Four EMD F7As were also rebuilt and used as power cars on the LIRR.  For a detailed explanation for these unique units check out this link. 

Be sure to follow the action on PC Ralph's Kings Port Division!!!

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

See you soon!!!