Micro-Trains Depressed-Center Flat Car Improvements

[bbussey]

In reviewing the photos above, based on the outer axle position in relation to the coupler box, it appears the Commonwealth trucks are inset slightly more.  So the ½" measurement in the article is good for Buckeye trucks, but needs to be inset a screw's-width for the longer Commonwealth truck frame to clear the inset stirrup. 
 

[BCR 570]

Yes, the best solution would have been to drill new holes between the new ones I drilled and the original, but I am not seeing enough room.  I went ahead and modified the MT sill steps to sit further out toward the ends, and removed the brake hangers.  It now sits lower, rides smoothly, and has sill steps.  Pictured here with the enormous piece of resin it came with:




Also found another photograph online of the same car:

http://www.cnrphotos.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=16308


Tim

[PGE_Modeller]

Also found another photograph online of the same car:

http://www.cnrphotos.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=16308


Tim

Tim, when was the car re-numbered?  The 1994 photo has the same number as the model but indicates it had been re-numbered from 699974 at some time in its life.  Your modelled year is a little more than half way between the car's 1953 built date and the 1994 photo.  What number did it carry in your modelled year?  Do you have access to a 1977 ORER?
Cheers,

[bbussey]

Tim, it looks good.  Much better at the lower height and longer wheelbase.

Regarding your earlier question about the height of the transformer in relation to tunnel portals, it's no taller than that resin shape.

[Angus Shops]

Hmmm, looking at the proto photo, the trucks don't appear to be as close to the car ends as you seem to be working so hard to achieve...
Geoff

[PGE_Modeller]

Hi Tim,

I am going to echo Geoff's comment, here.  Comparing the model photo to the prototype one, it looks as though you have the sill steps in about the correct position but the prototype photo shows the trucks much closer to the depressed area of the car.  In the prototype photo, the inboard brake shoes don't appear to clear the depressed centre area by very much while there is a lot of open space on the model at that location.

Cheers,

[BCR 570]

Yes, I mentioned a ways back in this thread that the CN car didn't have the trucks as far out as Bryan was suggesting, but once lowered they had to be moved a bit to clear the centre portion of the body.  I now realize that I should not have moved them out so far, and it sounds like Bryan's measurement I used was for a different truck.

According to the ORERs the cars in this series were re-numbered in July 1966.

Tim

[BCR 570]

it's no taller than that resin shape.

which will be binned as soon as I have a suitable replacement.   

Tim

[Mark5]

Tim,

Thanks for posting this thread - motivated me to "treat" my N&W version. Alas, local pusher out of 2004's, so back on the back burner.

Mark

[BCR 570]

You are welcome.  It is nice to have an LHS here which keeps a good stock of trucks and couplers, but they do sell out from time to time.  Good luck with yours when you get to it.

Tim

[BCR 570]

First test print from Jeff for a more suitable transformer load:




Tim