Narrowminded N scale BLI P5a inserts

[delamaize]

I have been promising these for a while now and I think I have them almost ready for availability.  *SNIP*

Well, I caved and bought a passenger version from hogtrains. So I'll be in for a set also.

BTW, who was trying to replace the blind wheels with flange wheels? And did they ever make this happen?

[jargonlet]

BTW, who was trying to replace the blind wheels with flange wheels? And did they ever make this happen?

I think it was @bbussey. It took a little prodding but I was able to get a few from Broadway but haven’t tried to tackle the project yet.

[Lemosteam]

If you want these, please follow the process in the Product Discussion thread as mentioned above.

[peteski]

BTW, who was trying to replace the blind wheels with flange wheels? And did they ever make this happen?

Yes, it was Bryan B. I'm also planning on doing this. Already have the wheelset needed,  and zillion other projects ahead of it. 

[bbussey]

Yes, I replaced both the blind wheelset and the traction tire wheelset with the flanged non-traction-tire wheelset on two units.  Currently I'm awaiting parts from BLI to upgrade the third unit, the one I picked up in the TrainWorld fire-sale last year.  It's been a while since I did the first two, but I remember having to swap the blind wheels off the blind axle instead of a drop-in replacement.  I sent the fix to BLI back then via email, I'll look to see if I have it still and create a new post with what I did.  Replacing the blind wheel also requires additional 1/32" thick bushings which can be cut from brass or aluminum tubing.  Due to the blind wheels floating .020" above the rail, and the traction-tires being so thick as to prevent those driver wheels from collecting current. the only wheels that collect current are the third driver wheelset and the pilot wheels.  And, of course, the pilot wheels do nothing until the pilot truck tension is addressed.  Once the non-collecting wheelsets are replaced and the spacers added above the pilot trucks, all wheels collect current.  And I don't care about the loss of the traction tires since I'm triple-heading.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@Dave V - Dave, I was using Jerry Brittons's website "The Pennsy Modeler" in the "Tower Models" section as one reference ( https://jbritton.pennsyrr.com/index.php/tpm/blogs/latest-articles-blog/105-prr-tower-models ), which shows about a dozen different kits available in HO for 20 different specific PRR towers, which led me to do a quick google search for N-scale versions.

I also referenced a different site, which I can't find right now, that gave a pretty thorough historical accounting of the different types of PRR Interlocking Towers, and the years they were built, as well as those still extant...particularly showing at least three different "standard" styles in different eras and locations.

I agree with you that the most common type of tower (to more effectively catch the Pennsy "flavor") would be the most desirable for the area you're modeling, but...since I'm not an SPF, I didn't know either the location or era you were most interested in.

The connection with this thread is that it appears that most of the Pennsy towers available, and which WERE available were "one-offs" and frankly, it doesn't look like the JACKS tower would be a difficult structure to model and 3D print since a generic Pennsy tower just isn't available in N-scale today, and a smaller "typical" frame tower like you suggest would be more representative of a good portion of PRR territory than the more modern brick/concrete and concrete/concrete towers (fireproof) that were "common" later.

Since this is an obvious "hole" in the N-scale Pennsy market, modeling one of these would be a great addition to Lemosteam's product line after he gets up and running...or, if he can't print it because of the small print envelope of his printers, I might give it a go as I self-teach myself Fusion 3-D just for the practice.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

There IS a pretty COMMON PRR tower design. It's the one Walthers did in HO but refuses to do in N.
https://www.walthers.com/prr-block-interlocking-station-kit-2-7-16-x-3-1-8-x-4-7-8-quot-6-1-x-7-9-x-12-3cm?srsltid=AfmBOoqy53KItgKWFRRpNxKkR76HABV94Nym2Gi7ZGwhSP7LMmsEuSVX

I would LOVE to have a few of these. I have a relatively rough one serving as York tower now, but a finder detailed version would find a home on the layout and likely a T-TRAK module or two.

[Lemosteam]

I have this model.  I have always been planning on making a siding and brick version of it, soooooo, yes KD will be offering one soon enough.

[delamaize]

If you want these, please follow the process in the Product Discussion thread as mentioned above.

Will do, thanks.

[Dave V]

There IS a pretty COMMON PRR tower design. It's the one Walthers did in HO but refuses to do in N.
https://www.walthers.com/prr-block-interlocking-station-kit-2-7-16-x-3-1-8-x-4-7-8-quot-6-1-x-7-9-x-12-3cm?srsltid=AfmBOoqy53KItgKWFRRpNxKkR76HABV94Nym2Gi7ZGwhSP7LMmsEuSVX

I would LOVE to have a few of these. I have a relatively rough one serving as York tower now, but a finder detailed version would find a home on the layout and likely a T-TRAK module or two.

Common on the electrified lines. For the rest of the Pennsy north and west of Harrisburg (which is most of it), wooden frame towers were the norm.

[delamaize]

Yes, I replaced both the blind wheelset and the traction tire wheelset with the flanged non-traction-tire wheelset on two units.  Currently I'm awaiting parts from BLI to upgrade the third unit, the one I picked up in the TrainWorld fire-sale last year.  It's been a while since I did the first two, but I remember having to swap the blind wheels off the blind axle instead of a drop-in replacement.  I sent the fix to BLI back then via email, I'll look to see if I have it still and create a new post with what I did.  Replacing the blind wheel also requires additional 1/32" thick bushings which can be cut from brass or aluminum tubing.  Due to the blind wheels floating .020" above the rail, and the traction-tires being so thick as to prevent those driver wheels from collecting current. the only wheels that collect current are the third driver wheelset and the pilot wheels.  And, of course, the pilot wheels do nothing until the pilot truck tension is addressed.  Once the non-collecting wheelsets are replaced and the spacers added above the pilot trucks, all wheels collect current.  And I don't care about the loss of the traction tires since I'm triple-heading.

Awesome work! I look forward to your post on this! I'm only planning on pulling 9 P70s with mine, so I hope I wont really need a traction tire. we will see. Once I get mine, and I see your post, I'll get a hold of BLI and see if they will send me the needed parts. I recently got one of their NW2's and had sound issues right out of the box. Mainly a wire that was shrink tubed but not soldered together. The lady I was working with (I can't remember her name) was very helpful, and seemed eager to send me any parts I need to get it working. Hopefully I can get the same rep when parts ordering time comes, and she is as willing.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I have this model.  I have always been planning on making a siding and brick version of it, soooooo, yes KD will be offering one soon enough.

Yessssssssssssssssss


If you need detail photos or measurements, I know where to find one.
https://www.railpictures.net/photo/836781/

[Dave V]

I'll be in for one of those for sure. Since I have a GG! and P5a, eventually I'll be doing electrified stuff. I have some 3D printed PRR catenary poles on the way too.

[peteski]

Guys,
I know that TRW is famous for thread drift but this seems to IMO getting too far.  Shouldn't someone start a new thread about the PRR tower? 

[dem34]

I'll be in for one of those for sure. Since I have a GG! and P5a, eventually I'll be doing electrified stuff. I have some 3D printed PRR catenary poles on the way too.

You better have not bought them from Spencer 3D 

[nkalanaga]

I searched the likely boards here, and found no mentions of "Spencer 3D".  Who/what are they. and why shouldn't one buy from them?