I just voted for my favorite locomotive but..... I don't know the difference between a J-1 and a J-3 Hudson. Meanwhile,......I plan to have NYC trains on my layout. There will be an underground station.....therefore, I need an electric locomotive. Does anyone sell the type that was used on The Central?
I think someone made either a P-Motor or a T-Motor in HO brass 30-40 years ago. I know that a New Haven E-5 was made in the late 50's. You didn't say what era you're modeling, but perhaps you could modify an F-7 into an FL-9. Model Railroader did an article a few years ago on a layout that modeled NYC and NH juice into GCT. I'll look for the article to see if it mentions who built the engines, or if they were scratch-built, also what scale they were. I recommend posting this question in the Inspection Pit under the Model Railroading Forums to get broader coverage. I'm sure you are haunting e-Bay and also every swap meet in the Northeast. Good Luck
Railfan 462, welcome to the forum. The J-1 was the original model Hudson, all with spoke wheels, a straight boiler, small sand domes, and the first ones even had Walschaerts valve gear. The J-3's were known as "Super" Hudsons, had Boxpok or Disk drivers, a conical boiler, large sand domes, more HP than the J-1's, No classification lights. Later on, NYC modified all the J-1's to look like J-3s and it was hard to tell them apart except for the drivers. Oh, and the J-3's had an oval plate with the NYC logo beneath the number plate on the headlight. J-1's just had the number. Whew, that's a lot, trying to put that all in one paragraph. Hank is right about the T and P motors. I think George Elwood might have some photos of those on his site.
462, have a look here at what you will be searching for, NYC Electrics. George Elwood's NYC Electrics
462, There have been several models of the NYC electrics made in both "HO" and "O", in brass only. Model Engineering Works (MEW) made models of the T1a and the P1a motors B+B+B+B and 2-C+C-2 respectfully, 40 years ago. The P1a motor is a CUT motor and lost its pantographs before traveling into GCT as a P2b. Kaw Valley (KAW) imported an S1, 1-D-1 in the the mid 60's. Custom Brass (CB) made S2's 2-D-2 and the P2 in the 70's. The most recent additions to these models are those imported by Overland Models (OMI), who have provided all the S's, T's and P's. The later two in the 1955 Lighting Stripes, except the P1 which was all black. ALCO also made a T3a 30 years ago and an R motor C+C (freight electric). The R motor although old is an extremely nice runner, one of Samhongsa's first endeavors. All of these models are in "HO". An "O" scale model of both the P1 and P2 were brought in by CB in the 70's and I believe there was a P2 made by MTH or Weaver or someone four or five years ago. Well, that is more information than you ever wanted to know about NYC brass electrics. These are all available somewhere out there, they show up every once in awhile. The New Haven EP 3, 4, and 5, Flat Bottoms, Streamliners and Jets are also offered by OMI. Now, the brass imports of the Hudson's, lengthy, but you've had enough for now! Good Night
Hi Jim Couldn't let this slip by/ J-1 modified to look like J-3...not. The J-1 had a slightly smaller boiler. The J-3 was a bulker looking engine . And there were several J-3 that lost it's oval on the smoke box front :5438,5444, 5445 perhaps others as early as 1949. Many J-1 received PT tenders as well as the J-3. 5344 was the only one that had real modifications..too many to count as Staufer would say. My favorite engine is J-1 #5330 as I have her builders plate on my bedroom wall.
Ron, Gee, I was just referring to installation of Baker valve gear, larger sand domes, etc. I'll bet most people couldn't tell them apart (except for us rivet counters).
Thanks everyone for all that info on NYC electric locomotives. I'm particularly interested in those that use the 3rd rail rather than the catenary. That link to photos of NYC electrics was great. I'm modelling the 50's on my layout. I suppose this era is quite common on model railroads because one can include so many different types of power. At the moment my "table" is complete enough to lay some track. I'm in the process of hooking up my "night lights and moon". Then I need a coat of paint on the ceiling. BTW......I model in HO. [ 10 February 2002, 19:21: Message edited by: Railfan462 ]
RailFan, will you be installing an operating under-shot Third Rail also? That would be really ! I think I saw an ad for NYC Third Rail in MR 5-10 years ago, maybe someone still makes it .... Keep us posted on how you are coming along
Hank........you've got to be kidding! I will be thrilled if I can find a model of one of those NYC electrics. To have one adapted to take power off a 3rd rail is much beyond my capability and honestly, beyond my interest. I'm not the type to move cars around a yard or to be actively engaged in managing trains on a system. I can sit there and stare at the trains as they move along the line.....over trestles and bridges, under highways, etc. sort of........on their own. It has suddenly dawned on me that I will need a yard area which would be the equivalent of Harmon...... a place where locomotives would be switched. Stay tuned......... BTW........I'm pleased to report that my night lighting, including the MOON, is in working order. [ 11 February 2002, 01:53: Message edited by: Railfan462 ]
