I was thinking of ways to make my PRR set loo better now that I got the GG1. The newer Marklin passenger cars look rather plain so I decided a quick fix to the windows might help. I started by taking the roof off, pulling out the window glass, and marking the raised lip on the window glass with a silver sharpie. It was easy because the raised lip is about .020" away from the center of the glass. The effect, while maybe not the most prototypical, was an enhancement none the less. It made the cars turn from this look: Into this neater look: Well it's a personal taste, but you can use a black sharpie on silver cars for a neat rubber seal look too. The whole set of 6 cars took about 45 minutes, and after work project anyone can do. -Robert
Looks good to me. I don't know about the prototypes, but found this photo: http://www.davidsdepot.com/ProductImages/ebay/CCS4530Side2w.jpg
I was thinking of body mounting MTL couplers on all but one side of the baggage car, but I am still researching MTL's on the GG1. I want a closer coupling, diaphrams, and underbody details for this train. I also want passengers in the windows, flicker proof interior lighting, sound in the bagage car, and DCC. My dilema right now is that the sound decoder, an MRC N Scale Brilliance DCC decoder is also required to be wired to the locomotive. That would require a permanent connection between the GG1 and Baggage Car. The other option is to just use the sound function of the MRC decoder, then slapp a Gold Mini inside the GG1. The GG1 has the best electrical pickup of any Z Scale locomotive made to date, but is light, so I wanted to fill it with lead for extra traction. Still thinking on my options. -Robert
Robert, get in touch with Allan. He is making a mould to add weight to the GG1. His problem is that he doesn,t know how much room to leave for a decoder. It sounds lilke the perfect thing for your problem.
Robert, is there some kind of small socket or connector that you could use for wiring the loco and the baggage car together so you could disconnect them? I'm no electronics expert so I woouldn't know what's available or not, but would think that something should work for that. As for adding weight to the GG-1, check out the Pine Car brand weights for Cub Scout Pinewood Derby cars. You can get them at crafts stores and some hobby shops. One of them almost perfectly fit's inside the GG-1 and significantly improves pulling ability. See the Mailbag section in ZTrack sometime between Sept/Oct 2004 and March/April 2005 I think for details on adding these weights. Randy
robert, i know you probably have used the the MTL 901 couplers made for marklin locos and passenger cars. but since maybe some others readers have not, i thought i'd make mention of them. the 901s have a little longer shank than the 902/3. i've converted four passenger trucks to 903 couplers and they look much better (though are just a little short on some cars). they work well with the MTL F7s as the couplers on them stick out way too far on the ends. the hardest part of the conversion is getting the metal strip (top) back on the truck/coupler. it needs to sit flat and firm so the coupler doesn't sag. but that metal peice looks like it might also help with electrifying the trucks. i like your sharpie fix -- VERY nice look. dave f.
Yes, I forgot to say how dramatic that sharpie touch up looks, too. Looks like a simple thing to do. Randy
I was doing research on the Broadway Limited, and much to my horror, there were no coaches or baggage cars on that train. What they had were lots of various sleepers, a lounge car in the middle, and a blunt end observation car on the end that looks more like a business car. There were other cars, and I read at the end of their careers under PC control, you could find baggage cars. So my train will be non prototypical, but since I don't have 4 track mainlines anyways, I can call it a fan appreciation train. After all, It's hard enough keeping track of NP history and consists, much less other roads. But the GG1 is a beauty, and must be displayed for all to enjoy! Thanks for the tips everyone. I will apply them. I think there is a small 2 pin plug and socket available that I might be able to use from Circuit Concepts or Miniatronics. For overall looks though, I think I need air conditioners and other stuff hanging from the underside of these cars, and the 901's should really help. -Robert
Good looking Sharpie, one Tag'r beign put to good use. Might try your idea to black the frames on the Silver cars. Think we ought to add cantenary to our Plywood Plains?
I was thinking of adding a higher line to represent the Milwaukee line crossing the NP line. I would like to do the classic Lombard crossing. -Robert
