Diesel Locomotives of the GSL

[up148]

I can also see a benefit of this type (clutch) drive with a sound system. Prototype diesels rev up their prime movers and it takes a few seconds before they start moving. With Stu's clutch it would be very realistic. I think the same can be programmed into the better DCC decoders, but I'm a DCC novice, so I can't say for sure, but the new 3rd Rail products seem to do this.

BH

[Jay Criswell]

Gregg's model had lots of issues. The clutch being the least of it's problems. I've worked on a dozen, or so, of these models and I'm always amazed at the quality of Stu's work. The biggest issue with clutch is the rubber pieces used. Like all rubber they dry out, become brittle & hard.

Most of the problems I've come across were simple fixes but a few were caused by limitations placed on Stu at the time he built the drives. This would be things like the use of the larger Sagami motor (worthless), Pittman motors with Alnico magnets, tubing used to connect shafting breaking or slipping, etc. Another time we found screw heads on the clutch body hitting it's mount as it turned. All little issues that can be found on all mechanisms.

Back to the clutch, I agree, it would be cool to have. Not sure these are the way to go though. I think a fluid clutch, more like a torque converter in a car, would be the way to go. With modern technology and components I think it could be done. They had them back in the '50s-early '60s but they were marginal, at best.

Jay

[bob turner]

Andy Romano wanted to get into the clutch business. He is the guy who wrote the nice PA in color book. His plan was to have me develop it and machine a prototype (at my expense), then he would market it.

I'd rather do a shelf coupler.

[Jay Criswell]

Bob,

Be sure to let us know when you've finished the shelf coupler.

Jay

[Tom Dempsey]

Probably better to announce on NK, then you can watch one guy virtually writhing in ecstasy.

[E7]

Conversely (off topic) I've personally never seen any factory OMI paint jobs fail so spectacularly in accuracy as some of those early Key units; Black roofs on PRR E7's, neon red lightning stripes on NYC units etc. Pete

I was re-reading this topic and noticed the above, and I think I can explain the black roof E7, which was done by Samhongsa.

The models had the PRR shop added large number boards that stood out from the nose

https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/sea ... tion=click

Take note of how the roof of the E7 in that link is turning black with soot. I have seen a picture of one where the roof was totally black and it could have easily been mistaken for paint. Had Sam been given that picture, I can see how the mistake could have been made.

[ScaleCraft]

Same thing happened with the early two tone green NP F units.

Everybody thought the roof section was black. Hard to find a photo from ground level that shows clearly.
So, most models had black roofs.
We finally found a photo taken from an overpass, and it is...green.

Mine are green.

[De Bruin]

Yeah, the roof grime on the photo was the conclusion we all had back then too. I would say it's on the importer who commissioned the run for getting it wrong. I'm all about supporting new models but jeez....especially given the high price then and now for brass, maybe a reason but not a excuse; I doubt there are any serious guys here who would commission a production factory paint scheme without fully researching the specific prototypes.
And oh yes, the Pennsylvania Rail Road?
Ok maybe say M&StL, KCS or NYO&W, but the P-Company? Really?

That said they still ran like watches then and I can even check if they still do now, or at least see what their status is if any of you are interested.

[E7]

Pete,

I agree! Everything you say is 100% right on.

Rich

[De Bruin]

So gonna bump this as I will be doing both diesel and steam repairs for the downtown club for the foreseable.
Here's the latest repair job; a KTM SD-45 in GN colors.

The unit was slipping on curves, binding etc and OOS so I disassmembled and discovered that it had been repowered with a CLW tank set-up and heavily weighted, the binding appear to be related to the decision to eliminate the factory motor pick up wire from king pin eyelets in favor of soldiering a wire directly to the bolster (pretty awful) Sorry for the fuzz grab shot.

I replaced one of these truck pickups by restoring the king pin eyelet, and cut down some of the weight, lubed it up and it appear to be good except it's still noisy on curves though I'm told is a "characteristic" of these drives. Likewise in inspecting the fiber axle gears I discovered the trailing wheel set's axle gear in the trailing truck one had stripped completed loose from it's press fit on the axle and was pretty mangled. Fortunately I had a spare. Likewise since it appeared to run a more quietly and smoothly in reverse, I move the trucks around to face the opposite direction in the interest of balancing out some the gear wear. As you know(or can tell now) I'm a novice with CLW's and drives in general, so this was a learning experience.

Here's a five year old in service photo, looking forward to seeing how it acts now on the layout, the unit appears to have been in constant service since the CLW repower in 1992, and given the excessive weighting it's no wonder it's worn out. I think finding an MU mate for this guy would be a good idea to balance out the wear.

[Jay Criswell]

Pete,

Okay, instead of throwing away the CLW drive parts I'll set them aside for you.

Jay

[Jay Criswell]

Another thought might be to replace the CLW with KTM parts.

Jay

[Bob Anson]

This engine IS a KES, Stu E. Kleinschmidt, model and the clutch is supposed to slip. if I go back thru my records I can find the owner and date this was painted.

Bob Anson

[Bob Anson]

I found the original owner, Tony Ambrose and I painted it in Nov '99
Bob Anson

[Bob Anson]

Hey Sarge, I must have missed this thread from a while ago. you wrote "The model is an old Kemtron RS3, also done many many moons ago for Tony Ambrose." could you repost a photo

Bob Anson