Model Train Journal

At the recent O scale convention in Enfield CT I purchased two untouched CLW F-3 kits. They are complete except for one part. I need eight CLW P/N 1035-54 Blomberg Truck Swing Hanger. I had this same problem several years ago with a set of CLW F-7 kits ans someone directed me to a source for these same parts but I do not remember where I got them. I have sent CLW an email also to see if they can help. Any input will be appreciated. I have two extra complete sets of trucks but would like to find the parts to complete these.

Thanks,

Joe Foehrkolb

Joe,

Are these parts for the older version on the Blomberg truck. If so, Ron Sebastien has the molds and dies. If it's the newer version, the current owner (Lou) has the dies and molds.

Jay

That was normal for Bob. It would take about three attempts to get all the parts correct. Many customers just salted away the kit boxes, and when they appear untouched on eBay, guys like Jay and Lou are your only hope. I think Lou has a pile of sorted parts - I just got big washout plugs from him. Took like three days . . .

Jay,

I have seven pair of these trucks, 2 spare sets, 3 with F-7 kits and 2 with F-3 kits. All of the kits came with Pittman can motors so I assume they are not that old. Trucks are lost wax castings with the side frames held to the truck bolsters with C Clips. I think it was Ron Sebastian who came up with these parts the last time I ran into this. I am waiting to hear from Lou at CLW and if he cannot help I will contact Ron. I can get by without them as I have five complete set of castings but I may do a mass assembly of these trucks and it would be nice to have all of the parts at that time. Thanks for your input.

Joe

Joe,

FWIW, the style that uses a "C" clip is the older version. As far as I know Lou sold the molds to Ron. Having said that, he may have some spare parts for you. I have no way of of knowing that. What I do know is the newer version is a combination of molds for lost wax casting and dies for plastic injection and ultimately burned out for brass casting I know this because Lou loaned them to me so we could cast up 15 sets for me and 15 sets for him.

I still have the dies and it just so happens the die for making the part you want is still here. Prior to me having all this done Dennis Mashburn was shooting waxes using the dies. I had to go by the foundry today so I took the die and asked the caster if would try shooting waxes. He said he would try. Please keep in mind these may not fit the older style.....but they might.

I have two sets of the older trucks myself so I'll compare the parts.

Jay

Joe,

Would you please take a photo of the part you need? If it's what I thinking, and we can shoot a wax, the newer version looks like it might just fit.

Jay

Jay,

I will try to send you a photo of the part.

Joe

Jay,

What is your email address? I have the photo. The distance between the mounting pins ctr to ctr is 17/32".

Joe

Jay,

Photo sent to: jay@right-o-way.us

Joe

Joe,

I received your email with the photo and, yes, that's the part I thought you wanted. I will make sure the caster, David Sciacca, attempts to shoot enough waxes for both of us (yes, I want a few more for myself). All I would ask is, if Lou comes through with some of the originals, let me know and I'll cancel your portion of the order.

I'll try to contact Lou to let him know what we're doing and take a photo of the newer part for your input. The only real difference I see is the newer part doesn't have the horizontal rod at the top (you'll see what I mean in my photo).

Jay

Jay,

Lou's email bounced back indicating the email address is no longer valid. I got the address from the CLW website. Please move forward with the casting. I would take 12 of them as I am looking for another CLW F-3 B unit and I expect it will have the same part missing if and when I find it. My CLW F-7 units were missing this part when I purchased them.

Thanks again,

Joe

Joe,

I forwarded your email to Lou (using an email address I've had success with) and asked him if he had any of the parts you're looking for. Only time will tell. I also took a photo of an older style Blomberg truck along with one of the newer versions. My goal was to show you how close the two parts are.




Jay

I'm still not sure the pedestal liners are right.

I Guess the one I sent you was the older style?

Bob,

Yeah but, you never know when you might need just one.

Joe,

I looks like David was able to shoot waxes so we should be in business. Figure a week, or so. Things are pretty slow for him right now.

Jay