A Comparison of NSL Merchandise Dispatch Paint Schemes

Part of this post was an email I sent to some of my friends. One of them commented the info should be posted in my blog. This gives me a chance to get into a favorite idea of mine - comparing models of the the same prototype car or series of cars.


Looking at someones model gives you a chance to look deeper into the interest and interpretation of the prototype by the modeler. After all, the finished model is the representation of what the prototype looked like to the individual who made the model.


Maybe it's time to get out of the esoteric and back to real life. This is a comparison of the North Shore Lines (NSL) 203 to 214 series of express cars. Just so there is no confusion these cars were also called Merchandise Dispatch (MD) or merchandise cars.   


Everyone has looked at both black & white and color photos of NSL cars. After a while some of the paint schemes become blurred in our minds. We can all recall the paint scheme of the cars we have seen running or in which we rode many years ago.

The NSL's MD cars present an interesting study. Many years ago O scale kits were available to build the 203 to 214 series - the 4-baggage (1 at each corner of the body) door style or the 215 to 239 - the 2-baggage (center) door version. I obtained 2 of the 4-baggage door kits with the idea of running them in a train. Why I didn't get 1 kit of each version is lost to the past!

Two events happened within the past week which caused me to get into the topic of comparing the paint schemes of similar models. These were the 2012 TrainFest in Milwaukee and a "Trolley Nite" held by one of the local fellas, Terrell Colson. As we go along you will see how these 2 events came into "play".

 

 

Starting with the "Trolley Nite", one of the attendees, Ralph Nelson, brought his NSL MD cars. This models were 1 MD car pulling 3 refrigerator trailers.

 

 

Ralph's models were painted in dark green with gold lettering. In the early 1900's before Insull's take-over of the NSL, when the North Shore set its goals on being a major intercity railway all of its equipment was painted in a dark green with gold lettering. Both the passenger and MD cars were paint this way. The 1st 2 photos were taken on Terrell's layout.

 

  

This is the complete train of Ralph's models. Of interest to note, early NSL trains ran without headlights.

Sometime in the 1920's after Insull took over, passenger and MD cars were painted orange with maroon trim. The lettering on the cars was the same. The next 2 photos are my models taken on my layout.

 

After the depression set in, all service (passenger and freight) was hit hard. As revenues dropped, the NSL looked for ways to reduce cost. One way was to cut the cost of repainting equipment. Since the MD service had been reduced to almost nothing, the paint scheme of the MD cars was reduced to all orange with black lettering. This is the paint scheme which lasted until the end of the NSL in early 1963.

 

 

Don't ask why I painted one model in the orange and maroon and the other in the all orange. I've forgotten! The other question I ask myself is why didn't I get one of the 2-baggage door kits back then. 

 

There are both of the O scale kits available on EBay. I have enough other models to complete so I will not be increasing my roster of NSL MD cars.

 

 

The other variation on the MD paint schemes is the WW II red, white, and blue "Buy U.S.War Bonds" scheme. The preprinted sides were available in an O scale kit form, I think.  Some how this paint scheme didn't appeal to me back then. However, it does look good to me now! Times have changed!

 

 

To complete the paint schemes, here is Eric Bronsky's HO model as it appeared at the 2012 TrainFest.  The photo was taken as the model sat in a siding on one of the many modules of the Northwest Traction Group.  Someone I know has one of the O scale models of the "Buy U.S. War Bonds" car but I don't know who it is. I've searched my photo files without any luck.

 

 

Thanks to color photography, or today it should be called electronic photography,  the various NSL paint schemes used on the MD cars can be seen. I hope you have enjoyed the comparisons of the color schemes as well as the models.

 

 

As you look at the models think of them as the representation of what the prototype looked like through the eyes of the individual who made the model.

Cheers,

Ed

The Tale of Two Fives

In 1946 the Aurora Elgin & Fox River Electric Company pulled down the trolley wire and dieselized. The Elgin State Hospital and the Kerber Packing Company were customers of the electric line and still required railroad service.


A General Electric 45-ton diesel locomotive was purchased to serve these remaining freight customers. The locomotive was numbered No. 5. A diamond shaped logo was painted on the side of the locomotive along with the railway's name and the locomotive's roster number.


Over the years small diesel locomotives were made and imported in brass for the O scale market. There were 44-ton and 70-ton models. Then, a few years ago Rich Yoder http://www.richyodermodels.com/ imported a 45-ton model in brass.


This was it! Rich Yoder had made and imported other freight cars which I owned. They are extremely fine models for the cost. The new 45-ton locomotive was also a star! It runs well plus the detail is all there.


This is the model, when just like the AEFRE, my trolley wire comes down, and a small layout with a few freight cars can be made to keep me occupied.

My model is painted and lettered for the 1946 era.

No. 5 pulling one of Rich Yoder's High Walkway Tank Car and a pink Chateau Martin express car.

Don Bruno also purchased a 45-ton model. He wanted his painted and lettered for the time when the AEFRE stopped freight service and became a Trolley museum.

No. 5 is pulling a Rich Yoder Mathieson Dry Ice Car.

Some comments about the 2 models are warranted. The decal used on the 1946 version of No. 5 was available from Walthers in both HO and O scale.  Years ago Walthers had many interurban decals available. Some were small runs. The small run decals were packaged with hand-written labels while others were packaged in typed labels.

For the newer era No. 5 Paul Mayer of Shore Line Decals made the decals. A link to  Shore Line Decals appears at the bottom of this page.

Paul has a drawing of the 1946 era AEFRE decals and potentially can make these decals upon request. I believe Paul can make both of the diesel era AEFRE decals in HO scale also.

If you scrutinize the under bodies of both No. 5's you may notice they do not match. In assembling the models, one has the under body reversed. 

The models run smooth and without any problems when operated straight out of the box. However, they ran faster than the prototype. For this reason I wired the 2 can motors in the hoods in series. Now both models run smoothly and slow! 

Both models have 2 horns, one on each hood. The prototype probably has only 1 horn. For the O scale models, HO scale horns were used. On the prototype the horns are small!

Finally for Don's model, the newer era, I had problems painting the louvers in the ends of the hoods in the alternating black and orange. Don instructed me to paint the louvers all black.

To give you an idea of Rich Yoder's attention to detail here is the interior floor with the operator's controls and seat. There is only 1 operator position next to the side window of the cab even though the locomotive can be operated in both directions and where the operator may have to move from one side of the cab to another to see the trainmen on the ground assisting in the operation.

Here is the operator "glued" in his seat using a generic "DAP Kwik Seal" adhesive. The adhesive is white now but will cure to a clear which is hard to see.

Rich Yoder has sold out of the O scale 45-ton locomotive. They will show up on EBay or train meets.

If you desire to see the actual prototype No. 5, visit the Fox Valley Trolley Museum http://www.foxtrolley.org/  . After enjoying your visit and perhaps a ride you can become a member.

Cheers,

Ed

Model Not Running & The Electrical Short Circuit

The very item which makes a trolley model unique can also be the model’s undoing. You place a trolley model on the track, place the trolley pole (pan) on the wire, turn on the power, and nothing happens.


The over all problem may be non-conductive oxidation or dirt on the wire, trolley pole slider or wheel, track, or wheels. OR, the model no longer runs due to an electrical short circuit.

If you routine for getting the model to operate due to non-conductive oxidation or dirt does not work, STOP trying to pass electrical current through the model!

When the problem is due to an electrical short circuit, the amperage of the power supply can be passing through the entire wiring of the model including the trolley pole.

 

Resistance in an electrical circuit causes the conversion of the electrical energy into heat energy (heat). The heat can cause problems. Soldered joints in models or wiring will un-solder causing wires to come apart and brass models to deform and come apart. Wire, which is metal in a thin, dawn-out form, will not only deform but will lose other physical properties.

 

The reason for this post is the affect of an electrical short circuit has on the trolley pole! When the total amperage of the power supply goes through the trolley pole; the wire used for the trolley pole, the material used for the trolley shoe or wheel and trolley base, the springs, and the screw and/or material used to hold the trolley pole to the roof of the model will be affected.

 

The most common affect I’ve seem is the deformation of the springs. First the springs will become hot and then glow until the electric current is turned off. After this the springs are soft and stretched-out. The springs will no longer hold the trolley pole up to the trolley wire. The only way to get the trolley pole to work again is to replace the springs.

 

Recently I obtained a streetcar which would not run when placed on my test track. The test track is a 36” long straight piece of track with overhead wire. An old power supply is used to power the test track. To see the amount of current used both a voltmeter and ammeter are part of the electrical circuit.

This photo is the power supply installed at 1 end of the test track.

From left to right - a brass rod line side pole with the positive power supply attached with an alligator clip.

At the bottom right is the negative power lead attached to the track.

The black electrical panel part in the center contains the 2 meters.

The black wire coming out of the panel is the positive and negative power leads with alligator clips.

The use of the toggle switch in the bottom center of the panel is unknown.

The toggle switch at the bottom right of the panel controls the direction.

At the right is the small but useful power supply. 

 

The voltmeter and ammeter are an important part of the circuit. You can tell immediately the electrical “condition” of the model or whatever is connected to the wire leads of the power supply.

 

Recently to test a newly acquired non-operating model (without disassembling the model or placing it on the test track) the positive (red) lead was connected to the trolley pole and the negative (black) lead to the power truck. The model didn’t run.


Next, the trolley pole was removed (unscrewed) from the model. The pole unscrewed unevenly from the model (This turns out to be an interesting observation.). The positive lead was attached to the 2-56 screw sticking out of the model’s roof. The model still didn’t run.

 

I knew there was an electrical short circuit in the model. Without knowing exactly where the short was, I decided to replace the “wiring” from the inside of the trolley base to the motor lead outside the model on the floor exterior. This was estimated to be a 30 minute task.

 

Without going into too much of a discussion, the model was wired-up so the power truck could be easily electrically disconnected from the model. At the same time the negative ground was brought-up into the model. This later part was done for the future installation of interior lighting in the model.

 

Back to my interesting observation of the difficult trolley pole removal from the model – it’s the reason for this post. The correct trolley pole base for the model is a 4 or 2 spring vertical. This was on the model when I got it. Observation of the trolley pole base disclosed the vertical part of the base was curved.

 

The springs were removed to be able to better see the base and perform corrective actions. The vertical part of the base was deformed when the full amount of electrical current of the power supply went through the trolley pole. The piece of metal heated up enough to become soft. The action of the springs was strong enough to cause the heated piece of metal to take on an “S” shape.

 

The part of base which was deformed was a lost wax casting. Small protrusions were filed off. Then the trolley base was placed in a vice to apply enough pressure to straighten the metal casting.

 

 

The springs were replaced and the trolley pole moved up and down without any problems. To blacken the part of the trolley pole which had deformed, the lower portion of the trolley pole was dipped into Neolube #2. At the same time this will improved the electrical connection where the 2-56 screw, screws into the trolley base. Allow the Neolube to dry first before attaching the trolley pole to the model.

 

 

The bottom line of this post is when 1^st testing a model which you have never seen run, test it with a power supply having both amp and volt meters. If there is a short, high amperage draw for a comparable model, immediately turn off the power to avoid any damage to the electrical circuit.

 

If a model with an electrical short circuit is allowed to have high amperage go through the model for an appreciable length of time, inspect the model including the trolley pole for damage. The trolley pole may have been damaged in a way which alters the geometry of the shoe or slider and the trolley wire.


Trolley poles are expensive. But at the same time they are the part of the model which sets it apart from other railway models.

Cheers,
Ed

East Penn Trolley Club and Additional Vendors Listed

Three Chicago area retail hobby shops have been listed at the bottom of this page under "Traction Suppliers & Chicago Area Hobby Shops With Web Sites".


Each is unique and has carved out a particular niche in the O scale market besides stocking the normal modeling supplies found in other hobby shops.


Finding a retail store (hobby shop) which will stock trolley parts can be a problem. This is why trolley oriented vendors are listed at the bottom of this page. A hobby shop near your location can supply the items common to all model railroaders.


In posts in this blog are mentioned specific vendors for unique items covered in the post. When possible a link to the vendor is provided.


While I know there are other hobby shops which stock HO models, please recall this is an O scale oriented blog. I have very little knowledge about HO trolleys and models.


It's important for modelers to know the hobby shop(s) in his or her area to be able to obtain the day to day hobby supplies. 


One exceptionally useful web page is the list of trolley specific vendors provided by the East Penn Trolley Club (EPTC). http://www.eastpenn.org/manuf.html


By the way, are you a member of the EPTC? Here is a link to the membership application. http://www.eastpenn.org/membershipapp2010.pdf  Why not join?


The next biannual EPTC 21st National Model Trolley Meet is planned for May 2-5, 2013. It will be held at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. Check out this link for more info.  http://www.eastpenn.org/meet.html 


Cheers,
Ed

Westchester Junction Part 2

After installing lighting in your models and layout buildings, the next most attention getting "device" is to have trackside and grade crossing signaling on your layout.


I used the Circuitron BD-2 circuit boards. Circuitron electronic boards allowed me to install a system free of the layout's electrical track circuits. One Circuitron board was required for each block plus the trackside signals. There  is a cost to install trackside signals no matter which electronic system you pick.


If you don't have the funds to do the entire layout, you can start with just one track block. Pick the area of the layout where you are most likely to get the most attention. After you have installed the system as your friends bestow positive comments upon you. start to plan for the next block.


Now back to my newly install home interlocking block signal. The east bound home interlocking signals on my layout can display 4 different combination of aspects.

Green over Green = PROCEED at allowed speed per employee rule book..

 

 

Red over Red = ABSOLUTE STOP Only instructions from the dispatcher can over ride the signal.

 

Green over Red = STOP  The track ahead is clear, however the turnout at the junction is set for the diverging route. An east bound train may be leaving Westchester Station. After waiting for 5 minutes contact the junction tower to see what is going on.

 

 

 

Red over Green = STOP The track ahead may be occupied and the turnout at the junction is set for your route. After waiting for 5 minutes proceed at restricted speed prepared to stop within your view of the track ahead.

 

 

My review of the trackside signals on my layout gave me more realistic signals. I hope visitors to my layout will enjoy watching the signals change color more than they have in the past. Now if I can only get the road crossing signals working! There are 3 of them. Maybe next summer when more work will be done on the layout the grade crossings can be made to work. The balance of the year is for model building and re-working older models.

 

 

Cheers,

Ed

Westchester Junction Part 1

After receiving a number of positive comments about signaling on my layout, I made an executive decision to replace the newly installed single head signal for east bound trains at Westchester Junction with a new home interlocking signal with 2 heads on the mast. The upper head (red and green aspects) is for the track ahead while the lower head (red and green aspects), normally for a diverting route, is for the condition of the junction. 

Another way of saying "condition of the junction" is the red or green aspects will tell if the track turnout is set for through (green) or diverted (red) traffic.

This brings up some interesting set of potential aspect configurations. But before getting into the configurations, here's the installation of the signal.

This is the new signal base held in place using a generic clear "DAP Kiwik Seal". The material comes out white and cures clear.



A machinist square is used to "square-up" the signal mast.

 

 

A view down the tracks. The mast leans a little from the tracks. NMRA Clearance Standards are followed for the placement of the signal.

 

 





The next morning the adhesive is curing. More adhesive was used than required.

 

 

Even though the adhesive has not completely cured, the area is re-ballasted.

 

 

The name of the junction is placed on the building. The name was prepared on a computed for the desired size. After being "glued" onto a 0.010" thick of styrene using the clear generic DAP adhesive caulk, the name was covered with clear adhesive tape. The sign was cut out with a razor blade then attached to the building using the caulk.

 

 

Here is an over view of the new junction looking east bound with its signals in place.

 

 

You may have noticed the 2 electrical heads on the junction building. One pair is for the company telephone while the other pair is for 120 v electricity. The junction building will be receiving telephone and electrical service from the Westchester station.

 

 

We'll cover the various light configurations in the next post.

 

 

Cheers,

Ed

 

 

Installation of Elevated Junction Tower

Many years ago a then Chooch, now available through Berkshire Valley, Elevated Crossing Tower was purchased and built. There was never a suitable location on my layout for the building. After installing the new track signals, a potential location started to grow on me. Why not use the tower not for a grade crossing but instead for the junction where the CRT Westchester branch joins the main line? It could be called "Westchester Junction".


But 1st, if you are using signals with miniature light bulbs, getting the same amount of color from like color bulbs may be a problem. You may have to deepen the color of a bulb. Up until recent times most glass bulbs were colored or tinted with clear (You can see through it.) lacquer paint. Within the past couple of years, to make the paint more environmentally friendly, the solvent base has been changed to a water miscible formula. The new "tints" or "stains" as they are called do not color the glass as well as the lacquer base tints.

These are the new glass tints or stains available at Michaels.

 

The other way to deepen the color of a glass bulb is to use a Stanford's permanent marker of the same color. I hope they are still made with a lacquer based tint. Also, I don't know if a yellow marker is made. However, if you have to use the new water miscible tints there is a way to use them and still get reasonably good results. After dipping your brush in the tint, wait about a minute or so before applying the tint on the glass bulb. The stain will dry a little before application. You may have to apply more stain after the 1st coating dries.


Other ways to get all the aspects to have the same color concentration is to use LED's instead of bulbs or better yet use new Keil-Line signals. They come with plastic lenses for the aspects. The colors are almost guaranteed.


After the installation of the elevated tower was complete, standing there admiring my work, the thought came to me the tower was controlling an important point on the layout called "Westchester Junction". Should the signals at the west and east of the Junction be part of the automatic block system or home signals controlling the Junction?

Suitable signs still have to be made and mounted for "Westchester Junction".

 

 

James Bond in a Toyota 2000GT Open-Top model, driven by his girlfriend Aki, is trying to escape from Blofeld in "You Only Live Twice". Bob the watchman is holding them for an approaching train.

The beauty of the matter is, it's a hobby. There are other trolley modeling items to take care of. The question of the signals can be answered and fixed if necessary later!

Cheers,
Ed