General Models NW2

[ScaleCraft]

I have a bunch of these...and that's just in 3-rail. I have 3 or 4 in 2-rail.
Picked up a really badly done unit some time ago. Ends gone, and the PO had installed Lionel electromagnetic couplers. I got the correct 3-rail ends (long coupler slot), had the Thomas fixed couplers for it. Installed a set of pickup rollers.

In lockdown, what else can I do....I know!
Dig out one of the new QSI ACRU's I have (invoice in the box 1993), installed it, wired it in, lubed it up, and another one lives!

Two of my units are wired for back-to-back operation, this one just forward. I have one that's a dummy, as the power block is worn out. I think that makes 5 in 3-rail.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Sounds like good fun

[ScaleCraft]

Oh, it was and is! Beats the begeezus out of whinging over TMCC, DCS, sound files, programming, addressing.
Other than the QSI unit, it's OLD school...and 30-year-old QSI almost classifies itself as "Old School"!

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Oh, it was and is! Beats the begeezus out of whinging over TMCC, DCS, sound files, programming, addressing.
Other than the QSI unit, it's OLD school...and 30-year-old QSI almost classifies itself as "Old School"!

Strip it down further to simple DC for 2 rail and I'm good with it.

[ScaleCraft]

Three or four are..including one SW1 GM with PerMag vertical motor.
I think one is dual powered, straight cut AN gears, and speedometer cable drivelines. Use it to "settle" new ballast in!

As delivered these GM 3-rails had a horizontal e-unit. Horrible POS things. Somebody once opined they were Thomas.

As you brought the power up, the engine started moving, as the voltage got high enough for the armature shaft in the e-unit coil to pull against the spring needed for horizontal mounting, silly thing went into neutral. Power up...up..and up...e-unit operated, POW into reverse.

I have those units in a box if anybody wants some history....

[v8vega]

Where did that "Old School" saying come from as it makes no sense?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

"Old School" originated in reference to a group of people noted for conservative views or principles on some professional or political matter from the noun phrase, "party belonging to a former time or having the characteristics, manner, and opinions of a bygone age" (1749)....from etymology online

[ScaleCraft]

or, a more pedestrian translation...in this instance....old design and engineering school. Open frame, field wound motor with spur gear train linking worm to wheels...and fixed couplers....and body casting from the immediate postwar era..and big screw-in light bulbs......

[bob turner]

I too have a number of these. Three of them are cast brass; one zamac model has its cab cut off and replaced with a brass extension of the hood. Are you guys avoiding the 2-Rail forum? Butch is trying to keep it going, but could use some help.

[ScaleCraft]

I too have a number of these. Three of them are cast brass; one zamac model has its cab cut off and replaced with a brass extension of the hood. Are you guys avoiding the 2-Rail forum? Butch is trying to keep it going, but could use some help.

Are you sure they're Zamac and not pot metal? I have never seen one of these suffer from Zamac Rot, but my sampling is small.
When I file down casting edges on these, it sure seems harder than Zamac.

Not avoiding 2-rail, as this is specifically 3-rail

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I too have a number of these. Three of them are cast brass; one zamac model has its cab cut off and replaced with a brass extension of the hood. Are you guys avoiding the 2-Rail forum? Butch is trying to keep it going, but could use some help.

Are you sure they're Zamac and not pot metal? I have never seen one of these suffer from Zamac Rot, but my sampling is small.
When I file down casting edges on these, it sure seems harder than Zamac.

Technically, Zamac is a pot metal as all Zn allots are pot metal. There are also many different Zamac alloys, and they have different levels of hardness. At least 4 different ones are used. Think some of the cheaper ones are also softer.

Not avoiding 2-rail, as this is specifically 3-rail

Might as well bring a few pics of the 2-rail ones over to the 2-rail forum, just for the entertainment value.

[ScaleCraft]

I too have a number of these. Three of them are cast brass; one zamac model has its cab cut off and replaced with a brass extension of the hood. Are you guys avoiding the 2-Rail forum? Butch is trying to keep it going, but could use some help.

Are you sure they're Zamac and not pot metal? I have never seen one of these suffer from Zamac Rot, but my sampling is small.
When I file down casting edges on these, it sure seems harder than Zamac.

Might as well bring a few pics of the 2-rail ones over to the 2-rail forum, just for the entertainment value.

Did.
Just.
That.

Except for one......

[ScaleCraft]

Technically, Zamac is a pot metal as all Zn allots are pot metal. There are also many different Zamac alloys, and they have different levels of hardness. At least 4 different ones are used. Think some of the cheaper ones are also softer.

I was reminded today of the working differences in model railroading Zamac and Pot Metal.
Granted, many different alloys...but....I find pot metal is much harder, and more difficult to file that Zamac.

I was working today on some SC passenger sideframes, filing casting sprues and such, and it is substantially harder than the Zamac I found on H0 Varney, Mantua and English castings.