I heard from Rich Yoder today, of RY Models. He has just received a second batch of the Proto48 PRR 2D-F8 50 ton planked trucks. They are in stock again and available on his website at $48 per pair.
I picked up some of these trucks the first time he imported them. They sold out fast.
I’ve only seen this production in the photos he sent me today. They arrive with treads polished, trucks blackened ready to install.
I look forward to seeing them in person in a couple of weeks in Chicago.
Protocraft’s number 8 right hand prefab turnout – Photo from Protocraft website
Protocraft’s number 8 left hand prefab turnout – Photo from Protocraft website
I was on the Protocraft site last night and noticed a pair of new prefab turnouts have been added to their line. Protocraft is offering both a left and a right hand turnout built with Parts from John Pautz of American Swith and Signal. The description on the site explains what they are:
Prefabricated turnout ready to install. Compliments Protocraft’s Code 125 flex-track. Built by Brad Strong of Signature Switch Co for Protocraft. Right-O-Way Code 125 rail and highly detailed #8 frog and track parts cast in nickel silver from patterns by John Pautz. $99.95 each, plus shipping.
This is great news for those folks that have thought about modeling in Proto48 but did not want to build their own turnouts. One more excuse not to model in Proto48 removed.
I plan to build my own turnouts. I don’t find it difficult and I enjoy building track. So these turnouts are not a product that I’ve been waiting for. But as a Proto48 modeler, I’m very glad to see them produced.
What is Proto48?
That question has been a topic of debate with Proto48 modelers for a number of years. Basically there are two schools of thought on the matter. The one thought is that it is just a set of standards to correct the gauge mistake in O scale and also make the wheels close to the prototype in size. The other side of the debate thinks it’s more than just gauge, it’s really about finescale modeling throughout the model. Usually when one of these debates rise up it ends up in some foul words being exchanged, some hurt feelings and a few PO folks. None of this is good for anybody.
Lets step back and take a look at the history of Proto48. It has it’s origins in trying to make the gauge and wheel width more accurately depict the prototype. A very nice history of Proto48 is presented well on the Proto48.org website. But one could also argue that it was understood that these guys were modeling to finescale standards with the rest of their models, they just got tired of placing out of scale trucks on their models.
My Experience with Proto48
I am proud to be called a rivet counter. I actually have counted rivets on my models and on the prototype drawings I have done for RMC. When I first converted to 1/4 inch modeling, the realization that my models had trucks with the incorrect gauge bothered me. Then I heard about Proto48, and I had to be a part of it.
After more than ten years of happy Proto48 modeling, I made the well meaning mistake of joining a local model railroad club. Their pushing and prodding convinced me to “just change out my trucks” on my proto48 models and “I could run my models on their layout.”
My model railroad club experience has given me a lot of things (not all good). For this conversation, let’s just say it made me realize that I was not happy with my same models when they had O scale trucks under them. Even though my models had the same level of detail (because they were actually the same models). I was not satisfied with their appearance. I responded better to them with Proto48 trucks under them. After leaving the club, it did take me a few years to figure this out.
Modeling in regular O scale is much easier than modeling Proto48. Open the box and place the model on the rails. Instant gratification at it’s best. You don’t have to convert, upgrade or do anything to your models. Or do you?
I started measuring and comparing the models being produced against the NMRA Standards. I found out that not every manufacturer builds their models to the same set of standards. Once I began to see that almost none of the models were within all the NMRA Standards and that they needed to be modified anyway, it made even more sense to model in Proto48 again.
Which Proto48 Camp Am I In?
I always believed I fell close to gauge side of the debate. I guess that had more to do with hearing guys quote Proto48 standards for one thing or another to manufacturers. None of these “quoted standards” existed. Only the “Gauge and Wheel Standards” exist. So I took more of the stand that Proto48 is just a wheel and track standard and a lot of ego thrown in also.
As I continue to focus my efforts to model the Reading, I’m finding that I’m beginning to lean to the finescale side of the fence. My modeling belief has always been that no mater what the width the gauge, the model should be detailed as accurately as time, prototype information, modeling skills and money permits.
The NMRA Proto48 standards are just a set of track and wheel standards. Modeling in Proto48 has opened my eyes to what I thought O Scale could and should be when I first converted to the scale. It has to do with making every detail as accurate and well as you can. That means research of the prototype, mastering new modeling techniques and generally just pushing your modeling skills beyond their current limits.
Is Proto48 Just a Set of Track Standards or Is Proto48 Finescale Modeling?
I don’t think the modelers on either side of the debate are wrong. What we have are just different approaches to modeling. The choices a modeler makes about the detail level of their models does have an effect on choices available for their layout. But these modeling choices are personal choices, and not a mandate of Proto48.
For me, I can model in Proto48 without modeling to finescale standards. I have found out that I can’t model to finescale standards without modeling in Proto48.
Protocraft and RY Models have imported some great Proto48 trucks. I like them a lot and I use them under a lot of my freight cars. We need a lot more types of trucks to start to get close to the variety of trucks the prototype had.
I can’t afford to place them under all my cars, maybe if I hit the lottery. I have been using two different manufacturers types of O scale trucks converted to Proto48 under a number of my cars.
Intermountain/Protocraft Truck
What a great truck! When you combine the Intermountain truck with their metal wheelsets, it is one of the best rolling O Scale trucks available. But what about Proto48?
Some Protocraft wheelsets will fit into the trucks without any trouble. I mostly have used the 33″ 50-ton, ARA “D” rated axle, double insulated, one wear tread. Some need to have the bluntness filed off the end of the axle to let them fit.
I have also tried the 33″ double-insulated rib-back wheelset in the IM truck. They fit and roll nicely but have a little side-to-side play. I’m not totally sold on them yet. I am testing them under a model currently.
Red Caboose/NWSL Truck
Many O Scale modelers will complain to you, these trucks don’t have the same axle length as the IM trucks. That is actually better for the Proto48 conversion, the NWSL Proto48 wheelsets drop right in and roll great with their pointed axle on Delrin truck side frames. Red Caboose had a Bettendorf and a T-section Bettendorf truck available.
NMRA Proto48 Specification
I measured the wheelsets and find the Protocraft wheelsets are within NMRA spec. Here are the measurements and the measurements are displayed on the NMRA S-4.1 Proto48 Wheel Standards page.
| Check Gauge | Back to Back | Wheel Width | Flange Width | Flange Depth | |
| Specification Range | 1.124 1.134 | 1.100 1.112 | 0.115 0.120 | 0.024 0.028 | 0.022 0.026 |
| NWSL 33″ Freight Wheelsets (no backside wheel detail) | 1.132 | 1.109 | 0.113 | 0.026 | 0.027 |
| Protocraft 33″ rib-back wheelset double insulated axles | 1.134 | 1.108 | 0.115 | 0.025 | 0.026 |
| Protocraft 33″ 50-ton ARA “D” rated axle double insulated, one wear tread | 1.129 | 1.106 | 0.115 | 0.025 | 0.024 |
Plus and Minus… Opinions
On the plus-side:
On the minus-side:
Overall: The minuses have not held me back from using these trucks for my Proto48 conversions. The cost savings can be even higher if you find some NWSL wheelsets at very low prices at the train shows, since a lot of Proto48 guys dismiss the NWSL wheelsets.
The Red Caboose/NWSL is my standard truck under my converted Lionel Offsets Twins, which currently numbers about 35 cars. The trucks do not have any brake detail at all and the NWSL wheelsets do not have backside of wheel detail either. But they are an inexpensive way to have a great rolling truck. And I feel that is more important under such a heavy car as the Lionel Offset Twin.
The Intermountain Truck was included in every kit they produced. So most O scale modelers should have a good supply on hand from that alone. I was also able to buy 50 pair of trucks for a special price from a local vendor. When combined with the Protocraft Bulk Wheelset Price, it puts the price per truck under $17 each. Compare that to the $52 dollar price for imported trucks. That kind of savings adds up quickly if your freight car fleet is larger than a dozen cars.
Don’t get me wrong, the current imported Proto48 trucks are great! We need more varieties of them. I try to support our Proto48 truck suppliers with my purchases almost every train show I attend. These two truck options help keep the costs of modeling in Proto48 down some. They also provide an easy way for new Proto48 modelers to try proto48 out and see if it is for them.
Machining the two new bolsters which have been soldered together
I was able to line up a trade of some surplus PRR equipment for a SGL Reading G3 Pacific. These models came out in 2002. They are nice models but rather lightly detailed. The Reading Modeler dose not have a lot of choices in mass produced steam locomotive models like some other roads have.
I had earlier taken apart the tender trucks to check out their design. It used a flat brass stamping as the bolster attached by screws into cast brass truck side frames. I test fit a set of Protocraft 36 inch wheel sets into the side frames to see if the axle ends would fit into the journal tubes on the side frames. They fit nicely into the side frame but not while the stock bolsters were in place. I measured the distance between the side frames without a bolster in place to get the length of the new bolsters that had to be made.
I purchased some K&S stock at my LHS which was just about the correct width and the same thickness of the old bolster.
I started by cutting two pieces of brass from the stock a little longer than the old bolsters. I soldered them together so that they could be machined at the same time. I placed the two pieces now soldered together into my milling vise. First I squared up the sides and ends. Then I machined them to the correct width. I marked the location of the holes based on the old bolster locations. The holes were drilled and tapped for 2-56 screws.
After the conversion, the old bolster and one O scale wheelsets in front of the two trucks.
Here we see the trucks reassembled. As I first stated these are a basic design. If a similar truck is ever produced in Proto48, I would love to an upgrade these trucks. Until then these will do.
Here is the Tender for the G3 after the conversion
The reassembled trucks were placed back under the tender using the original screws. Not that bad looking after they are placed under the tender. All in all not too rough to convert, next comes the locomotive.
RY Models New PRR 2D-F8 50 ton truck – Side View
RY Models New PRR 2D-F8 50 ton truck – Top View
Imported By: RY Models
MSRP 04/2013 $48.00/pr.
Description:
The PRR’s 2D-F8 50 ton truck began production in the 1920’s. It was placed under many of the road’s signature freight cars like the FM, GLa, and X29. PRR documents have the truck listed on the following classes: FM, GLa, GLb, GLc, GLe, GLf, GLg, GP, GPa, GR, GRa, GS, GSa, GSc, GSd, H22, K7, K8, U6, XL, XLa, XLc, X23, X23a, X23b, X24, X25, X25a, X25b, X25c, X25d, X28a, X29, X29a, X30.
The truck design did evolve over the years, the original design from the 1920’s had a riveted bolster. As casting improved in the 1930’s this was replaced with a cast bolster on new trucks. I have not seen any numbers for how many of each existed, or if the cast bolster was used as a replacement for the riveted bolster. Only that 2D-F8 trucks produced later in the 1930’s used a cast bolster. The trucks lasted in revenue service for more than fifty years.
PRR 2D-F8 50 ton truck photo from the RY Models website
The Proto48/O scale market has been asking for the PRR 2D-F8 trucks for a very long time. Other manufactures have promised to produce the 2D-F8 for a long time and nothing is on the market. I remember seeing early test shots from one manufacturer over 10 years ago. They still have not released a product to the public.
RY Models did produce the truck and the Proto48/O Scale market responded by selling out the first run of the trucks. If you didn’t pre-order you most likely missed this one.
The RY Models truck has is of the original riveted bolster. It scales very close to the PRR diagrams. The trucks have full brake detail.
The trucks were available from RY Models for $48.00 per pair. They are taking reservations for the next run of trucks.
RY Models New PRR 2D-F8 50 ton truck
NMRA Proto48 Specification:
I measured the trucks and find that they are within NMRA spec. Here are the measurements and I’ve added their measurements to the NMRA S-4.1 Proto48 Wheel Standards
| Check Gauge | Back to Back | Wheel Width | Flange Width | Flange Depth | |
| Specification Range | 1.124 1.134 |
1.100 1.112 |
0.115 0.120 |
0.024 0.028 |
0.022 0.026 |
| RY Models 50-ton PRR 2D-F8 double insulated axles |
1.131 | 1.110 | 0.115 | 0.027 | 0.025 |
Plus and Minus… Opinions:
On the plus-side:
And I am placing them under my freight cars TODAY!
On the minus-side:
Overall: The minuses have not held me back from purchasing these trucks. I look forward to their use under my PRR freight cars for many years to come.
I’m very glad to see more new freight car trucks on the Proto48/O scale market.
RY Models New 70 ton Keystone truck – Side View.
RY Models New 70 ton Keystone truck – End View.
Imported By: RY Models
MSRP 12/2012 $42.00/pr.
Description:
With the release of the USRA 70 Ton Triples from RY Models, Rich also introduced a new Proto48/O Scale truck. The Keystone 70-ton pedestal-type side frames truck, which was built by American Steel Foundries (A.S.F.). They appear in photographs of the of The USRA cars throughout most of their lives.
The new truck was produced in Proto48 and O Scale and is available on the new USRA 70 ton cars and as a seperate item. The trucks are available from RY Models for $42.00 per pair. http://www.richyodermodels.com/rym-o-scale-trucks.htm
I received these trucks under my hopper cars and also purchased a couple of pairs to go under a pair of cars I have been kit-bashing from the IM USRA Twins which will rerepresent the spot-repaired cars the NYC rostered later in their service lives.
NYC 915709 – photo from RY Models Website
The photo shows an NYC triple after being rebuilt with a center saw-tooth hopper and you can clearly see the Keystone Truck under the car. The website also shows them under C&O, P&LE, PMcK&Y and Virginian hoppers.
NMRA Proto48 Specification:
I measured the trucks and find that they are within NMRA spec. Here are the measurements and I’ve added their measurements to the NMRA S-4.1 Proto48 Wheel Standards
| Check Gauge | Back to Back | Wheel Width | Flange Width | Flange Depth | |
| Specification Range | 1.124 1.134 |
1.100 1.112 |
0.115 0.120 |
0.024 0.028 |
0.022 0.026 |
| RY Models 70 ton Keystone truck
double insulated axles |
1.132 | 1.104 | 0.115 | 0.026 | 0.023 |
Plus and Minus… Opinions:
On the plus-side: The trucks measured up fine against the NMRA Specification and the track fine under the cars. The trucks do look very nice, they capture the look of the prototype based on the photo I’ve seen.
On the minus-side: They do look slightly compressed (width wise) at the spring area, the photos show a wider three spring front face, as typical with 70 ton trucks of the time. The model has the center spring slightly recessed, almost like the difference between a 70-ton and a 50-ton truck.
Another issue with most RY Models trucks is that they do not have any casting information on the side frames. You know, the cool looking letters on the side frames that in O scale you can actually read. But being able to read them is part of the problem also, what should it say? I know Rich has wanted to model this information in the past and has reached out to a number of freight car experts seeking out this information with varied success. I know first-hand that rather than guess or put the wrong information there he has chosen to not include it.
Overall: The minuses have not held me back from purchasing these trucks. I look forward to their use under my hopper cars for many years to come.
I’m very glad to see a new freight car truck on the Proto48/O scale market.
Warner Clark in front of his layout.
In posting about the layouts we visited during the National, I’ve saved the best for last. Warner Clark has built a Proto48 railroad that is a wonferful joy to see. Just like the other two basements, Warner also has a large basement, but he chose to only use a small portion of it for the railroad. Warner explained while we were there, “I wanted to finish the railroad in this lifetime.”
While the size of the railroad may be modest, the modeling is not modest at all, it’s first rate. There were no unfinished models displayed on the layout. Instead we saw finished scenes and finished models. Even with the new addition under construction, there was a greater level of finish to the modeling. Everything fit together to tell different stories.
Warner has also embraced some modern layout design concepts of modeling between the fencelines. Most of the railroad is on a shallow shelf around the walls. A new area of a town is being built on a second level over the backside of the railroad.
The next day we saw that O Scale Kings was using images of Warner’s layout to promote O Scale in their booth. Proto48 being used to promote O Scale.
I should point out that I went to the National with three other guys from the Eastern Pennsylvania. We talked about Warner’s layout a lot on the drive back and since returning. His layout was a wonderful example of what can be done with Proto48 and O Scale, but so often isn’t.
We have all said the San Juan trucks have enough detail to be a model by themselves, Warner did it.
A wider view of the wheel service area.
The details make the scene.
I’ve seen bigger NKP scenes, none better.
This is modeling between the fences on a shelf at its best.
The most photographed part of Warner’s layout for a reason
A longer view of the junction scene.
Beautiful track work!
A simple scene that captures the feel of two different railroads.
I’m not a fan of gates to enter a rialroad, but this one was nicely done.
Warner’s sense of story telling comes through in this scene with the police car.
