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This board is the place where questions and information specific to MODELING the Reading Company, its equipment and operations can be shared - questions like "What was the window arrangement of AF Tower in Alburtis?" and "What color paint do YOU use to paint the Reading's cream-and-brown buildings?" We also want to hear about YOUR Reading modeling projects!
TOPIC: Life-Like Proto 2000 gets DCC w/snd
Life-Like Proto 2000 gets DCC w/snd 7 years 1 month ago #5763
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Picked up several Walthers Proto N&W GP30 DCC/snd units a few weeks ago when WKW's TGIF Sale special's price was a bit too irresistible. The thought was to cobble the DCC/snd chassis to replace those in the original Life Like Proto 2000 Phase I GP30. Why the high hood N&W Phase I units? If the swap was too labor intensive or just not feasible, the units would remain stock and serve as power on a N&W coal movement over the RDG's cross line during BYOT sessions. Fortunately, there will be no N&W coal train. The Proto by Walthers N&W unit's frame is, for all practical purposes, the same as the Proto 2000 frame. The nose of the newer frame differs only in that it has a notch for a head lamp bulb. A weight/diffuser lens is attached to the nose with a single screw and a light module held in place with a rubbery adhesive. Voile! With the weigh and lamp module temporarily moved back into the cab area, the RDG shell fit on perfectly. The smaller 1700 gallons fuel tank needed only a countersunk hole for the mounting screw. "Voile!" again - almost. The weight and light module fit loosely into the cab roof. A little styrene shimming and the head light and number board would have light. As I said, "almost". The weight had to be flipped to align the diffusing lens with the number boards, easy peasy. Not. There was no access hole for the LED bulb, and even if there was, the bulb was not tall enough to extend up behind the lens.
Will try to modify the light module but will more likely end up replacing it with an LED and dropping resistor. As WKW is still listing, at discounted prices, all of the N&W units plus some low nose Phase I units, those interested may keep an eye on them to go on special again. As the special sale price was within pocket change of acquiring parts to upgrade the older model, it is very economical considering it is almost a straight drop-in plus you get a newer drive. Attached are a few photos. PS I am a WKW Yardmaster member, which has proved worthwhile as there was no shipping charged for these four units.
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Did You Know?
September 6, 1945
#2100, the first T-1 4-8-4 steam locomotive, is outshopped at Reading.
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