CNJ 1000
Astro Craft Brass Import
A couple weeks ago I was sent a link to an auction on eBay for this Astro Craft brass model of CNJ 1000. I managed to outbid a few others to get a hold of it. While not in the best of condition, all the parts were included and I believe I can fix it up into a respectable model.
I had planned to buy a set of Northwest Shortline PDT power trucks to power it as the old motor and gears in this model are useless. I gave them a call today only to find out they have discontinued the small versions as they can no longer get the motors, and to top it off they are retiring after 50 years in business and currently do not have a buyer for the business. 🙁
So if you have a PDT with a 7′ wheelbase and 36″ wheels (they made these) you have a buyer….
The rivet detail is a bit crude and there aren’t enough of th…
Geez, I just turned into one of those, I feel like I should have a shower.
This looks like it might be a good project, but I probably won’t start on it for a while, at least until there is some track to run it on.
-T.
About the Author:
I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!
Posted by: Tim | 04-16-2008 | 10:04 PM
Posted in: Latest Posts
Have you seen the Black Beetle (shortest wheelbase 1mm too long) or the BullAnt? I have no connection with either other than as a satisfied customer.
Hey Tim:
It look right at home on the layout. Nice find. I think I owned one of these years ago – got it at Niagara Central, painted silver. My first brass loco. Enjoy!
– Trevor
Hi,
I looked into the Black Beetle and they do have a suitable unit. Hadn’t heard of the BullAnt version and checked them out this morning. They look very impressive and I will investigate these a bit further.
They are both about the same price around $110. This little engine will be worth a pretty penny when finished, but probably worth it as it is kind of the center piece.
Will also need a sound unit….
$$$$$$
-T.
Tim,
I would not use a PDT or a BullAnt. For a switching layout like this you need a very high gear reduction in the area of 50:1 or higher. After all it will be all switching and not much roundy-round. (Your layout gives it a new meaning! ; ) )
Either one of the above drives will turn your model into a jack rabbit.
Just my opinion.
If the drive is OK I would just toss in a gearhead motor from Faulhaber or something similar.
Chris
The drive is a vertical worm with the motor mounted on the top of the trucks. A series of spur gears drive two of the four wheels. I don’t believe this would run very well at all, but I haven’t actually tried it.
I used a PDT on an Athern hustler and found it ran very well, especially at slow speeds.