Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows of plans that might be available for the PRR E44 electrics.
I'd like to build a 1.5" scale model of one but I need some detailed plans. The only thing I have been able to locate is the PRRH&TS that has a line drawing (or folio) that is a basic outline with a few dimensions.
Thanks.
Doug

Have you tried to contact The RRMPA in Strasburg? I know they had one in the yard last time I was there...this is going back a good number of years. It might have been relocated indoors but they would probably be able to help you...

Doug,

Did you try this reference from the MR Mag Index?

E-44 - the new Pennsy electric loco
Railroad Model Craftsman, December 1961 page 18
( E44, ELECTRIC, PRR, "SCHOPP, BILL", SCRATCHBUILD, CONSTRUCTION, ENGINE, LOCOMOTIVE, RMC )

Steve Zuiderveen

Thanks.
I have contacted the RRMPA via e-mail and have a response letter. I also tried to find the PA State Archives where I think many box car loads of PRR documentation ended up. However, I have not been able to find a contact there yet.
I am planning on getting up to see the E-44 in Strasburg as soon as I can afford the time off.
I did locate a pair of partial plans for the E-44 on the internet for the right side and left side. No front, rear or top. I am busy digitizing a set of plans based upon that drawing as a starting place. I used a PRR folio diagram (outline of locomotive with a few basic dimensions) of the E-44 from the PRRH&TS web site to get a scale factor.
If I still need the missing ends and top, I will see about measuring them while in Strasburg as well as verifying my plans for the left and right sides.
Doug vV

Thanks Steve,
I had seen the July 1966 RMC article about altering an AHM U25C to make a low cost E-44 stand in. It referenced the December 1961 article (by the same author) but I have not been able to locate the issue.
My main PC I think has a link to a RR magazine web site, but I can not recall it and my main PC took an unexpected hit when the power went out during a thunderstorm and is not functional.
I did not find a copy on eBay. Does anyone know where I might find a copy of the RMC December 1961 magazine?
Thanks

Douglas van Veelen

You probably would have the most luck altering the Virginian EL2B electric which became PRR, PC, Conrail E-33s when sold by N&W around 1962. I can't recall which company made the model, but it shouldn't be too hard to find out. Good luck!

Hi,
Good suggestion if I was modeling in HO scale. However, I plan to try 1.5" to the foot scale (live steam).
Thanks.
Doug

Do you plan to make a working model? With catenary? If you do, I don't think 12volts dc would work.

Oh, sure 12VDC would work. Just need lots of amps. You'd likely even get full sized sound effects from the contactors.

If I would make a "working model", I would have to make an extra tall pan to get to the overhead. I'm talking a 1/8th size riding model. Of course, I could investigate putting a hole in my chest to have the catenary travel through 8)

I have a working battery powered 12V diesel (4-wheel switcher). I use a 1/2 HP electric motor.

I am designing a 2.5" scale Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose. I am planning on using four (4) 1HP electric motors and gearing for a top speed of about 5 MPH. The 1HP motors are 24V. I've designed the electronics controller so that it will work in either 12V or 24V and be able to MU (although RGS motor #7 would look odd MUed to a PRR E44 motor would look odd).

With the Goose, the freight compartment would be available for a small gas motor and a generator (I have two D&RGW 3000 series box cars for use as a gas engine carrier also).

For the E44, I could place a motor in a boxcar that could be connected to the E44. Then it would work as a gas electric also.

I much prefer the quite battery powered locomotive. However, for day long or weekend long meets, the extra gas motor is nice to have. With both the gas motor and the electric transmission, If I need to move the loco a short distance, I do not need to turn on the gas engine.

I'd love to try working catenary. I built a section in HO using 30ga nickel silver wire to see how the pull-offs, section blocks, turnouts, and the other items needed for full scale PRR cat. From the engineering end, it is quite interesting.

Doug

The Virginian EL-C would be a better stand-in for the E-44's. The EL-2b's were the streamlined B+B+B+B=B+B+B+B permanently coupled sets.

You're right! My mistake - it was late.

you might try here

http://www.railpub.com/Catalogs/us_rr_model_magazines.pdf

usual disclaimer...no interest in this company other than being a satisfied customer.

sc 'doc' lewis