Yes, I have started building a LRV from scratch using plans for the classic Pittsburgh LRV units. Seeing how there are no models on the market, and I want one. I’ll post photos of my progress, my drawing, and anything else related. I’m still figuring out the articulated joint in the middle, what to power it, getting a floor,etc. Stay tuned for details.
Here’s where I am stopping for today. 
Jimmy:
You have picked an ambitious project and it should be fun as well as a challenge. As a Pittsburgher, I’ve ridden the “T” many times and it will be interesting to see how your project turns out. I’m looking forward to following your progress.
Joe
My only challenge so far seems to be getting the catenary pole, the frame,etc. Also, the articulated Parr between the cars seems to be a challenge.
I was thinking of putting the motor in one car- possibly as close the the articulated area as possible- - and leaving the other one a dummy with a full interior. Considering its probably NOT going to fit the trolley line on the club layout, I’m gonna need to put a decoder in it as well.
I’ve got an update. The sides of both cars have been cut out and ready for primer, windows/doors and such. I have one operator end done as well. I still have a TON to do, but I’m starting to see the LRV coming out.
Good start Jimmy.
Joe
Here’s where I am stopping tonight. Here’s the unpowered end. Its missing a roof, a floor/trucks, interior and the details. But the shell is finished. I was planning to put the motor in the other end, and prototypically darken those windows, while keeping these somewhat lighter to show an interior.
Could I ask you to un-acronym those names PAT-LRV? I’m unfamilier with the lingo, although it looks like your building some type of motor car or stereet car.
Sorry about about that.
. PAT=Port Authority Transit. Pittsburgh’s commuter service. More commonly known as the “T”
LRV. Light rail vehicle. The modern trolleys in cities.
See this site for an example. http://www.angelfire.com/ny/tramstop/patlrv.html you’re gonna have to copy the link into your browser.
Thanks for the clarification. We have a LRV down in the Twin Cities. Our Rastling Governor, Jesse (The Body) Ventura got it started.
Hi Jimmy,
If you haven’t figured out your powertrain yet, Bowser makes a kit that includes two trucks, one powered, one dummy, a driveshaft and motor.
Here’s a link:
http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoother/trolleys/misc/misc.htm
The wheelbase is set at 6’-6", but you have your choice of wheel diameter. Bowser also offers a couple different trolley poles.
Another traction source is Custom Traxx. They have decals, parts and kits for sale, articles on building traction models, and links to other sources.
Here’s their website: http://www.customtraxx.com
And there’s the East Penn Traction Club, another great trolley resource. Their website is http://www.eastpenn.org
Eric
Is that a Siemens SD-400 or the later CAF ones? Although I guess they’re pretty much identical anyhow. Building it to Pennsylvania Trolley gauge?
The 400 with the yellow stripe. I’m building it to standard gauge so I can run it on the club layout. Maybe I would do a second one to PA broad gauge.
A little update. Primed the unpowered end.
You can see it has the start of a floor