I’ve acquired an old Ken Kidder McKeen Motor car and needless to say the drive leaves something to be desired. Actually, it doesn’t work at all. We forget how bad the drive systems were 40 years ago. Any thoughts about re-powering it? I have a P2000 SW-7 chassis with a decoder already installed that might fit over the shell. Anyone sell power trucks like the old PFM Spud? Thoughts? - Nevin
Check out NorthWest Short Line. One of their PDT trucks might be just what you’re looking for.
Wayne
I have one of those also. The power truck on the McKeen cars was very distinctive, with the lead axle wheels of that truck a larger diameter than the rear ones. Using a conventional power truck may well remove that appearance that is a defining “look” to the piece. At best, it would be difficult to attach the truck side-frames.
I can add little details for hours, but I’m not comfortable with much of the mechanical tinkering (I worry that it may end up “…beyond all recognition”). I sent mine to one of the re-power/re-motor folks that advertise in the back classified pages of Model Railroader. His response was to replace the motor with a nice can motor that draws far less amperage and thus starts without jerking and can run slower. The motor he used was pretty large, and after getting the McKeen back I had to do just a little work to keep the truck-mounted motor from shorting out against the frame on sharp curves. I do have a functional piece now, although it cost me more than the purchase price of the brass McKeen.
Bill