I’m modeling B&M, MEC and Portland Terminal, loosely. I have a Proto 2000 PT Alco S3 with black trucks. I also have a Proto 2000 B&M Alco S1 with silver trucks. Does this reflect the original trucks on each locomotive?
Second question. Proto made the PT S3 in a limited edition, no surprise there, with one road number. If I obtained a second PT S3 it would have, of course, the same road number as my first one. What would be the best way to redo a second S3 to have a second road number?
The S1 and S3 were the same but had different trucks from one another:
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The S1s had blunt trucks. The S3s had AAR type A trucks. (See below)
S1
S3
As far as whether B&M painted their S3 trucks silver or not, I don’t know right hand. However, Fallen flags web site might have some pictures of some for you to detemine that.
I think I may have an answer for you. I believe that the Boston & Maine painted the trucks on selected locomotives that were used for both frieght and passenger service. I remember reading that somewhere recently.
I also model the B&M and have nearly 70 engines ranging from Late Steam up to the GP-9’s. Taking a look at my inventory, this is what I’ve noticed…
5 different RS-3’s (Atlas and Athearn RTR) 1 has silver trucks.
9 different “F” units (F-2, F-3, F-7) (Athearn Genesis and Intermountain) 4 have silver trucks.
3 different E-7’s (Proto 2000 and BLI) 1 has silver trucks.
8 different “S” units (Proto 2000 and Atlas) 3 have silver trucks.
Answer to second question: one could use a white soft eraser to work the road number off and then use some Microscale number decals to replace the missing #,
Click to enlarge picture
S1
S3