Alco Models Virginian EL-3A JackShaft

A set like this has me wanting to add catenary system to my home layout.

Unfortunately, the decal coupon is so old, it won’t do me much good. Fortunately, an outfit called Great Decals makes several different sets for the Jack Shafts.

The three identical units operated as one, and had an unusual side rod configuration, not very common on electric locomotives. The front and rear wheels on each unit didn’t actually touch the track. They simply transferred power to the eight inner drivers via the side rods. The JackShafts were built in 1925 by Alco (not the model buider!) and Westinghouse. They operated on the Virginian electrified railways primarily as coal haulers. The three units were semi-permanently coupled together for operation.

These units have a bit of ink staining on them from the plastic wrapping, but that will easily come off in prep for painting. Detail is good, but they run really rough right now, which is expected from models that have sat idle for so long. They’ll eventually get tuned up, painted and DCC’s for modern layout operation.

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Originally posted 2014-05-10 17:20:26.