[tkruger]

I purchased a pair of Budd cars. The powered one is easy to light as I can draw the power from the motor leads. How do I power the Dummy? The wheels are plastic. They are also an odd size that I cannot find to date. When running pairs of Budd cars did the run cables between them (I could then use small wire). I want to avoid the battery method if possible.

 

[tooter]

How do I light these?
I want to avoid the battery method if possible.

Lighter fluid.

 

[derfberger]

yep small wires, permanently attach them together

 

[full maxx]

Lighter fluid.

and a match...if you dont want to run wires between them (which is easier) you could change the wheels and add pick ups and run wires from them so the lights would be only on that car or if you run wires between them just put in a plug so you can seperate them if needed

 

[tkruger]

if you dont want to run wires between them (which is easier) you could change the wheels and add pick ups and run wires from them so the lights would be only on that car or if you run wires between them just put in a plug so you can seperate them if needed

That was my original plan. Unfortunately the wheels are not a standard size. I would ned to change out the complete truck. On these the steps are molded into the trucks so if I change them I loose those. Looks like I will be running the wires.

Any idea what end was generally the front? I know on the powered one the end with out windows is the front. Just attempting to decide if the windowed part should lead on the dummy or not.

 

[Reckers]

My understanding of the real thing you are modelling is that they are frequently mated for life: a pair is linked with the intention of keeping them together for the forseeable future to create one large power unit. Either direction would be appropriate, for the rear "dummy" unit. The question to ask yourself, looking at the dummy, is "If I were doing the work, which end would give me the shortest run for cables, and if I were the crew, which would give me the shortest walk through icy rain, etc, to get to the controls of the rear engine when I had to do it?" As I understand it, those and the way it happens to be facing when they have to link the two are the only issues of consideration.