Hi there - I joined this list a little while ago and find myself inspired by the discussions on the list.

I'm a CPR modeller and looking for suitable drive trains on which to build a reasonable fleet.

As a result, I've been looking at the Feb. 1990 Model Railroader article that documents the diameter and axle spacing of a number of formerly available models, including Mantua, MDC/Roundhouse and Bowser. The article isn't complete in that it omits some models within those company's product lines and skips some manufacturers (like old Bachman, Rivarossi) altogether. Since then, other manufacturers have come along with new products.

It is all very tempting and somewhat confusing. But bottom line, I'm wondering whether anyone has made corrections or attempted to fill in any of the blanks since then.

So far I have found one erroneous listing or change by the manufacturer:
a.. a friend has done measurements of the Bowser Casey Jones 4-6-0 and found: the axle spacing between 1st and 2nd drivers is only 63" instead of 6' 3" (75") as shown in the article, and likewise
b.. the article says the driver diameter should be 61" and the model measures closer to 51".
Turns out a bit of a disappointment for my CPR D9g project. I was hoping to find a model with a driver axle spacing of 6' 10" between axles 1 and 2, and spacing of 8' between axle 2 and 3. I figure if the axle spacing is OK, I can switch the the appropriate diameter drivers and make any other adjustments (pilot truck in particular).

Anyhow, was just wondering if others have collected this sort of information for other models and whether it is available on line etc. . . .

Rob Kirkham