Introduction

Below is a list of HO and HOn3 trucks which are usable for Sn2 freight and passenger trucks. Also included is a conversion of the Tichy HO archbar trucks to represent Maine 2-Foot trucks.

HO/HOn3 Truck usable for Sn2:

Freight:

• Tichy #3002 HO Archbars; for use under all "large" cars, i.e., 24' and longer. Modified as described below.
• Grandt #5159 HOn3 4'-8" Archbars; for use under "small" cars, i.e., Tichy ore cars, modified Grandt Gilpin cars.
• Kadee #501 HO Archbars; modified with a solid bolster, to represent "Swing Beam" bolster trucks. Also for use under the "large" cars.
• PSC #31783 "West Side" HOn3 Archbars; for "small" Gilpin cars.

Passenger:

• David Hoffman HOn3 EBT-PT-15; about as close to a Maine 2-foot passenger truck as your going to get.
• MDC #2929 HOn3 Passenger truck; for passenger cars and cabooses.

In addition, I have used Kadee HOn3 trucks, Walthers HO Archbars, and various other makes, but the extra work usually involved has caused me to settle on the above five for the most common applications.

Converting HO Tichy Trucks to Sn2:

Based on notes posted by Jeff Saxton. Tichy #3002 HO standard gauge archbars (ex-Gould) are very closely sized for the so-called "common bolster" trucks used by the SR & RL in Sn2 (the common 66" wheelbase truck in HO is a perfect 48" wheelbase in S). A quick trip to the hobby shop obtained several sets of HOn3 wheelsets (either MDC cobbled out of their HOn3 trucks, or PSC #3240 -- HOn3 26" wheels are 19" in S, which is acceptable). I hand cut the HO truck bolsters narrower to fit the HOn3 wheelsets. And the result -- Ta-Daaa! -- cheap Sn2 trucks. As a further bonus, these trucks have nylon cone inserts to accept the axle ends, individual journal lids (positionable), and inside hung brake shoes. For about $5 to $8 per pair (1994 prices, depends on wheelsets), you get some nice trucks.