A-line currently markets four Mashima precision motors, three of which (40321, 40322 & 40324) have the most application to HO scale traction modelers. All three have 1.5mm shafts and are compatible with A-line cradles and flywheels. Custom Traxx and the Southern California Traction Club have been using these motors almost exclusively for traction repowerings since 1998.

#40321 - $37.00 each
#40322 - $37.00 each
#40324 - $34.00 each

For specific information on each of these motors, consult the A-line/Proto Power West catalog.

This kit is for the 1999 drives only and does not fit the earlier (1966) drives. Kit includes one tapered A-line 20021 flywheel, replacement universal drive components and instructions. Original motor and motor mounts are retained and not relocated. Kit takes ten minutes to install. Razor saw and modeler's knife and A-line #20010 Flywheel Cement required for installation. For installation instructions, click here.

San Francisco 'F-line' PCC cars
[12549-12563]

[Custom Traxx is taking reservations for these cars, which are due by the end of 2008. Ensure that you get yours by reserving your car now. Use this email link for your reservation and you will be notified as soon as cars become available for shipping.]

This is an entirely new model of the ex-Philadelphia PCC cars obtained by San Francisco in the early 1990s for use in opening the F-line in 1995. These cars were base service on the line from 1995 until joined by ex-Milan Peter Witt cars, ex-Newark PCC cars and other heritage cars from New Orleans, Brussels, Melbourne and San Francisco. The model consists of a new injection molded PCC body with windows combined with the proven 1999 Bowser traction mechanism upgraded with a flywheel for even smoother operation. Each car is completely assembled with non-working trolley poles. There is also an undecorated model to be available. [12549].

In August 1999, Bowser released their revised power unit for all four HO scale trolleys in production. The new units, called the Bowser 1999 drives, feature can motors, eight wheel electrical current pickup with solid brass wheels, electrically neutral chassis, smooth operation with low current draw. Custom Traxx and the Southern California Traction Club tested the units and have several Bowser and cars, including brass models, operating with these units. They are highly rated in both operational and cost performance. The following units are currently available:

PCC Streamlined Trolley [125210]

This is a model of the 1945 President's Conference Committee Car (PCC), which was the second of three models. The others were the 1936 model, known as the "air-car" and the 1951 model, built only for Boston and known as the "Picture Windows". Over 5000 PCC cars in all three models were buit between 1936 and 1952 and several survive in San Francisco on the F-Market line. More information on the Bowser PCC Streamlined Trolley.

Brill Suburban (1906 Semi-Convertible Car) [125220]

This is a model of a very common streetcar which in one form or another served almost every community. A semi-convertible car is one where the side windows disappeared either up into the roof or down into lower side pockets but were not removed from the car as in the case of a convertible. Similar cars still run in museums and in Portland, Oregon. More information about the Bowser Brill Suburban.

Indiana Railroad (IRR) Lightweight Interurban [125230]

Fourteen of these high speed coach-lounge cars were built for The Indiana Railroad by American Car & Foundry in 1931. Several went on to other lines after the Indiana Railroad ceased operations and some still exist in museums.
More information about the Bowser IRR Interurban.

Lehigh Valley Transit (LVT) Jewett Interurban [125240]

Twelve of these handsome cars were ordered in 1912 (800 to 805) and in 1913 (806 to 811) and were in service until the mid-1930s. Cars 800, 802, 806, 808 and 809 were converted to express cars C16, C14, C17, C15 and C18 between 1935 and 1940. Car 808 survives at Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton, PA.
More information about the Jewett LVT interurban.

Conversion Mechanisms with Floors (HO)

Each Bowser 1999 HO scale traction mechanism contains power and trailing trucks, can motor, solid brass wheels, drive shafts, universal joints and Baldwin, Brill, and Commonwealth truck side frames along with PCC track brakes. Conversion mechanism is already mounted to the appropriate floor for the intended shell and directions and special mounting hardware for the shell are provided. A look at a typical Bowser traction mechanism is available in the photo of the SLRV [125147] mechanism below:

For older Bowser and Pennsylvania Scale Models (PSM) PCC Shells - [125141] - $65.00
For Bachmann PCC Shells - [125142] - $65.00
For Bachmann Brill Shells - [125143] - $65.00
For older Bowser and PSM Brill shells - [125144] - $65.00
For older Bowser and PSM Indiana Railroad (IRR) lightweight interurban shells - [125145] - $65.00
For older Bowser LVT Jewett and freelance interurbans - [125146] - $65.00
Custom Traxx stocks a number of repair parts for the Bowser trolley mechanisms. Call or email for information!

For AHM/IHC/Mehano Boeing Standard Light Rail Vehicles (SLRV) - [125147] - $95.00*
For Kawasaki Single End Light Rail Transit (LRT) Vehicles (1997 issue body shells) - [125148] - $75.00*

NOTE: *Mechanisms with floors, 125147 and 125148, are currently available only from Custom Traxx. They are milled aluminum floors designed for the specific shells and can be outfitted with the A-line #20040 flywheel kit.

Mechanism with 26" brass wheels - [125100]
Mechanism with 30" brass wheels - [125110]
Mechanism with 34" brass wheels - [125120]

These assemblies, produced by a suburban Philadelphia firm, more accurately represent the track brake assemblies used on Light Rail Vehicles and they replace the PCC track brake assembly furnished with both the 1251XX, 125147 and 125148 mechanisms. Shown at right is a Bowser truck equipped with both the SCTC-3 Track Brake and NWSL #2634-6 Nickle Silver Wheels.

This 1.25" brass bolster, shown to the right, is designed for mounting the power truck in models other than Bowser units. These bolsters are notched to clear the gear housing. They have been successfully used by Custom Traxx with the Bowser 1251X0 mechanisms in Suydam, Model Tramway and Fairfield Traction Models brass models and other model vehicles. They are particularly useful in Suydam Models of Pacific Electric 800, 950 and 1000 series cars where the wheelbase of the Bowser unit nore closely approximates the prototype. All of these converted cars are regularly operated on the modules of the Southern California Traction Club.

Operational Trolley Poles [1250] - $12.50 each
Bowser Roof Insulators [1251] - $1.50 (2/pkg)

The well-known Bowser operational trolley pole is back in production with a new contact and stronger springs. The original 3/32" (2.38 mm) base is retained due to customer demand. Each pole still is accompanied by the #1251 roof insulator, washer, spring and 2-56 nut. The black #1251 insulators, shown at right, facilitates conversion of the current Bowser metal trolleys to overhead wire operation and are available separately from Custom Traxx. The new contact/rollers, part 12507, are fully compliant with NMRA Standard S-5, Trolley Power Collection, and are also available separately from Custom Traxx. They were extensively tested by Custom Traxx and the Southern California Traction Club (SCTC) during 2008 and found to be excellent for DCC overhead wire operation.

Trolley Pole Springs [12502] - $3.00 (6/pkg)
Trolley Pole Rollers/Collectors [12507] - $3.00 (6/pkg)

Trolley pole springs are now available from Bowser. These are the springs used on their upgraded #1250 trolley pole now available. These springs are shown at right after being installed on a Miniatures by Eric HT-P2 trolley pole, also available from Custom Traxx.

Also shown on the trolley pole is the new #12507 NMRA Specification S-5 compatible trolley roller/collector that is available on the Bowser 1250 trolley pole. Both the brass roller/collector and the springs were extensively tested in both the DC and DCC operating environments.

Custom Traxx

The basic TS-19 kit consists of a cast resin body shell of the Kansas City Public Service all-electric PCC cars of the 501-585 and 725-799 series, a brass fender trip bar casting and a set of Custom Traxx KCPS CN-750 decals. The basic, unpowered kit is available at an introductory price of $44.95.

The body shell, provided by Miniatures by Eric, mates to the Bowser 125141 mechanism with floor. The powered version, TS-19P, is available at an introductory price of $119.95 and contains the basic kit along with one Bowser 125141 mechanism with floor; one HT-P2 Form 11 Miniatures by Eric trolley pole and one SCTC-1 trolley pole pivot.

Note: The body shell provided with this kit represents cars as operated in Kansas City and should NOT be confused with the ex-Kansas City PCC body shell occasionally available from a suburban Philadelphia, PA firm. That body shell represents these cars after being sold to Philadelphia and modified by the Philadelphia Transportation Company.

The TS-19 body shell can be modified to represent ex-Kansas City PCC cars operated in Toronto, San Francisco & Tampico. along with the 2240-2250 series of ex-Toronto, ex-Kansas City cars obtained by Philadelphia in the late 1970s.

Shell shown above mounted on the Bowser 125141 mechanism NWSL Nickel Silver wheels and an HT-P2 trolley pole!

The basic TS-18 kit consists of an HO scale cast resin body shell, cast by by Miniatures by Eric, of the ex-Milan Peter Witt Streetcars currently operated in San Francisco. The kit contains a one piece body shell, brass trolley pole supports and pole hooks, headlights, trolley rope catchers, sideframes that fit either the Bowser or BullAnt drives and a complete set of CN-1807 decals. Trolley poles are not included. Modeling skill is required to properly assemble this kit, which is priced at $69.95. Two assembled and painted unpowered body shells are shown top right.

Two Bowser manufactured aluminum floors have been designed for the TS-18 shell and are available separately:

The Bowser 125161 floor is designed to accept the Bowser 125100 mechanism, which is also available from Custom Traxx. [125161 - $9.95].

The Bowser 125162 floor is designed to accept a Hollywood Foundry BullAnt In-line power unit designed for this car. While the Bowser 125162 floor can be obtained from Custom Traxx. [125162 - $9.95], the BullAnt in-line must be obtained directly from Hollywood Foundry, and is designated the "Muni 'Milano' Peter Witt Car Kit". It currently sells for A$120.00 (Australian Dollars). The power unit kit contains both power and trailing trucks, Mashima motor and mount along with drive line and other hardware. Shown at right is the 125162 floor with the BullAnt in-line installed. The bottom photo shows the Muni "Milano" Peter Witt Car BullAnt In-line kit.

Bowser 125100 mechanisms [125100 - $44.00] are available from Custom Traxx. More data on thes units are available earlier in this catalog.

Recommended trolley poles for these cars are the HT-P2, Form 11, trolley poles from Miniatures by Eric for $29.95/pair. More data on these units are available later in this catalog.

Call or email for special "bundle" pricing!

Designed for those modelers operating traction models using powered overhead wires. The Southern California Traction Club has discovered that the most reliable overhead operation results when trolley poles are mounted in a pivot base. Custom Traxx has fabricated the pole pivots similar to those formerly imported by Dr S. Soho and Fairfield and more recently by MTS Imports. The club has also developed a method of converting Bowser and Suydam pole bases to use these pivot bases replacing the screw base. This allows poles to be removed from cars for repairs without having to disassemble the car (a must for overhead operation). Refer to the schoolhouse in www.trolleyville.com for the conversion process.

HO scale Trolley Pole Pivot Bushing Insulator [SCTC-2] - $1.25 per pair

Specially made for those modelers operating using powered overhead wires. Part SCTC-1 fits inside this insulator when mounted in a brass or other metal car. The photograph to the right shows three SCTC-2, one of which has the SCTC-1 inserted within.

Custom Traxx periodically acquires stock of these couplers via a special manufacturing run. They are very popular as all of our previous runs have been exhausted quickly. Please check with us via email or phone prior to ordering to ensure availability. These couplers are working copies of Tomlinson couplers as used on many multiple unit streetcars, interurbans and subway-elevated cars. They snap together and lock and pull apart for uncoupling. No draft gear is supplied as most modelers fabricate their own draft gear for best operation. One method is described in the Trolleyville Schoolhouse. The Southern California Traction Club uses these on all equipment requiring automatic couplers.

Note: For best operation, it is important to ensure that the working parts of these couplers stay lubricated. A drop of plastic compatible lubricant on the coupling levers tends to avoid premature breakage.

In the 1940's, the Pacific Electric began using diesel locomotives. Because the highway crossing signals were acctivated by trolley poles, trolley poles had to be installed on the diesels until the crossing actuators were changed. Among the diesels equjipped with trolley poles were Baldwin AS-616, DRS-6-6-15, VO-660, VO-1000, EMD SW-1 & TR-6 and General Electric 44 tonners. Produced by Rio Grande Models from etched brass with extremely fine detail, both the small (SCTC-41) and large (SCTC-42) trolley pole bases are available.

Four additional side frames are now available for the new Bowser mechanisms. Because of dissimilar materials between the pewter side frame and the two engineering plastic mounts, these side frames work best when the mounting holes are drilled out slightly. Then use ACC to affix them directly to the brass pick-up plate (Bowser part #1262) using the plastic mounts as guides for positioning. See photograph below:

#13-13 - St. Louis 61A - Used for Pacific Electric 950-999 series cars among others. See example to the right.
.#13-14 - St. Louis 23B - Used for Pacific Electric 257 and 800 series cars. See example to the right.
#13-15 - Brill 27-MCB-3X - Used for Pacific Electric 1000 and 1001 series cars. See example to the right.
.#13-16 - Baldwin 78-30 (This side frame contains brake release springs on one end. There is a right and left casting and they are sold in pairs.)

These mounts, shown directly below, have been made available for those modelers who wish to mount brass or resin cast sideframes to Bowser 1251XX traction mechanisms. These cast parts allow the modeler to attach a mount to the car and then glue the sideframe to the mount. This allows perfect alignment of the sideframe to the axles and wheels.

The first step is to attach the spacer to the Bowser truck over the two lugs as shown as the top right photo. Some adhesive may be necessary to keep the spacer on the truck. Then position the sideframe on the space, ensuring that the journals on the sideframes line up with the axles as shown in the bottom right photo.

Occasionally, due to the nature of castings, the mounting holes, shown above, may not be drilled out completely. Simply use a #52 drill to clean them out.

Miniatures by Eric

These trolley poles have pole bases that represent the Greenamyer pneumatic poles bases used on the Pacific Electric and are made for those modelers operating traction models using powered overhead wires. These trolley poles have excellent upward spring pressure and have been tested by Custom Traxx and the Southern California Traction Club. Specially designed for Suydam, Cars Works and other HO scale Pacific Electric models requiring the pneumatic trolley pole bases. All trolley poles are equipped with trolley shoes. Trolleywheels are available separately (See item HTC# below).
*For a pair of poles plus two brass pivots (SCTC-1) and two roof insulators (SCTC-2), order HTP1s at $32.00 per pair.

These trolley poles have pole bases that represent the United Standard Form 1 trolley pole bases used by many early cars. These trolley poles were designed specifically for those modelers operating traction models using powered overhead wires. These trolley poles have excellent upward spring pressure and have been tested been tested by Custom Traxx and the Southern California Traction Club. All trolley poles are equipped with trolley shoes. Trolley wheels are available separately (See Item HTC3 below).
*For a pair of trolley poles plus two brass pivots (SCTC-1) and two plastic roof insulators (SCTC-2), order HTP3s at $32.00 per pair.

Since all Miniatures by Eric trolley poles are currently equipped with trolley shoes, packages of six trolley wheel collectors are available. These trolley wheel collectors are castings which depict the harp and the trolley rope attachment. They usually require some drilling to attach to the various diameter trolley poles used in modeling.

O scale Trolley Poles [OTP1/OTP3] - $34.95 per pair

Currently available in two styles similar to the HO scale poles described above. Designed for those modelers operating O scale traction models using powered overhead wires. Model OTP1, shown below left, is designed for Pacific Electric models requiring the pneumatic trolley pole bases. Model OTP3, shown below right, is a simulated Form 11 base as used on PCC and current heritage trolley cars. Other pole bases are in development. Many modelers who have examined these poles have stated that these appear to be the best operational poles ever available.

ORR Street Railway Track (HO Scale)

This line of HO scale street railway track, formerly available from Richard Orr of Omaha, Nebraska until 2003, is exclusively available from Custom Traxx. All items, except 2300 series nickel silver girder rail are cast from White Tombasil in Pinedale, CA.

HO Girder Rail in 36" lengths (261 scale ft)

4 pieces [2304] - $9.95

17 pieces [2317] - $39.95

As you can see from the above illustrations, protoype girder rail would not be capable of supporting a model train in smaller scales so the compromised cross section to the right must be used in HO scale. In O scale and larger scales, prototypical girder rail has been produced from time to time.

Custom Traxx recommends that Orr Track users visit the Trolleyville Schoolhouse and review lessons 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Room 2 prior to installing Orr Track for the first time. The recommmended method of installation requires use of printed circuit ties which are available from Clover House, P.O. Box 62, Sebastopol, CA 97473-0062, phone 707-823-7301 (fax orders preferred). Custom Traxx can supply limited numbers of printed circuit track ties [PC1} at $.50 each to the modeler in conjunction with Orr Track orders. Each strip of printed circuit board is 12" or 87 scale feet in length and will make ten 8 ft or nine 9 ft ties. An example is shown below.

For securing special work and rails at table edges and module interfaces, Custom Traxx has made special Module Interface Ties available to modelers. These printed circuit ties are designed for applications where rails must be secured where no movement can be tolerated. These ties are also provided by Clover House. Custom Traxx can supply limited numbers of module interface ties [PC2] at $1.00 each to the modeler in conjunction with Orr Track orders. Each strip of printed circuit board is 12" or 87 scale feet in length and will make ten 8 ft or nine 9 ft ties. An example is shown below.

Girder Rail Curving Tool [2350] - $32.00

Because of the nonsymmetrical nature of the simulated girder rail, this tool must be used to correctly bend the rail into sharp radius curves. Detailed instructions for assembly and use are provided with the tool.

Single Point Girder Rail Turnouts (see illustrations below, right)

Right Turnout, with frog [2400] - $14.95

Wye Turnout, with frog [2402] - $13.95

Left Hand Turnout, with frog [2403] - $14.95

The diverging portion of the right and left turnouts and both legs of the wye turnout are of 6 1/8" radius.
Experienced modelers may request unassembled turnouts at the following prices: 2400U-$10.00; 2402U-$9.00, 2403U-$10.00.

Single Point Point-Mate Assemblies - $12.95 (See illustrations below, right)

These turnouts lack frogs and have a slightly larger radius in the diverging portion

Right Point-Mate Assembly [2401]

Left Point-Mate Assembly [2404]

Right Curved Crossing [2520]

This crossing consists of a section of 6 1/8 radius track crossing a section of straight track and is normally used adjacent to a 2400 turnout in a normal double track city street setting.

Left Curved Crossing [2523]

This crossing consists of a section of 6 1/8 radius track crossing a section of straight track and is normally used adjacent to a 2403 turnout in a normal double track city street setting.

30 degree crossing [2530]

45 degree crossing [2545]

60 degree crossing [2560]

75 degree crossing [2575]

90 degree crossing [2590]

9-2008 TV 8-31-08