I was really excited to get started on the trucks because I wanted to test out my new detail parts. You can see
them in this photo. They are the traction motor and the traction motor bracket. I got the idea from a back issue
of Mainline Modeler. I cannot remember the issue it was in. It goes together rather nicely without having to glue
anything. You can see there are pins in the side frames ends. These slightly press fit into the traction motor
bracket and in turn the bracket holds the traction motor in place on the gear tower. As you can see on the gear
tower I had to cut the modify the back end where Athearn tries to simulate the traction motor detail. If Athearn
really wanted to, they could make a beautiful truck by simply adding this feature to it and it is so easy.

You can see also I used the Details West sanding hose brackets from the SD45T-2 kit. I really like these
brackets. They fit nicely and put the hose right where it needs to be. Some people have asked what I use for
sanding hose wire. I think I found the perfect answer for that. I buy a bulk pack of Miniatronics light bulbs. I cut
the bulb off and use the wire. What I did here is just drill out the back end of the sanding nozzle. Stripped off
some insulation and ACCed it into the hole. Nice and solid. Plus the wire is VERY flexible, but will hold its formed
position.
Here is a view of the truck assembled. I had to use a set of Athearn SD40-2 brake cylinders from my parts
stash because Athearn packed all one sided brake cylinders with the model. There is definitely a front and rear
cylinder. They are not universal. The actuator arm has a specific bend in it and also the other way you know is
the injection bugger should always be on the bottom.

I have to say this though. The Athearn SD40-2 brake cylinder is the BEST one on the market. The size looks
good and it has all the small details it is supposed to have.
Just the back view of the truck. Here you can see the traction motor and bracket. You will notice a counter sunk
hole at the top of the TM. I put that there because I was originally going to screw the TM tot he gear tower. It
turned out I do not have to. If I ever cast anymore of these, I will plug the hole before casting.

Another detail you will see here is the added casting hole at the rear arm of the side frame where it wraps
around the back. Athearn did not mold this in. Probably because they would not be able to get it out of the mold
if they did. It is easy to add. Just find a drill bit the same size as the holes in the side of the frame and drill in
about half way. DO NOT go all the way through. This should be on all your HT-C trucks.

I still need to solder the right rail pickup wire. I'll do that before I paint.
I took this photo to give you an idea of what the traction motor looks like sitting in place. I an VERY happy with
how it turned out.
The next three photos are an attempt to show you how the traction motor looks while in place with the
locomotive assembled.
That is about it for the trucks and frame. Now it is time to finish the cab and move onto making sure all the
details are there. I already know of one I missed on the pilots and will add that before I paint. I'll do my fine
tuning investigating before paint. Now though it is cab interior and cab time.