Distinctive to Nickel Plate Road were the 16R tenders, which primarily rode behind H-6 mikes. The tenders were modified by the railroad from regular USRA tanks to increase their capacity by splicing a 116" extension in the frame and adding a six-wheel truck in front. The 16R tenders have never been modeled in O scale, but the rivet pattern on the 16R is the same as on the Southern Railway PS-4 heavy pacific which has been offered by both PSC and by Central Locomotive Works. Some extra tenders from both models show up at swap meets. Conversion requires a new underframe.

I had custom builder Harry Heike build TWO 16R tenders for me.

Bill of materials for ONE is:

• a wrapper from a Central Locomotive Works PS-4
• a brass channel for the underframe
• a new frame
• a single Buckeye truck
• a single Andrews tender truck

Note: The necessity to use one truck of each type makes it easier to build two tenders at one time.

Much of the hardware from the PS-4 tank kit can be used. The approximate cost of materials was $150.00 each to convert two and about $250.00 each to have them custom built. They are quite distinctive; I look forward to seeing them behind H-6's.

Nickel Plate/48 at TrainResource.com

oOOOOoo