7mm American O scale Southern Pacific Motive Power and Rolling Stock
- Thread starter Stephen
- Start date
Stephen
Western Thunderer
Perhaps we split the title, I’ll be ‘F Unit Mad (Western Division)’ and you can be ‘F Unit Mad (Central Division)’….?!?You've won that one hands down already!!!
I don’t think such a title should be relinquished so readily!
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Oh no, Jordan @Jordan or Plymouth Mad can be only "F Unit Mad (Black Country Division)
Mind you, Jordan might claim to be "(SOOooo Sub)" .
Rgds, Graham
simond
Western Thunderer
They sound a bit like panniers…F units you say? I think i’m on 7 (in O), and i still need one more..
JB.
only they don’t sound anything like panniers…
PaulRhB
Active Member
I will......
ATSF F units did haul freight - but it was their Silver/Yellowbonnet or Silver/Bluebonnet (both later all over Blue) liveried versions which were assigned to these.
Unfortunately the copyright owner wasn’t mentioned where I found this years ago.
Source
Fan of Santa Fe Railroad | Santa Fe F7A 340 with a very early Super-C at Joliet Illinois | Facebook
Santa Fe F7A 340 with a very early Super-C at Joliet Illinois. Date and photographer unknown.
www.facebook.com
Jordan or Plymouth Mad
Mid-Western Thunderer
I have two of those, as well.
Stephen
Western Thunderer
I have been tempted by one of the Dapol LT liveried one….but have resisted to date….I have two of those, as well.
Stephen
Western Thunderer
I've always taken the view that modelling needs to be fun, and you need to look forward to doing it. Sometimes I find myself feeling either mentally stuck with a project or just very easily distracted, and in those moments I can end up doing something completely different instead - worst of all trawling the internet for things to buy, which usually ends up being unproductive.
So, I've taken a new stance that 'any modelling' is worthwhile modelling, and whilst that might mean I have four or five projects in limbo, if I can do something which adds to the grand scheme - just crack on with it. This week has been about Trucks, and taking advantage of the good weather.
Firstly I decided to gather together 90% of the IM Truck kits included in the various IM Box Cars/Reefers/Hoppers that I have, and no matter what state of the kit, just get the trucks assembled and painted in primer. Fourteen pairs of Trucks later, the first batch were strung on a piece of Code 75 rail and taken outside for priming:
Weather was warm enough that 50min later a top coat could be applied:
Apologies for out of focus photos....
The next day the majority of these then has wheels added:
Yes there is an odd number there, one of the Athearn Andrews Trucks suffered from a brittle bolster and snapped whilst inserting the wheels, but i have spares for that to be repaired in due course. The Andrews trucks look rather sparse with no brake rigging, so I'll look to see if I can get the ridding produced by Sarah G on Train Kitchen downloaded and 3D printed.
Today, I had another session and managed to get the majority of the remaining trucks primed:
Doing the 'production line' of assembling the trucks certainly allowed me to get lost in my thoughts and was a pretty relaxing process. This will also allow a whole load of sprues and the packaging for the wheel sets to be binned, which frees up some space.
I'm not going to be so quick to paint the second batch of trucks black, seeing as a number of pairs will require painting to match the body colour of the car they will be slung beneath.
I also decided to get the underframe of one of the March-O-Meet bargain box cars built - this also requires painting black to make prototypical. It's another ATSF Box Car, so pretty similar to the other cars in my collection, but this time with the 'Grand Canyon' script on the side.
So usual score of masking up the sides (a lot easier when ladders etc have not been added), and then primed and top coat in black:
This one really should be put back in the box (with painted trucks) and one of the other freight cars finished....we'll see how that goes. However like a growing number of the box cars, this will also require a scratch built roof walkway to replace the basic one supplied with the kit.
Cheers,
Stephen
So, I've taken a new stance that 'any modelling' is worthwhile modelling, and whilst that might mean I have four or five projects in limbo, if I can do something which adds to the grand scheme - just crack on with it. This week has been about Trucks, and taking advantage of the good weather.
Firstly I decided to gather together 90% of the IM Truck kits included in the various IM Box Cars/Reefers/Hoppers that I have, and no matter what state of the kit, just get the trucks assembled and painted in primer. Fourteen pairs of Trucks later, the first batch were strung on a piece of Code 75 rail and taken outside for priming:
Weather was warm enough that 50min later a top coat could be applied:
Apologies for out of focus photos....
The next day the majority of these then has wheels added:
Yes there is an odd number there, one of the Athearn Andrews Trucks suffered from a brittle bolster and snapped whilst inserting the wheels, but i have spares for that to be repaired in due course. The Andrews trucks look rather sparse with no brake rigging, so I'll look to see if I can get the ridding produced by Sarah G on Train Kitchen downloaded and 3D printed.
Today, I had another session and managed to get the majority of the remaining trucks primed:
Doing the 'production line' of assembling the trucks certainly allowed me to get lost in my thoughts and was a pretty relaxing process. This will also allow a whole load of sprues and the packaging for the wheel sets to be binned, which frees up some space.
I'm not going to be so quick to paint the second batch of trucks black, seeing as a number of pairs will require painting to match the body colour of the car they will be slung beneath.
I also decided to get the underframe of one of the March-O-Meet bargain box cars built - this also requires painting black to make prototypical. It's another ATSF Box Car, so pretty similar to the other cars in my collection, but this time with the 'Grand Canyon' script on the side.
So usual score of masking up the sides (a lot easier when ladders etc have not been added), and then primed and top coat in black:
This one really should be put back in the box (with painted trucks) and one of the other freight cars finished....we'll see how that goes. However like a growing number of the box cars, this will also require a scratch built roof walkway to replace the basic one supplied with the kit.
Cheers,
Stephen
Attachments
Last edited:
Stephen
Western Thunderer
Bit more work on the Box car that was submersed in dettol…
Finally got all the 3D printed door hardwear on both the doors, installed some weights and have glued the doors in place.
Spares box came into use for some of the chalk boards, even though the Train Kitchen prints did come with them.
And this is the difference between Train Kitchen Doors and IM Doors:
If I was starting again, then I’d look to fit all the IM kits with these doors, but I’m too many cars in now, plus trying to colour match the various IM railroad paints would be nothing but frustrating.
Next job, get the walkway installed on the roof, then one last session with filler, sand and then prime (weather permitting).
Cheers,
Stephen
Finally got all the 3D printed door hardwear on both the doors, installed some weights and have glued the doors in place.
Spares box came into use for some of the chalk boards, even though the Train Kitchen prints did come with them.
And this is the difference between Train Kitchen Doors and IM Doors:
If I was starting again, then I’d look to fit all the IM kits with these doors, but I’m too many cars in now, plus trying to colour match the various IM railroad paints would be nothing but frustrating.
Next job, get the walkway installed on the roof, then one last session with filler, sand and then prime (weather permitting).
Cheers,
Stephen
Last edited:
Stephen
Western Thunderer
Alas no time presently for any modelling, but probably a bit too long spent gorping at my latest (maybe somewhat daft) purchase…
It’s a Precision Scale Models Southern Pacific AC-6 4-8-8-2 ‘Cab Forward’.
The SP were famous for the Cab Forward locos, which if Mr OVS Bulleid had been slightly less radical, could have made the Leader Class a bit more Cab Forward-esk, although with a lot less wheels.
The AC-6 were pretty much the bench mark for all further SP Cab Forward designs, finishing with the AC-12, of which one of preserved in Sacramento. There were a few changes throughout the development from AC-6 to AC-12 such as cab and tender size, box pop wheels etc, but general operating statistics and overall power pretty much stayed the same.
So….a daft vanity purchase….yeah maybe….its totally unpractical for any layout I had planned - you’d need to model a turntable the size of a bus wheel to accommodate it….but it’s a stunning model.
As with all Brass purchases you are always at risk of the seller not having a clue how to protect it for shipping, and although this was purchased with some cosmetic issues, the seller didn’t fail to live up to expectations and it sustained a bit more damage during shipping. However, this was acknowledged and a discount given, so all okay there.
The detail is pretty damn good as you’d expect with a PSC model. There are questions over whether the model is an exact prototype of a particular AC-6 that was modified with the ‘sports’ cab…..but I’m sure only a few purists in California would actually know. So Rule No. 1 applies.
As always, thanks to Richard for assisting in getting the model to British shores, which without doubt made the purchase entirely viable.
Cheers,
Stephen
It’s a Precision Scale Models Southern Pacific AC-6 4-8-8-2 ‘Cab Forward’.
The SP were famous for the Cab Forward locos, which if Mr OVS Bulleid had been slightly less radical, could have made the Leader Class a bit more Cab Forward-esk, although with a lot less wheels.
The AC-6 were pretty much the bench mark for all further SP Cab Forward designs, finishing with the AC-12, of which one of preserved in Sacramento. There were a few changes throughout the development from AC-6 to AC-12 such as cab and tender size, box pop wheels etc, but general operating statistics and overall power pretty much stayed the same.
So….a daft vanity purchase….yeah maybe….its totally unpractical for any layout I had planned - you’d need to model a turntable the size of a bus wheel to accommodate it….but it’s a stunning model.
As with all Brass purchases you are always at risk of the seller not having a clue how to protect it for shipping, and although this was purchased with some cosmetic issues, the seller didn’t fail to live up to expectations and it sustained a bit more damage during shipping. However, this was acknowledged and a discount given, so all okay there.
The detail is pretty damn good as you’d expect with a PSC model. There are questions over whether the model is an exact prototype of a particular AC-6 that was modified with the ‘sports’ cab…..but I’m sure only a few purists in California would actually know. So Rule No. 1 applies.
As always, thanks to Richard for assisting in getting the model to British shores, which without doubt made the purchase entirely viable.
Cheers,
Stephen
Stephen
Western Thunderer
Perfect evening for a bit of priming:
Will add the steps, and hand rails once the top coat has been done - just plain old black.
The filling of the gaps in the straps also needs a touch more sanding, before top coat as well.
The ‘accommodation trucks’ are a god send to keeping the underframe gear protected whilst trying to hold it when spraying.
Also decided to take stock of what this project has come to be and gathered the fleet on the work bench for a ‘what the hell have I done?’ review:
Firstly the Diesel/Electric Fleet:
And then the Steam Fleet:
Both are at their peak, and I don’t foresee much else being added. Maybe an SP P-10 with the skyline casing, but that’s about it.
Cheers,
Stephen
Will add the steps, and hand rails once the top coat has been done - just plain old black.
The filling of the gaps in the straps also needs a touch more sanding, before top coat as well.
The ‘accommodation trucks’ are a god send to keeping the underframe gear protected whilst trying to hold it when spraying.
Also decided to take stock of what this project has come to be and gathered the fleet on the work bench for a ‘what the hell have I done?’ review:
Firstly the Diesel/Electric Fleet:
And then the Steam Fleet:
Both are at their peak, and I don’t foresee much else being added. Maybe an SP P-10 with the skyline casing, but that’s about it.
Cheers,
Stephen
john lewsey
Western Thunderer
That cab forward is amazing
Stephen
Western Thunderer
Indeed it's a cracking model - also interesting to reflect that its over 40 years old, being made in 1985. It's a coincidence that I have another American icon also 'built' in 1985, but also manufactured in (East) Asia.....a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar!
Cheers,
Stephen
john lewsey
Western Thunderer
Excellent
Stephen
Western Thunderer
“We’re gonna need a bigger desk”……
I like the challenge Graham, and it could have positive ramifications…..
1. Shame me into recognising I have merely a freight collection of nowt but ‘unfinished’ vehicles…
2. Be the kick to get me to actually start forming an orderly queue for finishing stuff!
But realistically the desk isn’t big enough….although I could do run down of each type of freight car in due course….
As it stands though, there are about 80 assorted freight cars including six caboose, all of which require some sort of attention even if that be a liberal weathering.
The Passenger / Baggage Fleet stands at five vehicles, with a solitary sixth car (a RPO) on the wish list.
Cheers,
Stephen
Big Train James
Western Thunderer
Riiiiiiiiiiiight....
.garethashenden
Western Thunderer
I hesitate to ask, but with all that rolling stock are you planning a layout as well?
Stephen
Western Thunderer
That is indeed a long term ambition, however there is a house move required before that becomes a reality. In the medium term I've debated constructing some sort of modular garden railway that could be lifted and move to a new location as of where and when. I've also have a UK O gauge collection which could do with somethere to stretch its legs, so a garden circuit would suit that quite well.
Cheers,
Stephen
Last edited: