John's Loco Workbench - More Projects Begin...

[jmupton2000]

Do you think you'll be making the radiator fan operational again? It's hard to tell if all the parts are there in the photo, or if it was working.

On test, the fan did rotate quite succesfully! I do have placement grille on order though as that was missing.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

On test, the fan did rotate quite succesfully! I do have placement grille on order though as that was missing.

I didn't know that the Proto series ALCO FAs had a rotating radiator fan, that's pretty cool! I don't have any FAs in the Proto series, so I'm not familiar with that version, is it 1000 or 2000?

 

[bnsf971]

I didn't know that the Proto series ALCO FAs had a rotating radiator fan, that's pretty cool! I don't have any FAs in the Proto series, so I'm not familiar with that version, is it 1000 or 2000?

Those were Proto 2000 models. In addition to the rotating fan, they also had adjustable radiator louvers, and some of the doors were openable.

 

[jmupton2000]

Should the adjustable radiator louvres have an outer grille on them? If they do then that is another part that needs sourcing or scratchbuilding.

 

[bnsf971]

Should the adjustable radiator louvres have an outer grille on them? If they do then that is another part that needs sourcing or scratchbuilding.

They should be vertical slats on the side of the car body below the fan. In the pics you posted, they are there, but I don't know if they're all there, or if any of them have been glued in place.

 

[jmupton2000]

They are there, units that are removable (I have seen the sane design on Proto 2000 GP18s) I have taken them off to allow for stripping of the body but that is on hold pending delivery of a fresh supply of IPA.

Meanwhile, I completed the refurbishment of a GE 44 tonner:

I needed a small cheap critter to head shunt the freight line at Coppertown and this fitted the bill. Simple respray and a service of the rather odd chassis:

CWRR is for Center West Railroad who were my first fictional shortline outfit and who occasionally make cameo appearances on my current set up, the story being they had a nice lucrative sideline in overhauling and renting out older loco models to small shortlines.

 

[jmupton2000]

Whilst the FA is soaking, I have been looking over the other unrestored relics on my to-do shelf.

This pile is a broken Atlas SDP35 which with a little TLC i hope to make a useful member of the roster soon.

One of a number of ever reliable Atlas Alco S series switchers, this example needs a new cab, fortunately I have one in my spares bin to replace the current one which is badly cracked.

 

[bnsf971]

They are there, units that are removable (I have seen the sane design on Proto 2000 GP18s) I have taken them off to allow for stripping of the body but that is on hold pending delivery of a fresh supply of IPA.

Meanwhile, I completed the refurbishment of a GE 44 tonner:
View attachment 258507

I needed a small cheap critter to head shunt the freight line at Coppertown and this fitted the bill. Simple respray and a service of the rather odd chassis:
View attachment 258508

CWRR is for Center West Railroad who were my first fictional shortline outfit and who occasionally make cameo appearances on my current set up, the story being they had a nice lucrative sideline in overhauling and renting out older loco models to small shortlines.

Bachmann used a pair of N scale steam engine motors in that thing, the oversized worm gears acted as sort of flywheels.

 

[jmupton2000]

The IPA has got most of the paint off the FA but for some reason, the transfers from the poor repaint remain...

 

[2Tracks]

The IPA has got most of the paint off the FA but for some reason, the transfers from the poor repaint remain...
View attachment 258697
View attachment 258698

Rugged! I like that look actually.....

 

[jmupton2000]

This Western Maryland Atlas Alco S2 has been in my to do queue for some time. It came via Ebay from the estate of a deceased modeller I understand, who must have had a deep interest in the WM judging by the number of WM models the seller has listed and sold.

It is a custom paint job with separate grab rails installed on the nose end and hood side. It arrived with some damage which was noted in the original ebay listing and my original intention was a complete repaint.

Having carefully taken it apart, the main issue was a cracked off piece of the cab, some minor handrail damage and just general dust and dirt.

I have now decided to repair and restore instead. The cab has been repaired:

The handrail has been replaced with an identical part from my spares pile and the chassis is a good runner.

The

 

[Kusojiji]

I've seen open frame motors, but never frameless!

 

[bnsf971]

I've seen open frame motors, but never frameless!

It has a frame, but the frame is hidden by the frame and weights.

 

[jmupton2000]

This is what an Atlas Alco S series motor looks like out of the chassis:

The WM S2 is back together and 'on loan' to the CD&LR:

An Atlas SDP35 is next, needs repairs to the handrails mostly. Thinking of doing something potentially controversial with it in terms of livery and road...

The Alco FA is sidelined awaiting parts.

 

[KriegslokBR52]

I wonder how many died in that wreck?

Well, technically that...neverwazza.

 

[jmupton2000]

The parts for the Alco FA have arrived, unfortunately I am at work driving full size trains so can't do any work on it.

Meanwhile, if you ever wondered what a completely dismantled Atlas Alco S2 looks like...

I took the opportunity this morning to send my SSW GP7 out on a run though.

 

[jmupton2000]

The Alco FA is back on the workbench, a lucky find of a derelict FB on ebay has provided replacement corridor end, roof fan grilles and some handrails. A shiny new horn has also now been fitted.

 

[KriegslokBR52]

I know you're a Southern Pacific guy, but Erie scheme would look so good on this...or maybe LIRR so called "power pack".