Randy Stahl can probably give you a lot more info on this. However, very briefly, the answer is sort of 'yes' and 'no'. They aren't really that hard to maintain, except that everything is large and, of course, there's a lot of it. Getting parts is a bear, but good used parts are findable if you look around some. You are going to have to be willing to do a lot of heavy, dirty work! The worst parts to play with, IMHO, are the electrics, but if the traction motors and generator are in good shape, that's a large part of the battle.
The second question, me lad, is where are you going to put it?
The third comment is that these things last a lot better if they are run (and routine maintenance is done) pretty regularly; sitting around is the worst thing you can do to an engine. Where are you going to run it?
daveklepper wrote:Are you talking about a real locomotive or a model?Assuming you arre talking about a real locomotive, yes they are hard to maintain.The only ones operating today lack their original third rail electric operaton and are only used on diesel. I suspect you would find it impossible to obtain the authentic parts to restore the electric operation, although you might be able to cabbage something that would be both safe and adequate. But any offered for sale today probably have major componants that are life-expired. Whatever the scrap value sale price, you might have to spend countless hours and between one and two million dollars to get reliable and authentic FL-9.
Are you talking about a real locomotive or a model?
Assuming you arre talking about a real locomotive, yes they are hard to maintain.
The only ones operating today lack their original third rail electric operaton and are only used on diesel. I suspect you would find it impossible to obtain the authentic parts to restore the electric operation, although you might be able to cabbage something that would be both safe and adequate. But any offered for sale today probably have major componants that are life-expired. Whatever the scrap value sale price, you might have to spend countless hours and between one and two million dollars to get reliable and authentic FL-9.
<>I think the question was about F-9's not FL-9's, which were dual-powered (diesel or straight electric) engines. F9's were considered the "cream of the crop" of EMD F-units, most NP F-9's built in the fifties lasted well into the BN era...and of course, Erie Mining Co. F-9's hauled iron ore here in Minnesota into the 21st century.
But...I suspect the question is really about model F-9's anyway??
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.