More Silk Purses from Sow's Ears...Locomotive No. 6 and No. 12

[Anonymous]

Here is my latest attempt at what some have called a "fool's errand." These are quite generic Scientific Toy's locomotives being "cosmetically enhanced" for my purposes.

Please comment so that I may know what is working and what is not...


These are two different versions of the same model, Locomotive #6 is painted in the more INDUSTRIAL black paint sceme, I find it looks more like an Locomotive of a much higher caliber.



Above: Locomotive #6, still somewhat unlettered, makes it madien run through "the Cut" pulling a 20 ft flatcar, a Southern Pacific Hopper car and a Caboose. While I noticed a bit of a strain from the loco, I think it can safely pull one or two more cars on a straight shot...now curves? Vic is correct, the pulling powers is limited. I may hae to weigh down the locomotive to gain more traction.

Compare that photo to the one below of Locomotive #12. Locomotive #12, the "City of Two Trees," sports a more decorative paint scheme.



I am debating painting the main body flat black and leaving the cab as it is. Also, the "domes" may remain decorated.



Locomotive #6 (above) reminds me of photos of Locomotives that operated on the Texas Mexican Railway and other early rail lines of this area. More a visible feature of Locomotive #6 (below) is the large Air Compresson system the juts out of the side.



Locomotive #12 (below) employs a much smaller one.



All in all, I think...should I acquire more of these "Sow's Ears" I will paint the majority of them up like Locomotive #6 for use in cargo hauling and relagate Locomotive #12 to passenger service. My brother has found me a locomotive from SEARS CRAFTSMAN that I am curious about. He says he acquired it from E-bay for some ten dollars and I can have it for five.

Any one know anything about what he is talking about?

[Anonymous]

Very nice pictures Captain.
However.Do these locos have plastic wheels? On picture 3 it looks like red wheel treads.
Whilst they look nice when painted,don't buy too many.Buy a good quality engine.Once the main motive force is dealt with,the fun with other things can begin.
Regards,Troy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by troybetts

Very nice pictures Captain.
However.Do these locos have plastic wheels? On picture 3 it looks like red wheel treads.
Whilst they look nice when painted,don't buy too many.Buy a good quality engine.Once the main motive force is dealt with,the fun with other things can begin.
Regards,Troy

Thank you for the nice words, Troy.

Yes, these locomotives have plastic wheels...as I said, they are not locomotives that any "hardcore" Large Scalers would entertain for very long. Since the first one was a gift and the second was a dime store denizen...the cost is negligable.

I have two Bachmann Locos, but I am, due to these cheapies, a convert to battery power. I will save for a substantial locomotive that will convert these attempts to decorations along the line and motive power for the benefit and delight of neighborhood children.

P.S. They have some difficulty with switches...I am going to replace the leadwheels with metal ones...but these devices are mere "stop gap" measures.

Here is another view of some of the modifications...


Capt Carrales

[Anonymous]

The joys of battery power are like a unreachable dream for me Captain.
I really don't know which way to turn.
I run on LGB MTS.Decoder prices(remember I'm in England)
I go to my Dad's and it's all analogue.(but with enough track to run 5 locos)
Tony, from Aus, was very helpful but I need to see it first hand.
Total quandary.This is where the different countries and prices really make a difference.
Troy

[Anonymous]

Capt, they look great even if they are only ever used for photo ops[8D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by troybetts

The joys of battery power are like a unreachable dream for me Captain.
I really don't know which way to turn.
I run on LGB MTS.Decoder prices(remember I'm in England)
I go to my Dad's and it's all analogue.(but with enough track to run 5 locos)
Tony, from Aus, was very helpful but I need to see it first hand.
Total quandary.This is where the different countries and prices really make a difference.
Troy

I concur, Tony has offered me much advice, but I do need to see the system in action. I like the idea of locomotives running under there own power.

The trams of your locality, of the electric variety, I can see running on a viable electric lines...but the ideal project for me would be...(gulp)...live steam! That represents my current distant dream. Thus, Battery Power is the "reachable star."

[Anonymous]

Joe; I think you have a very nice brother, there are no locs on ebay for $10.00; .I have become the terror of ebay i watch it every day likea hawk.

However what Troy says is correct they are only stop gap measures and they will die at a young age i think, however you never know they may turn out to be pretty good.

Is that your layout the photos were taken on ,if so you have come along way and I am proud of you. i am also most impressed by the pespective of your photographs.


Rgds Ian

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iandor

Joe; I think you have a very nice brother, there are no locs on ebay for $10.00; .I have become the terror of ebay i watch it every day likea hawk.

However what Troy says is correct they are only stop gap measures and they will die at a young age i think, however you never know they may turn out to be pretty good.

Is that your layout the photos were taken on ,if so you have come along way and I am proud of you. i am also most impressed by the pespective of your photographs.


Rgds Ian

Thank you Ian,

The price of the locomotive on E-bay did not include the shipping.
I assume, if you follow the link below, this is the type of acution he may have won...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=487&item=5973532037&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I have mentally prepared myself for the death of these locomotives, I will try to keep them alive as long as they possibly can live, then they will become the fodder of rail sidings to add "texture" to the layout.

Here is the sort of locomotive these things began as...



http://www.scientific.com.hk/36901-servicerailway.htm

Yes, that is the beginnings of my lay out. I am honored by your compliment. Saddly, the "layout" is only about 15ft, the first 15 ft, of a much grander enterprise. I'm in it for the long haul, no pun intended.

I have having a capital time developing my "kitbashing" and "Large Scale" skills on these little locos. I feel I am developing the confidence needed to work on more substantial locomotives...like weighing down my Bachmann Indy or even converting it to R/C.

[Anonymous]

Take some advice mate get yourself a circle going so you can watch them go round and round otherwise you may lose interest to an extent.

Rgds Ian

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iandor

Take some advice mate get yourself a circle going so you can watch them go round and round otherwise you may lose interest to an extent.

Rgds Ian

That is the current goal. I am slowly building to a master plan. I played Mother's Day Serenades all night and now have a bit of money that I intend to use to purchase track. I have all the curves already. The first 15 ft made up the west end of the layout, I am installing the north and southern curves this month.

The Southern Curve is going to be called, "Poor Vic's" curve (I already have an idea for the fictional reason why) named for our own Vic Smith. I should like to name the northern curve after youself. Any suggestions as to what?

Capt Carrales

[toenailridgesl]

I'm running 2 of Tony W's RCS on the Toenail Ridge Shortline. One in an Annie & the other in a B/mann Indy Mogul. Unlike his installation recommendations I use separate battery packs rather than permanently mounted batts. Can not recommend his system highly enough, it has good range, good run time, excellent control (4 minutes for the Annie to travel its own length), Bite the bullet & go R/C.

[Anonymous]

Joe,
If you're calling a curve after Ian then may I propose 'Ian's round the bend'. I'm sure that this has similar meanings in both Oz and UK![;)]
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[Anonymous]

I've received that Craftsman Locomotive from Scientific Toys. Its a bit generic, but I should be able to do some stuff with it. It is a 4-4-2 locomotive that sucessfully pulled two Bachmann Passenger Coaches today.

I will begin the Frankensteinian up grades later tonight!!!

The rolling stock is being saved for Christmas around the tree. Pics later!!