Living the dream.
Hello everyone, and welcome to another brand new fun-filled weekend!
Oops... I did it again! I bought another brass locomotive even though I have stated I do not need any more of them.
But... just look at this beauty:
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
This is a model of a NICKLE PLATE ROAD Class L-1A 4-6-4 steam locomotive. The model was imported by Nickle Plate Products in the late 1970s. I cannot find a builder's ID on the model. Judging by the way it is assembled, I think it was made in Japan.
According to the paperwork included with the model, the original owner bought it in 1978.
There were two versions of the NKP L-1A modeled by this importer. One had the "elephant ears" smoke deflectors, and the other, like my model, did not. I prefer the model without the elephant ears. Without the big smoke deflectors, the boiler has a very nice USRA-looking profile to it. The taper and domes all look very similar to my USRA models, and this hudson should look right at home with the rest of the SGRR steam locomotive fleet.
I think if there ever had been a USRA 4-6-4, it would have looked quite similar to this one. From what I have found out, the NKP 4-6-4 predated the famed NYC hudsons, and this might have been the first successful design for a 4-6-4 designed locomotive.
The non-eared model sells for a couple of hundred dollars less than the model with the deflectors, and then I got this one at an especially good price on top of that. I just could not say no to this pretty little darling.
The model looks like it has rarely (if ever) been out of the box. There are no signs of any operational wear on the locomotive drivers or tender wheels.
On the test track it ran silky-smooth, but I had to press down on the tender to get it to move. There most be some oxidation on the tender truck bolsters making a poor path for current to flow. It ran through the 22" radius S-Curve test track with no problems at all, and with the tender on the closer of the two coupling locations. Awesome!
It will need a good mechanical cleaning, and I did not want to run it very long with 45 year old grease in the gearbox. My inspection did not find anything bent or damaged. This one is 100% in the win column.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone else's fun photographs this weekend.
Lets have some fun!
-Kevin
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good morning from sunny and warm Northeast Ohio. Just got back from cardiac rehab where they increased the duration and difficulty of my excercise program.
Kevin, thanks for starting us out, I believe KMT built those for Nickle Plate Products, great purchase but I prefer the elephant ear version myself.
Bear, not very imaginative but a good one nevertheless.
Today is Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Day!
First a 40' Front Range ACF Boxcar kit where I widened the door opening and installed a large plug door. Made some changes in the detail parts from the kit parts then painted with Floquil GTW Blue Paint and lettered with 3 sets of Herald King and Mask Island decals. The DTI acquired 25 of these cars in the late 70's from Chicago Freight Car to service the recently expanded General Mills plant in Toledo, OH hauling cereal in these lined cars. The company I worked for did the electrical work on the expansion.
Next is a 50' Kadee PS1 car, painted with Scalecoat II Cascade Green and Black paints and lettered with SGS (Now High Ball Graphics) decals. The DT&I purchased 100 of these cars to service paper plants in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin (car ferry on the Ann Arbor). Interesting story on these cars PS wanted extra money for the red points on the compass, so the DTI went with the white points. When the purchasing manager went to inspect the cars he objected to the Hydroframe 60 slogan as it was not on the purchase order and wanted it removed, PS ended up painting the red points on the compass.
Also finished another Athearn Trailer for my Rail Blazer, Scalecoat II White and Silver paints and Highball Graphics Decals.
Now a little construction work coverting a 12 panel 3 bay Greenville Hopper into a 2 bay Hopper.
A pair of Athearn GP40-2's with general freight on the Strongsville Club Layout.
Thanks for looking!
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Bear: Thanks for the laugh. I hope it is the first and the last of the last. I don't know of any other USRA-Looking locomotives in wheel arrangements that I don't have.
I printed out your picture and stuck it in the box with the orignal paperwork that was included after I signed and dated it.
I have promised my wife and myself... no more locomotives... period!
I think this is the current SGRR steam roster (operational):
(1) Two Truck Heisler
(2) 0-8-0 USRA switchers
(1) 2-6-2 logging locomotive
(1) 2-8-0 with small drivers, FWH
(3) 2-8-2 USRA light
(2) 2-8-2 USRA heavy
(1) 2-10-2 Freelanced, similar to USRA heavy, but modern
(1) 2-8-8-4 B&O EM-1
(1) 4-6-0 L&A Prototype, Needs USRA domes to fit in
(1) 4-6-2 USRA light
(1) 4-6-2 SOU PS4 4-6-2, similar to USRA heavy, FWH
(1) 4-6-4 My new baby, plan to add FWH
(1) 4-8-2 USRA light
(1) 4-8-2 USRA heavy
(1) 4-8-4 Small drivers, Converted from W&LE Mountain
That is 19 locomotives. I plan to have a 16 stall roundhouse and a 2 stall enginehouse. I cannot have any more! I have one too many! I need help!
Time to stop.
SeeYou190 Bear: Thanks for the laugh. I hope it is the first and the last of the last. I don't know of any other USRA-Looking locomotives in wheel arrangements that I don't have. I printed out your picture and stuck it in the box with the orignal paperwork that was included after I signed and dated it. I have promised my wife and myself... no more locomotives... period! I think this is the current SGRR steam roster (operational): (1) Two Truck Heisler (2) 0-8-0 USRA switchers (1) 2-6-2 logging locomotive (1) 2-8-0 with small drivers, FWH (3) 2-8-2 USRA light (2) 2-8-2 USRA heavy (1) 2-10-2 Freelanced, similar to USRA heavy, but modern (1) 2-8-8-4 B&O EM-1 (1) 4-6-0 L&A Prototype, Needs USRA domes to fit in (1) 4-6-2 USRA light (1) 4-6-2 SOU PS4 4-6-2, similar to USRA heavy, FWH (1) 4-6-4 My new baby, plan to add FWH (1) 4-8-2 USRA light (1) 4-8-2 USRA heavy (1) 4-8-4 Small drivers, Converted from W&LE Mountain That is 19 locomotives. I plan to have a 16 stall roundhouse and a 2 stall enginehouse. I cannot have any more! I have one too many! I need help! Time to stop. -Kevin
You are missing the USRA 0-6-0, 2-10-2 Light, 2-6-6-2 and 2-8-8-2.
dti406Kevin, <SNIP> I prefer the elephant ear version myself.
I like elephant ears on locomotives, but they kind of clash with the family appearance of my freelanced roster.
To my eye, when the elephant ears are on the NKP Hudson, it looks a lot like a NYC Mohawk.
This is never a problem for the prototype modelers, because that is how it was. However, it kind of clashes with what I am trying to accomplish.
dti406You are missing the USRA 0-6-0
I opted for the 0-8-0s instead for switching duty. My first 0-8-0 (Tenshodo) was a gift from another modeler, and I found my second (Alco) at a great price.
Maybe if one of them dies I will replace it with an 0-6-0 model.
dti406You are missing the USRA 2-10-2 Light
I don't know of a brass 2-10-2 that I can be sure will negotiate my tight radius curves. The IHC Freelanced 2-10-2 will do it easily.
dti406You are missing the USRA 2-6-6-2
I do not like the look of the USRA 2-6-6-2, I am not 100% sure why, but it is not to my tastes.
However... The NEW YORK CENTRAL Class NE-2 2-6-6-2 is a thing of beauty. Unfortunately it sells for major $$$.
I also like the NORFOLK AND WESTERN Class A 2-6-6-4.
This one sells for about $400.00 less than the NYC model, from a better builder, with a can motor, and including an auxiliary tender.
dti406You are missing the USRA 2-8-8-2
If I find a Life-Like Proto/Heritage undecorated at a great price, I will add this one. I already have one big articulated locomotive, so it is not high on my radar screen.
I have the N&W 2-6-6-4 except mine is the last group made with the optional roller bearing rods. It is a great running engime.
Weekend Photo Fun turned into a discussion between Rick and myself yesterday, but...
Plenty of weekend left for more stuff!
Show us what you got, please.
Kevin TYhanks for starting WPF.
Great looking loco. There are times when a prchase has to be made.
Bear. No matter the thread, a Beartoon is always glad to see.
Rick. I do like your boxcars and trailers. Trailers remind me of my years as a Road Haulage Manager.
Not much from me as we have just returned from a weeks holiday.
From our last running session.
'Watching the train.'
IMG_2314 by David Harrison, on Flickr
Class 58 58001 with a train of empty aggregate vehicles at the Junction.
IMG_2316 by David Harrison, on Flickr
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Kevin, Thanks for opening the WPF witih an appealing locomotive.
Rick, Good looking models, and a nice chop job too. Your DTI boxcar reminds me of cycling in Lodi, Ca., the last couple miles of the ride took us thru the tantalizing aroma of baking Cinnamon Toast Crunch wafting from the nearby General Mills plant.
Got a soft spot for the SP while being a fan of dirt, rust and grime.
Thanks to all the contributors and viewers. Have a good weekend. Regards, Peter
Well, I was not sure what to do with these two ore cars, so I figured why not something a bit different!
Don; Prez, CEO or whatever of the Wishram, Oregon and Western RR
Rick: Is your 2-6-6-4 one of the Key brass models? If so, would it negotiate a 22" radius curve?
David: Thank you for sharing the pictures of your wonderful layout.
Peter: Oustanding weathering on the SP boxcar. The rust on the roof is perfect.
Don: I have a pair of Tichy ore cars I never thought would have a use for... you solved that problem... JUNX it is!
Bear: "X" is clever. I believe Johnson Wax used "JWAX" for their private cars.
Plenty of weekend left for more..
Wow! Some really nice pictures so far.
Kevin - Sharp looking 4-6-4.
Rick J - Great job painting and decaling, and neat modification for the Greenville Hopper. Should look great once it's finished.
David - Nice scenes you captured.
Peter - Nice weathering job.
Don - Interesting loads for the cars. I like them.
Bear - Nice job on the Bear-Toons.
My little contribution -
I recently completed some benchwork!
Here is the end completed, with track radius testing with some of my longest equipment.
Radius Test on new layout by Richard Woodworth, on Flickr
I will be adding 1" foam, then can do actual trackwork, before moving onto the next section.
Keep all the great pics coming!
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
SeeYou190 Rick: Is your 2-6-6-4 one of the Key brass models? If so, would it negotiate a 22" radius curve? -Kevin
Kevin, I think the smallest curve I ran it on was 30" but I will take it to the club next week and see if it will negotiate the 22" radius on the wye, and let you know.
Good evening everyone. Some new pictures for the week.
This week completed another Palace car company kit. This week an Athearn coarch.
Another project completed is a Sylvan 46 Chevy truck.
Finally the Fondulac yard switcher parked at the depot/yard office.
Good stuff from everyone this week.
Scott Sonntag
Ricky: Trains on plywood is an exciting step. It looks like your Autoracks passed the test.
Rick: Thank you for testing the Key 2-6-6-4 for me. Please be careful and don't hurt your model. If it passes the test I think I will pull the trigger and get one.
Scott: That Sylvan model of the '46 Chevy looks great. I need to keep my eye out for this kit.
See you all next weekend.