N Scale TEBU Build

[SSW7771]

The train fund got a slight infusion of funds over the holidays so one of my purchases was the TEBU kit from Cutting Edge Scale Models. The is a model I have been wanting to build for quite some time. I even started working on a scratched build version that did not get very far back in college. The model will have use on my future Lufkin Sub layout in rock train service as well as occasional woodchip service just like the prototype. I plan to post build progress photos and details as I work thru this project here.

A brief history of the TEBU for those who are interested. The TEBU was built by MK for the SP. They did not have a prime mover, just traction motors, fuel tank, and dynamic brakes. The TEBU had to be used in conjunction with 1 or 2 mother units. Mother units were lettered for both SP and SSW, but the TEBUs being only lettered for the SP. I believe only 1 TEBU made it into the speed letter scheme. The TEBUs saw service primarily in TX, AZ, CA, and OR.

To start off here is a photo of what comes in the box.



What comes in the kit:
-Body Shell
-Fuel Tank
-Etched Fret
-Archer Louver Decals
-.008 Phosphor Bronze Wire
-SMD LEDs
-1K SMD Resistors
-.75mm Fiber Optic Filament
-17 page Instruction Book

What is not Included:
-Mechanism
-Paint
-Couplers
-Decals
-Decoder

The body shell is 3D printed which is not perfect, but I knew that going into this project. The instructions even note that A LOT of sanding, filing, and scraping to get the shell smooth. Below are a few pics of the shell. Even mocked-up for future rock train service!




Overall the shell is well detailed. However, one end is very rough which will take some work to clean up. That's it for now.

[James Costello]

Watching with interest Marshall.

Glad to see you have a kit though - my order and subsequent email inquiry have gone unanswered from Dave / CESM.....so hopefully it isn't too far away either!

[Iain]

Did any of these run with Alco mothers?

[C855B]

Did any of these run with Alco mothers?

No. The only locos equipped for the TEBUs were GP40-2s and GP40Rs. They weren't just slugs, they were also fuel tenders and had dynamic brake capability. http://espee.railfan.net/sptebu.html

You're thinking of the slugs cut down from Trainmasters, paired with Alcos for hump and trim service. I'm fairly confident SP's Alcos were gone by the time the TEBUs were in service.

In doing quick research, apparently SP was enamored with slugs from the '70s on, and there were at least three if not four generations of slugs, both road and yard. The online railfan folklore is pretty murky because of this. I was firsthand aware of the TM slugs used between C628s and C630s at West Colton, but apparently the Alcos were then subsequently cut down into twinkies to make sets between Geeps of some sort; GP38-2s seem to crop up.

[James Costello]

Watching with interest Marshall.

Glad to see you have a kit though - my order and subsequent email inquiry have gone unanswered from Dave / CESM.....so hopefully it isn't too far away either!

Notice from Dave @ CESM today that my kit has shipped.

[SSW7771]

Notice from Dave @ CESM today that my kit has shipped.

That's good news! At least you got notice that it had shipped. Mine just showed up on my door step.

Question for those who have worked 3d printed shells:
What is the best way to go about sanding and smoothing the shell? I read somewhere that if you prime the shell first sanding is a bit more easier, but was looking for confirmation or other ideas.

I worked with smaller 3d printed items, but not a loco shell before.

Also I found a great link to some good detail shots of a TEBU for reference:
http://dieseldetailer.proboards.com/thread/1141

[flight2000]

That's good news! At least you got notice that it had shipped. Mine just showed up on my door step.

Question for those who have worked 3d printed shells:
What is the best way to go about sanding and smoothing the shell? I read somewhere that if you prime the shell first sanding is a bit more easier, but was looking for confirmation or other ideas.

I worked with smaller 3d printed items, but not a loco shell before.

Also I found a great link to some good detail shots of a TEBU for reference:
http://dieseldetailer.proboards.com/thread/1141

I've used a medium to light gray color to help show the ridges.  Makes spotting where to sand a lot easier.  I use simple sanding sticks to work the shell. 

I'm also waiting for mine to arrive, but it will be modified for the UPY version.

Cheers,
Brian

[Denver Road Doug]

Looks like a nice kit, can't wait to see progress.  I had heard of these "slugs" before but never knew the details.  Interesting that they were also fuel tenders.

[nscaler711]

Dave has some nice stuff, and ill admit he is a bit scatter brained most days, like his Genset I am still waiting to see in production...
If you need to get a hold of him you can find him on nscale.net some days, though lately I haven't seen him as often...

Anyways I'd love to see this finished!

[SSW7771]

Quick Update: the shell has been primed and I have been sanding. Sorry no pictures. Progress has been slow since I have been traveling out of state a lot for work.

[dcutting]

Any updates on the builds? Show us some pictures!