Oh no! I'm Having THOSE Kinds of Thoughts Again!

[davefoxx]

I received my second A&R GP38 this week.  I didn't notice it before, but, interestingly, Atlas really tried to take stock models to come closer to the actual specific locomotives.  For example, #400 has no dynamic brakes, but #405 does.  Good eye, Atlas.  Atlas also gave them slightly different paint schemes (striping and lettering is slightly different), which I must assume at this point was done intentionally.  I haven't perused enough proto photos to try to determine if the difference is accurate.  I'll try to provide a side-by-side shot of the models later, so you can see what I'm talking about.  Since Atlas produced these models at the same time, it wouldn't likely be because they were offered in separate runs and Atlas changed the painting/printing.  I haven't received the GP7 yet, so I'm curious to see which one it matches.



Here's the actual #400:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1284757

Here's the actual #405:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=90274

The reason for such a fuel tank/dynamic braking difference is that the A&R bought #400 new in 1969, I believe.  But, #405 was bought used in the early 2000s.  Kudos to Atlas for using different stock models to reflect some of the significant differences on these specific locomotives.

The fuel tanks need to be modified on both models (especially #405), but that is something I can live with for now, since I have more imporatant tasks at hand, e.g., designing and beginning construction of the HCD layout.

[Iain]

Dave, if you want to come down for a weekend of railfanning, I've got plenty of room to the house.

I m'self have considered getting an AR loco or two, but just haven't ever got around to it.  I used to have the gon until it was stolen with the rest of my stuff.

I think Hay's Hobby here in town may have the GP7; I'll look the next time I'm over on that side of town.

[davefoxx]

John,

Thanks for the offer on the place to stay.  Unfortunately, I don't often get two-day weekends (we usually work Saturdays), but if the opportunity arises and the wife will let me out, I'm there.  Heck, I was planning on going to the Timonium show both days this weekend, but work nixed that idea.  I will be there tomorrow, though! 

I see that the A&R interchanged with the original Norfolk Southern in Aberdeen, NC.  There's your connection and justification for purchasing the A&R loco(s).  I just received a copy of an A&R book from Glenn (known as "extra7000south" here on the RW) and already I have figured out that Aberdeen, with its interchanges with NS (ex-Southern, exx-original NS) and CSX (ex-SBD, exx-SCL, exxx-SAL), screams out operational fun.  Well, back to my new book!

Thanks,
Dave

[Iain]

The 100th anniversary book?  I'd forgotten all about that one.


They interchanged with NS in Aberdeen and Fayetteville, ACL in Fayetteville, and SAL in Aberdeen.  If you go back enough, you get other Sandhills shortlines as well.

[davefoxx]

Yeah, that kind of makes the decision on which era to model all that more difficult.  By using GP38 #400, that puts the layout post-1968, but using GP38 #405 (correctly) puts the layout post-2003 or so.  I can't figure out if I want to model the modern era (no caboose needed and no commercially-available caboose anyway) or an earlier era that brings back some cool fallen flags.  I don't have any modern rolling stock, but I have really admired some of the recent N scale offerings of modern freight cars.

If I model the early 1980s, I can use my Southern Ry. B30-7 that I found in my collection last week, in addition to my Seaboard System equipment.  I also have a bunch of 1980s era rolling stock that can be used.  I'm really leaning in that direction, but that means I need to build a small fleet of A&R cabooses someday (and run non-A&R foobies in the meantime), and I need a Southern Ry. caboose, too (I always liked Southern's bay-window cabooses, but I don't know if those are available in N scale).  Of course, that makes my A&R GP38 #405 an anachronism.  I think I will have to (and can!) live with that.

I guess I talked myself into my era: the early 1980s.  There, that wasn't so hard.

Dave Foxx

[extra7000south]

John,

Thanks for the offer on the place to stay.  Unfortunately, I don't often get two-day weekends (we usually work Saturdays), but if the opportunity arises and the wife will let me out, I'm there.  Heck, I was planning on going to the Timonium show both days this weekend, but work nixed that idea.  I will be there tomorrow, though!  

I see that the A&R interchanged with the original Norfolk Southern in Aberdeen, NC.  There's your connection and justification for purchasing the A&R loco(s).  I just received a copy of an A&R book from Glenn (known as "extra7000south" here on the RW) and already I have figured out that Aberdeen, with its interchanges with NS (ex-Southern, exx-original NS) and CSX (ex-SBD, exx-SCL, exxx-SAL), screams out operational fun.  Well, back to my new book!

Thanks,
Dave

I'm happy that you recieved the book Dave.
And I hope that you enjoy it and get lots of use out of it!!!

[sirenwerks]

Dave,

Do you need a copy of that 1965 MR article on the A&R? I bought some back issues today and, lo, there it is. I can scan it and shoot it over to you.

[Iain]

Come on, Dave.  1970, you know you want to.

[davefoxx]

Dave,

Do you need a copy of that 1965 MR article on the A&R? I bought some back issues today and, lo, there it is. I can scan it and shoot it over to you.

Bryan,

That would be awesome.  Glenn not only sent me the A&R book but also a scan of an article from what appears to be MR, but it can't be the same article as yours since it has pictures showing the road in May 1974, for example.  I'll PM you my email address.

Thanks,
Dave Foxx

[Iain]

Dave, I may be able to do a railfan trip this weekend; give me locations you want.

[Brakie]

Dave,Out of curiosity I was wondering how you are going to model A&R's cabooses or are you going to use a "good enougher" or model after the cabooses?  ???

Anyway congratulations on modeling a great short line. ;D

[davefoxx]

Larry,

I bought two undecorated MT cabooses at the Timonium show this weekend for only $7.50 each, which will make great foobies for the time being.



Here's a picture of two of the prototype cabooses for comparison:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1192520
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=616287

The MT cabooses, especially if I cut in a baggage door, will be close enough for me for now.  A shot of caboose red paint is easy, but I'll need help on decals.  However, I know a few guys here on the RW who might help me with that.  Later, after I have bigger issues like trackplanning and building a HCD layout behind me, I'll consider going back and modifying them (or starting from scratch) to make them closer.

Thanks,
Dave

[Brakie]

Outstanding choice far better then the one I pick to use-yes I have often thought about modeling the A&R since reading that MR article in 65.

[Bob Bufkin]

Dave

I've got a couple of the Hellgate PRR mailcars which come with 2 different type of doors.  Just maybe the older type door would work on your caboose.  If you want the doors, let me know.

[davefoxx]

That's very generous, Bob.  PM me off-list to let me know how much you want to break up the set.