SP AC-9

[JMaurer1]

From the lettering (Southern Pacific Lines), the sheen of the locomotive, and that it is still a coal burner, it must be pretty young if not new in the photo. The front handrails are even still painted white. I would guess it was something used in testing the engine in some manor just after it was built. I've never seen it in any other photos of an AC-9 (or any other engine as well). Just my guess...

[superturbine]

Its the delivery of the engine with a special drum head on the front.  The windows are protected in addition the the above stated details.   -That's my guess

[Loren Perry]

Beautiful work, Jason! A huge piece of eye candy for steam buffs everywhere. Well done!

One very minor question - have you now perfected a new method of using the engine's pilot to clean the rails? If it works, let me know so I can try it on my layout!

[wazzou]

One very minor question - have you now perfected a new method of using the engine's pilot to clean the rails? If it works, let me know so I can try it on my layout!

It is a little bit of a dragger, isn't it.   

[superturbine]

 . The pilot just looks like its touching.  The pilot is level and on the other side (other rail) you can see what the clearance is.  Being urethane no shorting problem and I like it like the prototype- close!  It has enough clearance that it has no problems.  It does clear the rails of stray animals tho!!!

I also had to do a double looked at the pic!

Thanks Loren!!

[James Costello]

Amazing work Jason & Co - looks great!

[superturbine]

Thanks James!!

Also, knowing you guys would require proof of the pilot height
-I am not saying it isn't low and  I know it would not work on some railroads.  My tracks were installed with brass engines in mind . 

[Loren Perry]

Thanks James!!

Also, knowing you guys would require proof of the pilot height
-I am not saying it isn't low and  I know it would not work on some railroads.  My tracks were installed with brass engines in mind . 

AH! Much more gooder. Very prototypical, Jason. Too many N-scale engines have so much pilot clearance that a scale German Shepherd could walk under them.

[Theteejmiester]

my lord all mighty that is a beautiful machine I do declare!!! Wowza,hubba hubba....Do want...

[carlso]

  SP AC-9 3803



I found the answer to the mystery about this photo. Let me say that I found it accidentally on Trainorders.com in a thread authored by Martin "LoggerHogger" on 01/15/2013. The picture was made, by Mr. Kramback on 10/27/1939 in Kansa City, Mo., while loco was in transit to El Paso, Texas for delivery to SP. Note the drive rods are removed and Martin says that there is a 55 gallon oil drum between the two pumps. The Lima Loco Works mounted a placard on the drum as they were extremely proud of the AC-9's that they built. Thanks Martin, I think the question has been answered.

Carl

[superturbine]

Where is my $1000 prize?

[superturbine]

One last video of the nearly finished engine-

Not a valid youtube URL
Jason Smith
Tomball Locomotive Works

[peteski]

So it really was ....drum roll..... a 55 gal DRUMHEAD! 

As it is the norm with you Jason - excellent modeling!

[Cajonpassfan]

So on November 19, Jason decides he likes the AC-9 enough to build it. On December 19, there's a video of the completed engine, with sound, running on his beautiful layout.... I speechless.
Way to go bud!
Otto K., still working on the 1600 class....

[carlso]

Jason,

Awesome video, beautiful loco. However, the scenery work, rock work and all of your layout shows what a true artist you are. Thanks for the loco and the updates. Looking forward to this challenge, sort of like a child anticipating Santa Claus. Child? Oh well a 73 year old can still "play trains" can't we?

Carl

PS - the prize is " in the mail ".