SP 6000 project & Golden State

[nickelplate759]

Next question - for the individual unit numbers (not the locomotive number, which is just 6001)
It's hard to get a good picture of them - this photo of 6001A is the best I've found:



I think it shows the unit number (next to the rear steps) like this:

6001-A

Where the A is smaller than the 6001, and there's a dash between them.
I can't tell if the dash should be vertically centered on the 1 or on the A.  Anyone know?

I sure wish I had one of the magical TV Police show image enhancers ....

[peteski]

While I applaud your quest for accuracy, will anybody notice (without magnifying glass) on your N scale model that the letter is smaller than the numbers, and the  location of the dash?  But then again, you will know that you just "winged it".   

Hopefully someone will provide a better photo fo those numbers or an authoritative answer.

[nickelplate759]

I'm not even certain the dash is present!
I'm pretty sure the A is smaller than the 6001.

It might just be 6001A

And you're right - it may be impossible for the dash to be seen, if it actually does exist.

[SP-Wolf]

I'm not even certain the dash is present!
I'm pretty sure the A is smaller than the 6001.

It might just be 6001A

And you're right - it may be impossible for the dash to be seen, if it actually does exist.

Hi George,

The letter is the same size as the numbers.

Looking great!!

Best regards,
Wolf

[nickelplate759]

Cool, thanks!

[nickelplate759]

@nickelplate759

Here ya go:

Locomotive number (Rear side) - 10"
Classification numbers and letters - 2"
"F" - 4-1/2"

Looking good --

Best regards,
Wolf

@SP-Wolf   Please help me to clarify my understanding - is this correct?

The Locomotive number is the number that only appears on the A unit (e.g. 6001, without the trailing letter).
The classification numbers & letters are the "DEP-4".  In N-scale that's TINY (works out to 1.3 pt type).
The individual unit numbers (e.g. 6001A, 6001B, 6002C) are the same size as the "F" - 4.5" (2.8 pt type).

[SP-Wolf]

@SP-Wolf   Please help me to clarify my understanding - is this correct?

The Locomotive number is the number that only appears on the A unit (e.g. 6001, without the trailing letter).
The classification numbers & letters are the "DEP-4".  In N-scale that's TINY (works out to 1.3 pt type).
The individual unit numbers (e.g. 6001A, 6001B, 6002C) are the same size as the "F" - 4.5" (2.8 pt type).

Good morning George,

Some answers:
For as delivered units. Most of these features  changed within a very short time frame. As the SP gave every locomotive its own road number.  As well as standardizing on passenger locomotive paint scheme.

The Locomotive number is the number that only appears on the A unit (e.g. 6001, without the trailing letter). - Correct. Only the "A" unit carried the road number
The classification numbers & letters are the "DEP-4".  In N-scale that's TINY (works out to 1.3 pt type). - Yeah - this is very tiny.
The individual unit numbers (e.g. 6001A, 6001B, 6002C) are the same size as the "F" - 4.5" (2.8 pt type).- Nope. the small unit numbers are 2" and the "F" is 4-1/2".


Best regards,
Wolf

[Viperjim1]

I’m not prototypical as you guys are, I just think it’s a good looking train. I’ve acquired some stuff and the Golden Statr I first received was a Kato set of locos and 10 car consist painted by Emperor Of The North, and beautiful worki must say. And the rest are con cor items but I have 2 duplicate number. Hopefully these pictures post.

[nickelplate759]

Nice collection, @Viperjim1 .    I wish SP really did paint F-units in silver & scarlet, they look great that way.

Your equipment reminds me that I really do want to get an A-B set of Rock Island E7s, as I'm pretty well along on having two consists for the Golden State.   

[nickelplate759]

I'm almost done lettering #6001(A-B-C).  The only remaining decision is what to put on the number boards.
SP put the train number there, and The Golden State wasn't an extra,  so the number boards would either show 4 (eastbound) or 3 (westbound).

I live in Tucson, so I thought I'd pick whichever was more likely to come through Tucson in daytime.   I haven't found a 1948 through early 1950s (the time frame for the red & silver Golden State scheme) schedule for reference, so I'm not sure, but I suspect that #4 is a safer bet. 

On the practical modeling end, I also need to figure out the handrails.  The Precision Craft undecorated engines came with handrails, but they're black.   I could try painting them silver, or make new ones out of stainless steel.


[edit]   I found a timetable for December 1948 (year the updated train was inaugurated): http://www.streamlinerschedules.com/concourse/track9/goldstate194812.html

#3 was scheduled into Tucson at 7:00 AM
#4 was scheduled into Tucson at 12:18 AM.

So - #3 it is!

[peteski]

Paint can flake off thin metal handrails. Stainless steel would be a more durable option.

[JMaurer1]

Silver magic marker

[nickelplate759]

Silver magic marker

If the model had raised bumps for handrails I'd do exactly this, but in this case the handrails are freestanding.

[JMaurer1]

So? Silver magic marker. It's silver, sticks to plastic, brass, delron. I even use it as a base coat under Atlas hand rails (the black slippery plastic ones). If the white paint flakes off in a spot, the silver hides most of it way better than the black plastic does.

[nickelplate759]

So? Silver magic marker. It's silver, sticks to plastic, brass, delron. I even use it as a base coat under Atlas hand rails (the black slippery plastic ones). If the white paint flakes off in a spot, the silver hides most of it way better than the black plastic does.

Well, @JMaurer1 , it's easy to try, and I already have the original black handrails, so I'll see what happens!  Got a brand to recommend that you have had success with?