detailing Alco diesels

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I have gotten the bug to detail Alco diesels, one of each if I can. My question, I guess would be for those who do detailing, what reference books would I want to buy?

I am looking for books that will help me put the hardware and details in the proper place, especially where there is no cast on details to give a reference point. What I would like to do is cover Alco diesels from the first to last and, if possible, the different phases.

In looking on line, I have found and am seriously thinking about buying;

  1. Model Railroader cyclopedia vol 2: diesels
  2. Diesel locomotives: The first 50 years
  3. Locomotive Cyclopedia —???
  4. Alco reference #1 Builders Photos (I am told it might have good pictures )

I don’t need road specific but do favor Northeast R.R.'s . The first two, from what I could see on line, might show items but I don’t know about measurements. As for the Locomotive Cyclopedia, I cannot find a preview of it, nor can I find what engines they actually have in the book. I don’t know anyone who has read this book either. Concerning the Locomotive Cyclopedia, is there one book that would cover all the Alcos manufactured. If anyone has used these books for detail referencing would you let me know if these are good choices. Would there be a better choice?

Thank you,
Ralph

2

Kalmbachs diesel book is a good source. Also there are many books out there that RR specific but have a wealth of info in them. Three RR’s that were Alco heavy, were the NYC, New Haven, and the Lehigh and New England, and I know there are many articals and books out there on all three. Hope this helps.

3

Withers Publishing will be releasing a new line of books about Alco Century models. The first of three volumes soon to be released will be about the 4-axle models.

4

I have gotten the bug to detail Alco diesels, one of each if I can. My question, I guess would be for those who do detailing, what reference books would I want to buy?

I am looking for books that will help me put the hardware and details in the proper place, especially where there is no cast on details to give a reference point. What I would like to do is cover Alco diesels from the first to last and, if possible, the different phases.

In looking on line, I have found and am seriously thinking about buying;

  1. Model Railroader cyclopedia vol 2: diesels
  2. Diesel locomotives: The first 50 years
  3. Locomotive Cyclopedia —???
  4. Alco reference #1 Builders Photos (I am told it might have good pictures )

I don’t need road specific but do favor Northeast R.R.'s . The first two, from what I could see on line, might show items but I don’t know about measurements. As for the Locomotive Cyclopedia, I cannot find a preview of it, nor can I find what engines they actually have in the book. I don’t know anyone who has read this book either. Concerning the Locomotive Cyclopedia, is there one book that would cover all the Alcos manufactured. If anyone has used these books for detail referencing would you let me know if these are good choices. Would there be a better choice?

Thank you,
Ralph

5

Kalmbachs diesel book is a good source. Also there are many books out there that RR specific but have a wealth of info in them. Three RR’s that were Alco heavy, were the NYC, New Haven, and the Lehigh and New England, and I know there are many articals and books out there on all three. Hope this helps.

6

Withers Publishing will be releasing a new line of books about Alco Century models. The first of three volumes soon to be released will be about the 4-axle models.