I am a fan of modeling SCL and ACL units. I have been tossing around the idea of building a superdetailed model of SCL 1776 (the GE U36B) as I remember seeing it many times in my younger days back home in North Carolina. I have several builders photos of the unit along alot of other offical SCL photos and propaganda on it. Boy was it a complicated paint job! It was the only GE locomotive I ever liked.
My main problem has been trying to find a PROPER Presidential seal that was in the center of the long hood on each side along with the small one on the front of the short hood. Also, trying to find realistic scale American flags that went in the “flag brackets” are a challenge as well. On and off searching for 20 years has never turned up any accpetable matches on any of this stuff but with the way computers and lasers have come along in recent years, I figure it is time to try again.
Also, I would be open to suggestions on how to scratchbuild the “spot lights” to look and work pototypically. Supposedly, the spot lights could be set to light up any time the horn was actuated which energized a time delay relay so the unit would stay light up at crossings. I do not know if that is 100% true or if the guy who told me this was just seeing the unit when the lights were shorting out. This unit had several spot lights mounted on the running boards lighting up the presidential logo on the sides and front. Fiber optics will give me the right diameter and enough intensity but cannot make the bends and be hidden well enough. Regular light bulbs are just too “yellow” in appearance and will likely reek havoc with onboard electronics due to current draw and of course burn out over time and require major cosmetic work to replace.
I know Lionel made a feeble attempt at this particular unit back in the 1970’s or 80’s but is very poorly done mechanically and cosmetically. I have 4 of them sitting in the junk drawer that I mess around with now and then just for ideas.
I think both Bachmann (pretty sure)and Athearn (maybe) produced HO models of this unit (but I might be confusing it with the “Auto Train” units made about the same time). The old Bachmann mechanisms might be coming apart by now. Their die casting material had real problems!
Have you thought of going to the White House site and seeing if they have a downloadable version of the seal?
SCL,
During your search did you encounter this article ?
SCL U36B in Bicentennial and normal paint schemes Railroad Modeler, February 1972, page 45 ( BICENTENNIAL, DIESEL, DRAWING, “FINNELL, JAMES”, GE, PAINT, SCL, U36B, UBOAT, ENGINE, LOCOMOTIVE, PROTOTYPE, RRM )
It appears to be the most pertinent of the six articles cited when I did a search at the Index of Magazines, using “SCL U36B” as the search term. Since I don’t have the article, I don’t know if it suggests any sources for the seal.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
Athearn did produce a U33B in SCL 1776 scheme Stock #3484 (powered) and #3494 (dummy). I’m not sure how accurate it was.
Bachmann produced the Auto train. I have one in N scale.
Does anyone have any pic’s of the Athearn #3484 or 3494 (SCL U36B 1776) or better yet own one and give a an opinion of the paint job. I have never seen one and never knew such a thing existed. Thanks for all replies.
About two months ago, I saw an Athearn SCL Bicentenial U33B at a train show. It was reasonably priced but I didn’t buy it because the paint job was not good. The red was too light and the color seperations between red or blue and white left a lot to be desired. This was a factory painted unit and judging from your post don’t waste your time pursuing one unless you want it for its “collectible” value.
slcmodeler
Send me your email I have bunches of the Athearn that I can photo for you. Athearn made 2 different ones a light blue and a dark blue I think I have both but not sure
Thanks to all for the assistance and the photos. The Athearn one is decent but not quite “good enough” for what I am looking for. If anyone is interested in doing a superdetail/paint on brass or high quality plastic U36B, please contact me direct at jwcorbett@vcn.com. No rush. Willing to pay for and want as close to prototype as possible for display and occasional running on layout. Thanks again for all the input.
The BN had a U-boat in bicentennial colors with this logo on it. There is a herald King set that covered their engines. I have not seen this set in a while. I have a partial set at home but the decals are pretty well useless as they are so dried out they fall apart when used. I have considered reprinting this set and I do have the art for the presidential seal. The one problem though is that it is a copyrighted seal that the government says can’t be used anywhere other than official presidential business. I read this somewhere but, can’t remember where. I would look to see if you could find a set and maybe, hopefully it would be in good shape to use.