I model Tehachapi from 1946-1956, mostly passenger equipment. I know that the San Joaquin Daylight was dieselized in late 1952 for the mountain run, and that they used “freight F7 diesels”. I’m looking for an ABBA set in black widdow for this purpose and the new stuff from intermountain sure looks nice…
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Even though they used “freight” units, shouldn’t I be looking for a set where at least one locomotive has a steam gen?(new intermountain sets have no steam gen)
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New intermountain locos are equiped with a snow plow. This doesn’t seem right for southern california. the cab units are available in 6304, 6311, 6326, and 6336 - is it plausible that one of these (with a plow) pulled the SJD over the Tehachapis between 1952 and 1956? I can’t seem to find roster info online about where these locomotives were assigned.
I don’t mean to sound like a protosnob. I go with a 10 yr period precisely because of the fact that I like what I like, and I’ll run it if I want. BUT, I do prefer to get it right if possible. So should I wait around for some Atherns or will these do?
SP had no S/G equipped F7’s, What you need is a duel purpose DF4 class F7 B of which 36 were steam generator equipped, this will alllow you to operate a non S/G F7A in passenger service, SP also had 16 FP7 available in the general passenger pool, many saw frequent use on the San Joaquin. Those cast pilots are unique to the Espee and prototypically correct regardless of operating terrority, all EMD and Alco cab units were so converted or had them added upon delivery whith the exception of those units built for the T&NO and Cotton Belt.
Dave
Dave - great reply, thanks so much!
I have some follow up questions for anyone that knows…
Who makes a decent DF4 class F7 with a steam gen in black widdow? I know that Intermountain and Athern have done FP7s in the past. Intermountain’s web site just says “contact your dealer”, does anyone know if these are going to be re-issued anytime soon?
If I were to grab an ABB set of the new intermountains - how would they work with an Athern FP7 (paint, gearing… etc)? Would it be best to wait for a new intermountain FP7 to complete the set?
Oh, forgot to say, im in HO.
-Matt
Matt,
I do not beleive SP had any F7a units with a SG. The could run a non-SG F7a, leading boiler equipped F7b units next to the train. Also, there may be a gearing difference between the F7a freight unit and the F7b boosters. The dual service FP7’s ran in passenger service and several lines by the late 60’s. The Alco PA’s were just about all gone by that time.
The Intermountain FP7 would be a best fit, unless you are using DCC and speed match the Athearn/Intermointaion locomotives.
Jim
Matt
Beyond the scope of your orginal query, but a interesting aspect of Techachapi passenger operations
For a period of years in the early fifties it was standard practice to have matched sets of ALco PA’s forward the San Joaquin from Oakland to Bakersfied where they were replaced by F units. SP would break up these PA sets and assign the A units to temporary passenger helper service on techachapi unitl arrival of the northbound San joaquin., This practice made for some unusual motive power assignments as it was not uncommon to see the PA’s Mu’ed with RSD5’s or whatever else was available to the Bakersfield helper pool!
Dave
Dave,
That’s just the kind of scene that attracted me to this area. Always something else to learn about/appreciate/model…
Thanks everyone for the help.
Matt