mite sound abit strange ,but apart from cosmetics ,whats the differances in the fa-1 & fa-2,are they sized the same ,what I m getting at, well a fa-1 run with a fb-2…havent seen one up close but they look the same…another one of those what if questions …thanks Jerry
Your fa-1 and-2 nomenclature is confusing: FA is an Alco engine. dash -2’s are generally rebuild’s witn major changes… “p2k” is an abbreviation for '‘Proto 2000’ - a toy brand.name for 'Life Lile, which is manufactured in China and distrbuted and marketed in this country by Walthers…
IF your question is is '"Will the Proto 1000 and 2000 brands run together (because one is cheaper)? the answer is ‘probably not’ - unless you are running 100% DCC (and each is configured to run as a pair - expensive).
May I SUGGEST that if you use this forum, you learn more accurate descriptions to eliminate much guess-work?
I beg to differ…Proto 1000 locomotives use the same mechanisms as Proto 2000. The only difference between the two lines is the shells. P2K has all the extra details such as separate grab irons, see-through fans, etc., while P1K has cast-on grab irons and solid (non-see-through) fans. I know for a fact from personal experience taking both mechanisms apart that they are identical, with the sole exception of the circuit board. P1K uses a slightly simplified board without a DCC plug.
So, a P1K will run nicely with a P2K.
The prototype Alco FA-1 was a 1500 HP cab unit. FB-1 was the booster unit with no cab (B unit).
The prototype Alco FA-2 was a 1600 HP cab unit. FB-2 was the booster unit with no cab (B unit).
The external difference was the location of the cooling system. For FA-1/FB-1, the large fan and side radiator grills were at the far rear end of the unit. For FA-2/FB-2, the large fan and side radiator grills were not all the way to the rear of the unit.
Jerry,
The ‘real’ Alco FA1 was followed by the FA2 in production. Based upon customer comments, he FA2 is a little longer(note that the rear radiator fan is further forward(this allowed the installation of a S/G for passenger service). IIRC, the batteries were moved from under the frame to inder the cab area as well(make more room for fuel/boiler water).
As far as your P2K models - not really much difference in operation. The ‘real’ railroads mixed them all the time(The FA1 was rated at 1500 hp, and the FA2 was rated at 1600 hp).
Jim
thanks to all ,much help,Jerry
The FA-2 is also substantially longer than the FA-1, although I don’t have the dimensions right in front of me.
Lee
I am in absolute agreement with your answer; I don’t have the slightest idea what in the aitch you are talking about but you sound too authoritative to disagree with!
ALCO created the FA2/FB2 by extending the length of the FA1/FB! four feet–at least I think it was four feet–to facilitate the installation of a steam boiler for train heat. Cosmetically the radiator section which was flush with the rear of the FA1/FB1 is now set four feet forward from the end on the FA2/FB2; in addidtion there is now an underbody water compartment.
The FA-2 at 53’ 6" was two feet longer than the FA-1 at 51’ 6". From Steinbrenner pages 254 and 303.
Ed,
Thanks for the info! I sorta remember the 2’ longer thing. IIRC, by pushing the radiator 2’ forward and lengthening the rear end, Alco gained 4’ for the S/G area. Of course, by the time the FA-2 came out, the ‘road switcher’ concept was taking hold(and EMD had cleaned up of carbody sales).
Jim Bernier
I “beg to differ” with your “beg to differ” !
Not all Proto 2000 locos use the same motor and drive train. Some P2K’s don’t even run well with other P2K’s.
Proto 1000 locos use similar drive trains, but they use different motors in most cases.
Example: P2K FA-1 and FA-2 locos use an Athearn type clone motor. P1K RS-10 and RS-18 locos use a Kato type clone motor.
Add to that the differences in circuit boards between P2K and P1K, and Don Gibson is quite correct in saying that they probably won’t run well together.
Here’s a website with line drawings of Alco locomotives. You can look at the FA’s and FB’s to see the locations of the radiators and the large roof fan.
Fa-1 and FA-2 were ALCo models; there is nothing wrong with his nomenclature. Not once did he mention Proto 1000 and Proto 2000. Proto 2000 (or p2k) makes models of both FA-1s and FA-2s. His question is perfectly reasonable.
Answer the question, but don’t pick on the guy just because you don’t know what you’re talking about.