After visiting this site: http://home.att.net/~Berliner-Ultrasonics/bw-apoc4.html , I have decided to start my own project.
I will take two Athearn HO RTR F7A units, and make ONE UNIT! I plan to make a double header locomotive. I will replace the B trucks, with C trucks. I also wi***o custom paint the new Frakenstein locomotive, and add extra detail.
I like to be unprototypical. So, this is a good kitbashing project for someone like me.
Feedback anyone?
[8]TrainFreak409[8]
Interesting Project.
Let us see the end (pun) results. lol
Splicing two F units together and mounting them to an SD frame sounds like it’ll look like a mini-Little Joe, or something from Europe.
I want to take pictures along the way, so I will post them when ever I get the project going. It will happen, and start before the Summer’s end!
[8]TrainFreak409[8]
Hello TrainFreak409, [:)]
Something interesting here: There are prototypes that look similar to what you want to do.
In Australia, there have been EMD E units (called “A units” in Australia) that were double ended. I got to see one on a PBS special a few years ago pulling a passenger train at speed. Neat looking units though I thought the horns mounted on top of the nose looked rather strange! The ends themselves looked just like your typical E and F unit bulldog cabs. Locomotive Engineers (called “Drivers” down under) operate from the left side instead of the right side like in the U.S.A.
Check out www.railpictures.net
Go down to the blank “Key Word” box and type in Australia. There should be some photos of these units on there. May help you with some ideas as you’re doing a very similar version of these locomotives. [8D][;)]
It would help to use a computer connected to a “high speed” service as there are A LOT of pages and photos of these locomotives are scattered throughout. The high speed will help you go through them.
Let us know what you think of the photos. Keep us posted on your progress, should be a sharp looking unit! [:D][:p][8D]
Great idea, Trainfreak!
I see you like UP turbines, so what you want to build gonna resemble UP turbine #50?
that had twin cabs !
Overland does one in brass:
I still like the idea of 12,600 HP DD90MAC AC
can’t be any worse than those DD 45’s they used to run out west in the coal country
sounds like quite a project. And that’s a very good site, it tempted me to build a 4-2-2 Antartic… or perhaps a 4-14-4 in case I feel a bit communist.
Should be cool. I can’t wait to see your end result.
Noah
Hey, that’s what I said. [:D] [:)] [:D]
Hey everyone!
It seems that more people are interested than I thought!
AntonioFP45- Thanks for the information, I never would have guessed! But hey, anything is possible, so I should have expected that a similar unit existed. And, fast speed internet connection is hard to achieve around here. Mom thinks a cable connection is too expensive. I run on a 56k modem running at 28k tops, due to 30 year old phone lines.
lupo- I SURE DO LIKE TURBINES! And you are right, I had Number 50 in mind while creating this project! I have seen that picture before somewhere.
flyingscot- If you make a 4-2-2, or a 4-14-4, let us know! The P&R, Philly and Reading railroad, had 4-2-2’s, in normal, and camelback styles.
Thank you all for your feedback. And, if you want to help this project along, I AM ACCEPTING DONATIONS! If there is anybody willing to contribute, I can provide you with my address.
[8]TrainFreak409[8]
real 4-2-2s? how nooovel!
One more thing: would anyone here DARE to build this gargantuan?
If you think the Quadraplex is something, what about the Quintaplex?! Actually drawn, and planned, it was a 2-8-8-8-8-8-2, and a 2-10-10-10-10-10-2! Five sets of drivers! Does anybody want to build it?
[8]TrainFreak409[8]
I SPELLED FRANKENSTEIN WRONG IT THE TOPIC! MAN, I NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL! But, I don’t want to.
[8]TrainFreak409[8]
On the simpler (but no less arcane) side, I once created a “wide cab” GP-40 using the cab of an F7. Strange looking beast, to be sure. Potentially prototypical, but I’ve never seen it in the real world…
I have been thinking about a name for the “new” creation. [;)]
Little Joe is already taken. Plus add the fact that the F units were diesel powered and not “juice” powered, Joe = juice. Since he is using " F " units AND since he is calling it the Frankenstein project, I think “Lil Frank” would be a good name for the new baby.
What do you all think? [;)]
You can buy ready to run models of the Victorian Railways ML-2 (AA-16C) known as the “B class” by the railway. These were made by Lima in Italy. The wheel spacing will allow the substitution of a preferred SD9 chassis.
Peter
I’ve made some pretty weird Drawing with the computer. I guess i’ll show em to ya
Heres the JCLRY SW1M
Heres MMRR #2
Heres MMRR Meep
Heres My favorite MMRR #1 or as the crews named it “Brutus”
Heres the RS11MAC
Hey CNWfan5525, when can we see production models?
PROJECT FRANKENSTEIN UPDATE!
I have three F7A shells at the moment. I plan to use the one to practice using the Zona saw, and the second ones to build the shell.
I now need a camera, and to determine the length I want it. My goal is to complete the “Lil Frank” shell, and chassis by the end of the summer! Painting will take some time though.
This is my first kitbashing project, so it might take awhile, and be finished later than my goal.
[8]TrainFreak409[8]