Reply to "Now Comes the E6 from 3rd Rail"

T4TT posted:

I emailed Scott to ask about the how the front coupler would be treated on the ATSF E6.  Here is his reply..

We can have this discussion after we have been through the design
phase of the E6s. Since the nose of the E6s stick out farther I am
inclined to have a 2 Rail pilot with a rotating door. But that 2
Rail pilot would be an extra cost for 3 Railers wanting this
feature.

Scott Mann

I think having the option of a closed door front pilot is great.  If you agree email him to let him know it is worth the effort to provide it.

thanks

kevin

1. Agreed. Option of closed pilot is definitely wanted. I wish it was also possible on the yet to be produced Alco PA as well.

2. Throughout the 40's the closed pilot was fundamental to the sleek shovel nosed features distinctive to the E6 for so many 'glamorous' named passenger trains they headed.

3. I don't object to a reasonable extra cost for an optional closed door pilot for the lead unit of an A A pair in 3R. Obviously, an open door pilot with functional 3R coupler on the second A unit would be necessary in such a configuration.

4. I reserved 2 A units as soon as they were announced. Your 'email Scott' recommendation is a good one for anyone serious about purchasing these. He's always given me upfront responses. I am sending one today.

http://morphotoarchive.org/rvn...20Western%20Railroad

CNW E6 AA pair no. 5005A & 5005B in 1947:

(Photo:  Ron V. Nixon Collection Image Record -RVN12753. Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University-Bozeman).

Edit 6/6/17: Per his response to my email, I sent Scott photos and link for closed pilot references.  CNW pilot doors different in style than ATSF and others.  Also photo evidence shows 1940-50s E6 pilot had the side step, not to be confused with the many photos of E3s cleaner pilot without step.   Lastly of note:  the lights in center lens are aligned vertically on this prototype. Hopefully more than 3 of us order sets so it doesn't get cancelled!

E6 (5005A,5005B,5006A,5006B): photo from mid to late 40's. This phase shows pilot with side step, single upper light & vertically aligned twin center lights

E3 (5001A,5001B,5002A,5002B): this photo '39 to early 40's shows narrower no step pilot, single upper and center light