3rdrail F3 on their way.

He said in the email I received they are shipping Wednesday and Friday.

Neal Jeter

Please post sure to post some nice photos when they Do show show up. 
Thanks !!!

TrainBub

I received a UPS email last Monday that said it would be here tomorrow, and I would have to sign for them.  So far nothing else from UPS so no idea when I need to be here.

I have a NP ABA set that should be arriving tomorrow! I’ll try and post some pics tomorrow night. 

Here are some quick photos. Sorry for the mediocre quality, I didn’t have time to whip out the DSLR and instead took these with my iPhone....

In short summary, Another Home Run!

Two minor critiques...

1) the diaphragms lack any play (spring effect), while in some past models (the E8’s & 9’s come to mind) the diaphragms were multi part metal and had some minor flex to them. This allowed for ultra close coupling with short box/length Kadees to the extent that the diaphragms could be butted right up to each other for absolutely no gap between units.

2) I hate to be the one to point this out because it’s one of those “once you see it, you can’t unsee it” kinda things although ever so minor... The gal in charge of the “Main Street of the Northwest” forgot to dot her I’s; but it is the easiest of DIY fixes requiring only the smallest dot of white paint and a very steady hand.

Also, these are my first 3rd rail diesels since the 2nd run PA’s. I’m not sure if this is the first time Kadee mounting brackets have been included, but if so they are a welcome  addition to the parts bag! Here we’ve got a bolt on 3RS setup out of the box. Thank you Scott!!!

Finally, to all who have some on the way; you will be absolutely blown away with satisfaction when you unwrap them! And to those who don’t, you’re gonna have a real sore butt from sitting on that fence. 

Can't wait for the video.

Fresh out of the box, have not installed the included hoses, the short couplers and the scale pilot.  Not much of an expert on these, but they look good to me.  Always put off getting the war bonnet f3s, so finally have a pair.  thanks scott

Why can't Lionel do fixed pilots\?  Even with the massive hole for the lobster claw looks 100 times better than a swinging pilot.

@superwarp1 posted:

Why can't Lionel do fixed pilots\?  Even with the massive hole for the lobster claw looks 100 times better than a swinging pilot.

Could it be the O-31 curve requirement? What is the minimum curve for these? I'm thinking of putting in an order for a possible 2nd run.

@Oman posted:

Could it be the O-31 curve requirement? What is the minimum curve for these? I'm thinking of putting in an order for a possible 2nd run.

Well your big scale vision line diesels won't run on 0-31 I would think anyway.  These are 0-54 curves and O-72 turnouts which I think has more to do with the way the motor is connected to the trucks than anything to do with the couplers swing.  I'll post a video sometime this weekend.

Scott did an amazing job on the F3. I was blown away by the metallic sheen....perfect!

Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?

@catnap posted:

Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?

I was just about to ask the same question. I noticed it on a lot of units. Thanks for all the pictures. They all look good, especially the Santa Fe and Northern Pacific.

Donald

@catnap posted:

Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?

I am not sure if this was directed to any of the specific units photographed above but I can say that all portholes on my NP’s have glass in them. In some of the photos I took, they may look like they don’t, but it is really just that the glass is near perfectly clear. Also, I took better photos today and will post them after I have a chance to transfer them off of the camera. 

Thanks Big John for the clarification. They are indeed the clearest glass / acrylic I have ever seen in a model train. To me, it looked like the Santa Fe was missing. 

Thanks again, looking forward to your new pictures.

Donald

Those are beautiful engines.  Looks like they are sold out.  In my fleet, I don't own any 3rd rail engines, I am guessing mostly because of the required radius or the fact they are sold out upon delivery.    When Kirke was at Just Trains, I purchased one, but my 0-54 and the engines 0-54 did not work, and so I had to return it.

John

@BigJohn&theWork posted:

I am not sure if this was directed to any of the specific units photographed above but I can say that all portholes on my NP’s have glass in them. In some of the photos I took, they may look like they don’t, but it is really just that the glass is near perfectly clear. Also, I took better photos today and will post them after I have a chance to transfer them off of the camera. 

Thanks for setting the record straight. Taking another look I can see where the glass is so clear that it could give that illusion on all of the models pictured.

Anyhow, these are beautiful models. I especially like the NP's colors.

Here are the N de M F3s

@catnap posted:

Thanks for setting the record straight. Taking another look I can see where the glass is so clear that it could give that illusion on all of the models pictured.

Anyhow, these are beautiful models. I especially like the NP's colors.

But you had to complain first.  This is why Scott does not post any pictures of his stuff.