Alco PAs gleaming in the morning sun

Yes PA-1's in the sun.

Ron

New Haven PA1 0764 by MTH and 0771 by Sunset/3rd Rail...

MELGAR

Beautiful engines Melgar!

My inspiration!

Ron

Nice Ron! Unfortunately I haven't found any comprable pictures of an NYC.

Nothing "Gleams" like a a Santa Fe!

Nice Ron! Unfortunately I haven't found any comprable pictures of an NYC.

I cannot resist this one.  I am a steam type, but consider the PA an "honorary steam locomotive."  I do have an Overland ABA in my set, but am most happy with my sand cast and lost-plastic PAs.  So here they come - some of them!  The first is a CLW/Adams sand cast model with two giant pittmans driving all six axles.  The second is an MTH, converted with much heat and plaster into a silicon bronze model.  I really like them both much more than the wildly more accurate Overland, or indeed any plastic model no matter how accurate (and some, like the new Lionel, are about as accurate as they can get, except for wheels and couplers).  Yes, I have many more of both types.  That ATSF body is nickel silver, also done by the lost-plastic method.

SantaFeJim posted:

Nothing "Gleams" like a a Santa Fe!

 

I concur. 

S.P. Daylight gleaming in the morning sun at NJ Hirailers.

It says something about form when a locomotive looks great no matter which livery it's wearing.....

Don't forget the Bumblebee - your best PA photograph!

I love the PA locomotive!  Especially love the D&H livery! 

WITZ 41 posted:

It says something about form when a locomotive looks great no matter which livery it's wearing.....

What happened to the front Coupler?

Alco PAs on the G&O:

Alcos look good at twilight too....

And dusk...

SantaFeJim posted:

Nothing "Gleams" like a a Santa Fe!

 

Is this a photo of the roll out of the first PAs at the AlCO plant in Schenectady, NY, in 1938?  It sure was a beautiful loco and paint scheme.

Great photo'...where did you find it'...

Looking way back to my early childhood visits to the "Charles Street Round House" in Providence with my grandfather in the mid to late 1950's, I've always had a likeness and appreciation for ALCO's PA series.  I still recall being allowed to climb up to the cab of a NHRR ALCO that was on a side track....most likely there for some repair.  As a kid, it seemed like I was climbing up a 10 story building to grab the hand of the engineer, who helped me into the cab.  The memory of the simplicity of the control system reminds me of how uncomplicated "things" once were.  My grandfather had a 50 year pin from the NHRR.

When I got back into the hobby in 2007 , I purchased an MTH Santa Fe ABA and a Pennsy ABA in tuscan to haul a six car set of matching K-line passenger cars that I scored when K-line was on the ropes.  I still may pick a NHRR PA at some point just for the nostalgia....great memories of seeing the PA's pulling into Union Station in Providence.  From the historical standpoint, Rhode Island Locomotive Works in Providence became part of ALCO in a merger with several other similar companies into ALCO.  I believe most of the PA's were manufactured in Schenectady, NY. 

Fredstrains posted...

What happened to the front Coupler?

 

I replaced the 3 rail pilot with the included 2rail pilot. I'm finishing my E7 modifications before I get to the PA.  Once I have the time I will fabricate a prototypical UP front Pilot door assembly.  Then I will repaint the pilot, tanks, and trucks to the gray appropriate for the period of 1946-1954.  It will match the GGD yellow harrimans which already have the gray trucks correct for the same period.

I commend Scott and 3rd rail for making such a thoughtful and easy set up to do it. The lobster claw front coupler unplugs easily and two screws to remove it. Took 60 seconds. Brilliant. 

Switching both dual lights to a single light for each will take a little more skill and patience........

Those look real.  Only giveaway is the track!

Well I found it, my PA-1 project engine.  I am a fan of the NYC after the PRR, B&O, Erie but for sure the "Little Giant" the NYC System sub the P&LE.

This is from a MTH PS PA-1 set of AA-units.  The significance  is the one cab number 4204.  This is in the P&LE's sequence of 4204-4207 passenger PA-1's.

Intend to upgrade to PS-2.  I found a decal set with "P&LE" that can add to the body sides.  Need to find the word "SYSTEM" that I can add after "CENTRAL."

Ron

Ron...would love to see the finished product.

I just unpacked the new Lionel Santa Fe Alcos, #54 A Units and Super Bass B Unit. Both A units are numbered #54 (Box says 54A and 54L.) Very nice "polished" SS finish as advertised. It is not as shiny as the mirror finish as on the recent Atlas F7s . I have included photos of the 2010 Lionel Legacy Alco PA units (#52A unit and B unit) for comparison. They are basically a matte gray paint finish, quite dull.

The SS finish on these looks really nice!

                               1954 vintage American Flyer "Comet" Alco PA.

More  ATSF PAs.

beautiful locomotives!

Thank you Harold. Here is a close up of the alco PA truck with  scale wheels, brake lines and ATS shoe.

Did you mean this one Bob? 

The Denver & Rio Grande Western’s Prospector is running fast ahead of the California Zephyr as it blasts out of East Portal late on a July day in 1954.

Models used are Key Model Imports PA, Joe Fischer heavyweight baggage, Pecos River Brass Prospector cars. Shot on location at East Portal, Colorado July 2018. Forced perspective carefully placing modules in line with Moffat Tunnel portal. Using a photo editing program blending the shadows and adding the honorary steam locomotive exhaust. 

John Johnson and I on location at Moffat Tunnel. We built this module to represent the East Portal area as it was in the 1950’s. Forced perspective is a neat tool for those who can pull it off right. Fun times with friends in the hobby.  

This fine late gentleman sure did, Michael Paul Smith and his series “ Eljin Park “ was a huge inspiration for me to take up this hobby in model railroad. (Not my photo) I studied film making in art school and was offered work at ILM in 2006 as a model maker and character design. I stayed in Colorado for family reasons; I likely would have never perused the model railroad hobby if not for this choice. It’s fun I enjoy it. 

I admit - I was so taken by your photo that I captured it.  Can I post it for you?

Erik C Lindgren posted:

Models used are Key Model Imports PA, Joe Fischer heavyweight baggage, Pecos River Brass Prospector cars. Shot on location at East Portal, Colorado July 2018. Forced perspective carefully placing modules in line with Moffat Tunnel portal. Using a photo editing program blending the shadows and adding the honorary steam locomotive exhaust.

This is a beautiful photograph but, in my opinion, it is more representative of the art of photography and computer technology rather than of model railroading.

MELGAR

Plenty of room for all types of art.  I see no reason for segregating.  I am the exact opposite of Erik - I model like a blacksmith, and have no scenery.  I greatly admire the perfectionists! Erik is a true artist and a model railroader.

I tend to agree with Melgar. I can take my trains outside and put photo backgrounds behind them, but I prefer to photograph them with what I have built with my hands. However, I'm sure if Eric were to do the photography on my layout it would be spectacular.

Ron

Hers are the finished ATSF Alcos live on the layout. Super chief KC. to Chicago.

Ron H posted:

I tend to agree with Melgar. I can take my trains outside and put photo backgrounds behind them, but I prefer to photograph them with what I have built with my hands. However, I'm sure if Eric were to do the photography on my layout it would be spectacular.

Ron

Hey Ron, Melgar, and 48, it’s simple what I do!

As stated I’m “not a modeler” “not built with my own hands” whatever it is I do with the miniatures; just take your models outside and go! So easy my 4 year old can do it, right? So guys, please show me. I urge you.  

If my images offend you guys this much then why do you pay any attention to them ? 

I am not sure how to react to these statements. You say not “built with my own hands” “I’m not a modeler” a photographer perhaps? A magician with a computer ? Tools, I don’t know what to say. Thank you ?

As far as modeling my past posts here on OGR speak strongly to that answer no need for me elaborate. 

Look, It would be the furthest thing from my mind to ever insult or discredit or defame anything you guys do on OGR. It’s not my character  and you are entitled to your opinions yes  and if you and your friends agree with one another then please let us know; but calling me out as a fraud of sorts is highly offensive.  I had no idea that my work would be so offensive too you guys. I thought we all enjoyed this hobby as a family on here. I’ve been a strong member of OGR for over 10 years. This is the first time I’ve had too resort to this kind of a post. 

Im deeply offended, sad at the same time. 

kindest regards

Erik 

Erik, as I have said many times after looking at your photos, both on the layout and outside your modelling skills and photographic skills combine to blur the line between modelling and reality.  While the natural light and background, be it sky or the Moffat Tunnel portal, are the real deal, the modelling skills on the trains bring the whole photo to life.

Erik....You have demonstrated over the years that both your modeling skills and photography are top notch....  It is not surprising that others will have their own opinion especially those folks that are not familiar with your ability.  The important thing here is don't let other's opinions get to you....

Erik,

I have always admired your work and did not mean to offend. And I considered whether it was wise to make my post. The posted photograph is outstanding. All I said is that I consider it to be more of a photographic work than traditional model railroading. It was just an observation and an opinion. No criticism was intended.

MELGAR

Ron H posted:

Hers are the finished ATSF Alcos live on the layout. Super chief KC. to Chicago.

Hi Ron,

Are these the new Lionel Santa Fe PA's?

Did you make any adjustments/improvements, or are these how they came out of the box?

Thanks,

It's time to get back to the original subject of the thread. Here is another Alco PA.

MELGAR

Erik,

Your photography and modeling skills are outstanding, and I greatly admire your work. Don't ever stop posting here on the OGR forum.

Joe

Ron - nice video.  Do us another with the same trail creeping by so we can savor the details.  And did you go 2-rail, or just do really well disguised track?

And Erik did not say "no" - so here is one of my favorite Erik Lundgren shots:

Erik, please don't be offended, none was intended.

Kindest regards,

Ron Howard

Craignor, these Lionel Alcos were customized and detail by me. They were modified with hand made brass fixed pilots, custom steps, lowered chassis, with hand made additional details peculiar to the ATSF. There are posts from 5 years ago that detail what I did.

Bob2, will do. Also, Track is Atlas code 48 rail with N scale middle rail. I employ code 48 in areas where I like to view the trains running.

Erik, again, no offense meant.

Ron, ok, looking good, thanks.

Erik - I want to second Joe's (JVEGA2) post above - your modeling work and photography (and the two combined) are really outstanding and add a lot to the OGR fora.  I really enjoyed your recent 4014 pictures.

Your excellent use of forced perspective is terrific and I'm happy you made note of Michael Paul Smith's work (I hadn't realized he died...) - who perfected the craft to high art.  For those who are unaware of his work of combining a small model diorama with an outdoor, real-world background, here's a small sample:  https://petapixel.com/2013/10/...-perspective-250-ps/  I'm not sure this represents his best work - but I can't recall where I saw additional pictures.

In any event, since Bambi's mom's advice seems to be completely ignored these days ("if you don't have anything nice to say...") --

Illegitimi non carborundum

and keep on truckin' (errr... 'training') and posting...

- Rich

I am heart sick to have just learned of Michael Paul Smith's passing.  I started scratch building in 1:24 scale modeling after a friend introduced his work to me.

He was a true inspiration and the master of forced perspective model photography.  Here is the link from the NY Times with much infor and his short interview film.  There is over 700 photos in a memorium on Flicker as well. 

He was the nicest person one would hope to meet'.  He will be surely missed. He had 74 Million followers on Flicker'...

Michael Paul Smith, 67, Founder of a Beloved Imaginary Town, Dies ...

Be sure to visit 'Elgin Park' ... 

And now a little light weathering on # 62

SeanG posted:

My Lionchief ALCO's

Those are EMD FTs. Not Alcos.

Lou1985 posted:

SeanG posted:

My Lionchief ALCO's

Those are EMD FTs. Not Alcos.

Withdrawn!

Received my NYC A's and B yesterday.  I was very happy that the greasing, oiling & the start-up went flawlessly.  I was concerned when I set addresses for each one, the trailing A did not make a verbal signal.  I just reread the description and it refers to the Sound System on the leading unit, not the trailing A unit.  Hence no volume pot in that engine.

Really glad I bought them.  Very smooth runner also.

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Received my NYC A's and B yesterday.  I was very happy that the greasing, oiling & the start-up went flawlessly.  I was concerned when I set addresses for each one, the trailing A did not make a verbal signal.  I just reread the description and it refers to the Sound System on the leading unit, not the trailing A unit.  Hence no volume pot in that engine.

Really glad I bought them.  Very smooth runner also.

Hey Bryant, sure would love to see a few photos...

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Received my NYC A's and B yesterday.  I was very happy that the greasing, oiling & the start-up went flawlessly.  I was concerned when I set addresses for each one, the trailing A did not make a verbal signal.  I just reread the description and it refers to the Sound System on the leading unit, not the trailing A unit.  Hence no volume pot in that engine.

Really glad I bought them.  Very smooth runner also.

Hey Bryant, sure would love to see a few photos...

I will take some photos tonight.  Will also include a video pulling 1940 MTH passenger cars.  Not really a color match, but my Lionel Baggage cars I bought earlier this year are on the train shelves.  Glenn Snyder is not getting shelves until the end of June.  Until then, I have no place to put the 11 cars on the 1940 set to exchange for the baggage set.  Will see when I get home.  I might do something to get the baggage cars on these engines.  Photos tomorrow.

I forgot to ask, has anyone looked at fixed pilots for these yet.  I would think it would look very good with fixed.  I did the change on my Atlas F-3s and it really changed the look for the better on curves.

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Received my NYC A's and B yesterday.  I was very happy that the greasing, oiling & the start-up went flawlessly.  I was concerned when I set addresses for each one, the trailing A did not make a verbal signal.  I just reread the description and it refers to the Sound System on the leading unit, not the trailing A unit.  Hence no volume pot in that engine.

Really glad I bought them.  Very smooth runner also.

Hey Bryant, sure would love to see a few photos...

I will take some photos tonight.  Will also include a video pulling 1940 MTH passenger cars.  Not really a color match, but my Lionel Baggage cars I bought earlier this year are on the train shelves.  Glenn Snyder is not getting shelves until the end of June.  Until then, I have no place to put the 11 cars on the 1940 set to exchange for the baggage set.  Will see when I get home.  I might do something to get the baggage cars on these engines.  Photos tomorrow.

Don't worry.  Plenty of railroads had mixed cars especially RPOs, baggage, and passenger as the heydays were coming to an end...

Bryant...looking forward to those photos! In the meantime I've posted an admittedly amateurish video review of the new Alcos. Have a look, but be gentle!

https://youtu.be/3-ppZNAtCxQ

Hi James,  Just watched your video'.. Have you tried switching the engines around,, Have the now front trail.  They appear to run fine.  It looks as though the rear truck or just the coupler arm is not aligned correctly.  Is it possible there is a flaw in the coupler arm.  Have you examined the bottoms of each loco  with a magnifying glass for any irregularities in the frames, coupler arms and trucks.  ALso, check and see if all the screws connecting the frame to the shell are fastened completely.  One screw incompletely fastened,can create an off balance effect on the tracks'...

I'm curious as well as others are I'm sure.  We need to get to the bottom of this issue'...

I will have a look tomorrow. Railroad is shut down for the night! Thanks for the suggestions. 

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Received my NYC A's and B yesterday.  I was very happy that the greasing, oiling & the start-up went flawlessly.  I was concerned when I set addresses for each one, the trailing A did not make a verbal signal.  I just reread the description and it refers to the Sound System on the leading unit, not the trailing A unit.  Hence no volume pot in that engine.

Really glad I bought them.  Very smooth runner also.

Hey Bryant, sure would love to see a few photos...

I will take some photos tonight.  Will also include a video pulling 1940 MTH passenger cars.  Not really a color match, but my Lionel Baggage cars I bought earlier this year are on the train shelves.  Glenn Snyder is not getting shelves until the end of June.  Until then, I have no place to put the 11 cars on the 1940 set to exchange for the baggage set.  Will seewhen I get home.  I might do something to get the baggage cars on these engines.  Photos tomorrow.

I took a couple of pictures with the MTH 20-65237 series cars which total 12 cars.  As you can see, it pulls with no effort.

The other one shows the comparison between the fixed pilot on the Atlas F-3s compared to the one on the ALCO.  ALCO would be really nice with fixed also.

I was not able to load the video showing the 3 NYC Baggage cars in the lat catalog, or the one before it  I will retry when I get time.

Nice ballast work!

Ron H posted:

Nice ballast work!

Thank you for the compliment.  I did it with a "Ballast King".  Sold it when I was done.  Well worth it considering you can sell them for what you payed for it.

Wow Bryant, beautiful layout !  I like the blue walls with the painted clouds on it'.  Very nice touch.  Did you figure out why the  new Alco's are lopsided?

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Wow Bryant, beautiful layout !  I like the blue walls with the painted clouds on it'.  Very nice touch.  Did you figure out why the  new Alco's are lopsided?

Thank you for your kind compliment.  I did not notice a lopsided car problem.  Only the need to reassign often.

Old work; the GM&O had 3 PA's.

Only an old, custom-painted/weathered and custom-detailed (GM&O-correct lower headlight added; can't see it here) Williams. Fixed pilot.

Comparison with a factory TMCC NYC Lionel (early production; 2 can motors with no flywheels - actually made in Michigan, if you care; decent runner)

I always thought that the Wms tank was too shallow and short; it is indeed too shallow, but not too short - what Wms did was put the trucks in the wrong place! Too far outboard. The Lionel is correct and much better proportioned.

However, the Wms trucks are actually nicer than these Lionel or the MTH A1A trucks. More see-through and, even more importantly, they pivot in the center and do not have that silly-looking "truck-back-end-protrusion" on curves. 

I don't know about the new Legacy PA trucks.

I think the high end Lionel trucks are great. You have to pick out the detail with a wash. This truck has ATS shoe and brake lines added.

Yeah, me too.  The latest Lionel trucks compare well with top-of-the-line brass import trucks.  And the Lionel body is nearly perfect!  Too bad it is plastic.

D500, do you have any additional photos of that old PA?  We need to see more of that baby'..