Skip to main content

Late last night I received my digital newsletter of 3rd Rail announcing the ALCo Fa Diesel units. 

http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.html#ALCOFA

Unfortunately, the Diesels that I would have wanted were NOT there. I was hoping others would take note and see if they agree or disagree.

I was looking for the PRR FA-1 A-B-A configuration

Why the FA-1? Well NO MFG/ Importer has made a DETAILED FA-1. Yes the WBB is out there but that's ones only choice.

The WBB version has :

  • the incorrect truck side frames  that modeled early RS1 FRICTION Bearings. The side frames would have to be modified and
  • the Truck length is too short- a la MTH EMD F & GP units in PS1
  • Missing the Exposed Air Tank as shown in the picture above
  • Incorrect Fuel tank. WBB has molded some kind of compartments to the sides when thetank side  should be smooth
  • Incorrect Side ladders- The WBB used EMD E-unit stamped metal ladders and
  • Ladders don't curve IN like the 1:1 did
  • NO Trainphone Antenna
  • Early FIRST RUN Williams FA-1 has incorrect road numbers assigned to them. PRR road number for the : FA-1 are 9600-9607    FA-2 are 9608-9630
  • By the Time someone makes some kind of corrections & detail additions- one is WELL over the PRice of a Third Rail FA!
  • When was the Last time 2 railers had an FA-1? Weaver models are pretty abundant along with many brass models of the same FA-2 model!
  • 3 Railers have a pleathera of Choices for the FA-2 from Weaver models [2 versions] to Lionel TMCC/Lionel Legacy versions and MTH PS2 & PS3! What could 3rd Rail possibly offer in their price point to bring 3 railers to buy their version?

 

NOW for an FA-2 I would want to see the DEMO Version!

  • This is a Paint Scheme that NO Mfg/Importer has produced or plans to produce anytime soon! MTH has issues with "dip Job" simplistic  demonstrator paint schemes and Lionel Seems to Avoid Demonstrator schemes of late!

I am in for an A-B-B-A Set of this paint scheme for SURE [But IMHO the GE logo is what maybe scaring mfg/s importers away- along with LOW Demo order numbers from past demo offerings]

What are your imputs of this model?

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

To say nothing of the bad rendition of the nose and windows on the WBB FA.

It is as hard for the model mfg'ers to get the nose/windows right on an FA as it is the nose/windows on the EMD F.

As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Unfortunately, the Diesels that I would have wanted were NOT there. I was hoping others would take note and see if they agree or disagree.

I was looking for the PRR FA-1 A-B-A configuration

This is a new announcement, and the Pennsylvania FA -1 can certainly be done. Send an e-mail to Scott Mann with your desire to see them.

Last edited by rheil
BobbyD posted:
MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Haven't the E and F units had an optional fixed pilot?

The "fixed pilot" os not "optional". What is "optional" is a different "fixed pilot" without the huge opening for the lobster claw coupler arrangement on 3-Rail models. Thus, the "optional" pilot allows the 3RS modeler to change-out the pilot with the huge hole for the lobster claw, when the model is up-graded with Kadee couplers, as that "optional" pilot provides the more scale size opening for the Kadee coupler.

laming posted:

...As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

Poor SLSF...it is so difficult for us to get any love from the manufacturers. I never thought we were that obscure a company, and they had 16 A-B-A sets of FA1’s.  

Scott, does say in the ad, to inform him by email what you would like to see in options for this offering. However, for $699.00, I'd like to see a truly accurate rendition of the prototype.  And a smaller radius then 54....  As I only can accommodate 45 radius.  I think the majority of O Gaugers, have a smaller radius  than large.  I could be wrong, but let's see what the forum responses will be.   I did purchase a Gp-9 from GG, but I had to return it do the sound not working, and never had the chance to try and modify it for the shorter radius... Scott, was a pleasure to work with, but it is still a hassle mailing back locomotives regardless whom the manufacture is...  

Last edited by Quarter Gauger 48
Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Scott, does say in the ad, to inform him by email what you would like to see in options for this offering. However, for $699.00, I'd like to see an truly accurate rendition of the prototype.  And a smaller radius then 54....  As I only can accommodate 45 radius.  I think the majority of O Gaugers have a smaller radius  than large.  I could be wrong, but let's see what the forum responses will be.    

Well, you're going to have to make a decision.  Do you want a "truly accurate rendition of the prototype" or do you want a model that can negotiate tight curves?  Those are mutually exclusive requirements.

Bob,

It's a matter of priority.  I am well over 15K in my current layout.  I have modified much of the motive power.  I didn't realize the importance of the larger radius until after the fact.  That is my only regret.  If I build another, I will go with at least 74 radius... Lesson learned'... Speaking to those that have 74, say they wish they went with a 92`.  Again, room size and funds contribute to these type decisions....  Then there is a complete 2 rail layout as well... to consider.  Then again, much can be converted either way.  So for the time being, it is what it is'... 

Rob Leese posted:
laming posted:

...As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

Poor SLSF...it is so difficult for us to get any love from the manufacturers. I never thought we were that obscure a company, and they had 16 A-B-A sets of FA1’s.  

Well shore... if'n I wuz rich an' all that jazz... then absolutely... try to get 3r Rail to do up some Frisco FA's!

After all, the Frisco tops the list of my all-time fay-voh-right RR!

5222

Andre

Attachments

Images (1)
  • 5222
rheil posted:
prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Unfortunately, the Diesels that I would have wanted were NOT there. I was hoping others would take note and see if they agree or disagree.

I was looking for the PRR FA-1 A-B-A configuration

This is a new announcement, and the Pennsylvania FA -1 can certainly be done. Send an e-mail to Scott Mann with your desire to see them.

I will do that.   Given the new P:48 conversion wheelsets being produced  I'd certainly be in for a PRR ABA FA1 set in as-delivered paint, etc.  



I did not see 54" min radius listed for the FA-FB diesels but with a tank drive and the short wheelbase of the FAs I would not be surprised. When Key came out with their super detailed PAs someone had posted that an accurately coupled set with the truck and underbody details required a 7-8' radius give or take, just saying.

I 'm asking Scott Mann to offer the New Haven Alco FA-1 diesels in either of their two earlier paint schemes. The original colors when the FA-1s were delivered in 1947 were orange and hunter green with thin silver stripes. A few years later, they were repainted in hunter green with gold stripes. It seems that almost all models of New Haven diesels are painted in the orange/black/white McGuiness scheme that was introduced in 1955. I would like to have more models in the liveries of the 1940s and early 1950s.

MELGAR

Hot Water posted:
BobbyD posted:
MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Haven't the E and F units had an optional fixed pilot?

The "fixed pilot" os not "optional". What is "optional" is a different "fixed pilot" without the huge opening for the lobster claw coupler arrangement on 3-Rail models. Thus, the "optional" pilot allows the 3RS modeler to change-out the pilot with the huge hole for the lobster claw, when the model is up-graded with Kadee couplers, as that "optional" pilot provides the more scale size opening for the Kadee coupler.

And so they have had an optional fixed pilot. Not sure where you got anything about a truck mounted pilot in my post. 

I expressed interest in a coupler cover for the front pilot as pictured below. It wouldn't have to be a complete pilot but a piece that could be snapped in or fastened to the 2 rail pilot. I also requested extras be made as a detail part that could be used on other FAs and PAs. If anyone else thinks this a good idea it might be time to start banging the drum.

Pete

 

Last edited by Norton

I see the 3RD Rail Promotional page has been updated a bit. A correction that needs to be made is the ALCo DEMO units. There were no FA-1 demo units. The demo units are FA-2 with the 4 extra scale feet added on after the Radiator section and the "missing Air tank" by the fuel tank and the Larger Angled Number Boards.

Alco_FA_Demo [1)ALCo_FA-2 #533

Attachments

Images (2)
  • Alco_FA_Demo (1)
  • ALCo_FA-2 #533
Last edited by prrhorseshoecurve
TM Terry posted:

Back in the late ‘90’s or early 2000’s I purchased a 3rd Rail PRR #2318 H6 2-8-0. Today I reserved a L&N ALCO FA-2. This will be my second 3rd Rail locomotive, if the production gets the go-ahead.

Is it safe to say that all 3rd Rail locomotives will have prototypical engine #’s?

Yes. There's a lot of research to any third rail diesel engine.

Scott,

Any thought to painting the Erie Lackawanna units in the Erie inspired black and yellow scheme?  No O scale manufacturer has done it before.  The EL only painted a couple of the FAs in the Lackawanna inspired Grey, Maroon and Yellow.  The masking would seem to be simpler especially on the B unit.   Atlas did C424s in the Black and Yellow colors few years ago and they are quire handsome.

Any other EL fans out there?  Chime in!

Thank you Scott for always pushing the envelope in O Scale.

 

Earl   

@Rule292 posted:

....I'd certainly be in for a PRR ABA FA1 set in as-delivered paint, etc.  



As I have mentioned many times on this forum, so would I.

I not sure why this topic is still open, but I can not pass up another chance t request a PRR FA-1.  The Pennsy bought two FA-1 ABBA sets in 1948, then went to running mostly ABA sets after realizing most freights did not need that much power.  They did not buy FA-1s again until 1950.  My era is 1949 so if 3rd Rail made a PRR FA-1 I would get a all-powered and sound ABA set, maybe even that second B if the stock market doesn't crash.

Unfortunately, there is a post somewhere that said the FAs are on the back burner.  Hopefully when it starts up again a PRR FA-1 is in the mix.

Well it’s good to stir the pot a bit in this thread. This 3rd Rail Alco FA offering seems stalled short of getting an “it’s a go” signal. FAs just don’t seem to be offered very often - seem to get no respect. I’m not sure why. This offering should be attractive for roads like Frisco and MoPac as they are hardly ever offered. The “fence sitters” must be really sore by now !!!  Time to step up and reserve or add a unit to what you already have reserved. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Perhaps (is it possible ???) - could this be appended to the possible F3 second run ???  If it’s all about numbers ???? 😳

Last edited by TrainBub

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×