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Key Model Imports EMC/EMD FT
All photos are copyright (c)2015 Erik C Lindgren for Key Model Imports

Produced 2014 by FM Train Model of Korea











KEYFTDRGWSS





KETFT5











In this photo review I un-boxed a set of brand new Denver & Rio Grande Western A/B units in the last scheme they wore before trading in on new power. The Single Stripe paintwork was used famously until the very end of F unit service on the Grande on the Rio Grande Zephyr. The Key Model Imports pieces are very unique and spotlight the tremendous value found in producing low production run brass miniatures. Not just a paint scheme change but something as minute as a pipe assembly added at Burnham Shops in Denver to aid in cooling oil.  Everything about this model is custom one off; not only the paintwork but the unique steam generator equipment detailed inside the model.

















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Dave Devita lives up to his legendary pursuit to the highest level of perfection possible in a production model with the FT’s and my D&RGW units here. These models like my E5’s and the fabulous legendary PA project are nearly a custom build; completely tailored to my request and needs.

This Key Model Imports FT project is something only done by Hallmark and OMI in 1:48 O scale brass and more recently in non-brass with Sunset’s wonderful plastic FT's. This locomotive deserved to be executed in fine hand crafted brass to 21st Century levels. Everything that is on each prototype is faithfully captured on these miniatures.























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The Key Model Imports FT runs better than it looks; ball bearings everywhere and lights galore. This is an absolute treat to watch running like past releases from Key Model Imports. Furthermore, there is absolutely no substitute to real incandescent light bulbs used on miniatures. LED’s are too bright and have a strobe-like flicker that I can not wrap my brain around; I will argue with anyone the effect the real incandescent build has in miniature replicating a 1:1 incandescent bulb on the prototype. One word, as real as it gets.. .Stunning!







Key Model Imports set the bar and maintains it today with their most recent project the legendary FT from EMC/EMD.

I hope you enjoy the photos.






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Prototype photo courtesy (c) Don Strack collection
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Photo courtesy: (c) Walter Zullig, Jr. (Morning Sun Books)


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Last edited by Erik C Lindgren
Original Post

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The inspection lights on the trucks is a very eye-catching detail!

I agree.  

 

Key does it all.  Unlike a steam engine that has a lot visuals, model diesels would benefit from proper lighting.  Key incorporates that with their models.  I don't understand why other O manufacturers like Atlas, MTH, and even Lionel don't step up and produce better lighting.  They could start with the headlights and work their way back.  Lionel once produced a warning/mars and dual sealed beam in the door F unit.  The lenses were so bad that I didn't realize it had dual sealed beams in the door for 2 years.  

 

BTW - I never hear may complaints/requests for better lighting in either the 3 or 2 rail community.  I find it hard to believe that only those purchasing Key priced engines, care about proper lighting. 

Last edited by marker

I think it's fantastic that Key did the first set of Santa Fe FT's as delivered, and how they looked when they toured the Santa Fe.  Original headlight, first style dynamic brake roof appliance without the front and rear boxes, tool box, blacked out numbers on the 101, couplers on all units, etc. 

 

Erik - If there wouldn't have been a ceiling in you picture above, I don't think I would have thought it was a model.  

Hey Howard, I just pulled the instructions out of the box. I missed them they are under the firemans seat.


Originally Posted by marker:

       

I think it's fantastic that Key did the first set of Santa Fe FT's as delivered, and how they looked when they toured the Santa Fe.  Original headlight, first style dynamic brake roof appliance without the front and rear boxes, tool box, blacked out numbers on the 101, couplers on all units, etc. 

 

Erik - If there wouldn't have been a ceiling in you picture above, I don't think I would have thought it was a model.  


       
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I collect those special literature items. No timetables or magazine ads. Just brochures, operators manuals, CBE's, CLE's, China, promotional materials used at travel agencies and such. The all around stuff you don't normally see. Somewhere I have a metal ID fob from a new delivery 1941 FT DRGW somewhere. Cool stuff and my main focus in the hobby is the history. Replication and historical authenticity and accuracy; a 3D storybook our models are. A chance to see them again outside our vast book collections.

Your quad unit set is breathtaking! Wow!

Thanks for buying it!

I'm sure you can get lost in the things you collect.  Good choices.  I also really enjoy the history.

 

There's a lot to look at on the Key engine.  I haven't gotten to the interior yet.  From what I've seen, it looks amazing.  I did run it a bit.  I wanted to see the seven bulb headlight.

 

 

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