It's a New Year,
I thought I would give a little update on some of the research and choices I've made on my little project....My version of UP Train No. 39 "The Kansan"
Most photo evidence I can find is of the Westboundroute. (No. 39 Westbound Kansas City to Salina. No. 40 Eastbound Salina to Kansas City.)
Ogaugerr Forum has been a huge help. Plus I've reviewed many other sources including websites, library photo files, magazines, books like the great UPHS offered Prototype Locomotive Photos series, even found post cards that were helpful.
I've decided for my newly acquired OMI/AJIN Pacific, that after narrowing it down between #3219 and #3222, I'm going to go with painting it as #3222.
While I like the look of the BoxPok center drivers on #3219. It spent most of it's time in Oregon/Idaho.
#3222 Spent most of 1949 to 1954 in Kansas until it's removal from service. Two tone Grey photo research has it's spoked wheels as late as 1953.
The BoxPok wheel set apparently were not installed on #3222 until at least 1954 after repainting back to Black Livery. (Charles Winter photo)
Many photos have it with number boards for No. 39 (The Kansan).
This makes for a nice documented consist according to Utahrails.com:
http://utahrails.net/pass/cons...950.php#num39-kansan
Train No. 39, Kansan
Mail Baggage Express Kansas City to Salina
Storage Mail Kansas City to Salina
Snack Car Kansas City to Salina
Coach Kansas City to Salina
Coach Kansas City to Salina
Coach Kansas City to Salina
Storage Mail Kansas City to Topeka.
(returns dead head on 370-70)
I'll be taking some liberties since I've ordered the 6 car set plus two additional coaches.
So my "No.39 Kansan" will be running:
Mail
Baggage
Snack/Lunch
Coach
Coach
Coach
Coach
Business Obs
The site also lists a roster for the Harriman arch roof heavyweights:
http://utahrails.net/pass/harriman-numbers.php
(I know many of you are already familiar with the site, I just like to document my sources)
Now I haven't emailed Scott and I have no idea what he's considering for Harriman car numbers but I'm curious what he's researched vs. this list. While #3222 was OWR&N, I have no Idea what numbered cars were actually on the real Kansan in 1948-1953 UP, OWR&N, or otherwise. Still researching this.....
I figured if they're at least accurately numbered to the car type I will live with the "idea" that they were "shared". This way they'll also work when I model them for other parts of the UP system. That is if I ever get my hands on a proper 4-8-2 which I would plan to number for an Oil Burning Union Pacific #7021, #7023, #7024, or #7865 to #7869, ( the likely winners UP#7023 or maybe LA&SL #7860 since I have a photo of that particular 4-8-2 with number boards for The Kansan Train No. 39 as well.).
I'll be spending a small fortune on this model, but I'm aiming for the UP No.39 Kansan. 1948-1953 time frame.
I'm pretty sure I've decided on the Painter/Installer. I'll have them install the newest LokSound DCC and lights. Paint will be TTG w/White Silver striping #3222 with " 39 " on the number boards. I'm shipping it with one of the GGD cars once they're available in order to get a perfect paint match for the consist. I'm also sending all my research and photos, along with copious notes, and instructions for what I expect.
Which means this project is pretty much shelved until we hear more from Scott Mann on the GGD cars.
Who knows. Maybe he's secretly manufacturing a proper 4-8-2....we can dream anyway...
Until then I'll continue searching for models and researching for accuracy.
If you're reading this why aren't you posting some photos of your UP? There's got to be some beautiful stuff out there we haven't seen on this thread yet.....Shays?....Modern Diesels?....MOW?....2R/3R? Let's see them!