GP35 (Torpedo Boat) Modification

Ken, as an aside, what's the location of the first photo? The 2nd photo of of 716 looks to be Bridge Jct. west of Memphis?

Best Regards,

 

Chris - I'm not sure of the location of the first 716 pic. The unit looks like it is just out of the paint shop and has not seen road operation yet - no dust on the trucks or grills, no marks on the pilot, etc. Note that is a rebuilt RS2 behind it. Maybe that gives a clue.

I'm also not sure about the second pic, but like you I'd guess West Memphis. Looks like the run up to the bridge in the background, plus the Memphis skyline to the left. Any other ideas?

Ken

 

Ken & Chris, the first picture of 716 was taken in Springfield on the north side of the engine fueling facility, just southwest of the turntable. Note the lighting tower, double utility poles and the Butler-type building in the background.

 

Thanks Keith - I would have guessed high odds it was in Springfield as the 716 was obviously just out of the paint booth. You can almost smell the paint! Interesting that one of the repowered RS2's, SLSF 553, was behind it - perhaps this is the unit that pulled 716 out of the shop? 553's trucks are dusty, so it was not a fellow repaint on this day. I was not aware the repowered RS2's worked at Springfield. Did they?

My repowered RS2, SLSF 553 - built expertly by Tom Holley, is getting some fame here, though it is in b/y colors - as all Frisco freight diesel power should be. (Ha!)

Ken

 

Thanks Guys
Real interesting stuff for locations and all. It is great to know you guys know about every inch of the RR
Attached is a few pictures of the weathered units as they get ready to be put into service,I need to install the glazing, windshield wipers, clean the wheels and turn em loose.
Did the weathering with Bragdon enterprises chalks, (I had them already). And finished with coats of thin washes airbrushed too.
The O/W unit, I weathered up almost to finish, gave it a little Gloss coat on the nose, put on a couple more decals. Weathered just a bit more and dull coated the unit with Scalecoat dull coat. I like Scalecoat dull coat. It goes on so dull you could almost use it for sandpaper.
Thanks again Guys for looking
Tom Holley

 

Tom - Very nice job on the faded nose stripes on 716. Say again how you did that?

Good looking '35's!

Ken

 

Thanks Ken and Sherrel,
Ken I did most of the weathering stopped, then dull coated the entire thing to set the chalks, and then put some Gloss coat on the nose. I then added the White stripes to the nose, then sprayed another light Dull Coat on the nose to set the decals, a bit more light weathering on the nose and a few passes with some light washes of paint, and set it all with another dull coat. Now I gots to let them set a few days so that Scalecoat gets good and hard before handling them so the weathering job wont get wrecked. I spent about 8 hours weathering these two locos.
Anyway, I will post some action photos when they get placed in revenue service
Thanks
Tom Holley

 

Man, you have the eyes of an artist. My hats off to you.

 

Tom - Super! Thanks.

Ken

 

Thanks Sherrel,
That is quite a compliment from you thanks my friend. It was a nice thing to say. You are a pioneer in this stuff whether you know it or not, none of us would be where we are today, without all the people that went before us.
Thanks.

And Thank you Jim,
What you have done with your building skills and scratch building techniques are truly art. Man you are so very good at your art. Cant wait to try the fruits of your culinary skills

And Thank You too Ken!
You like Sherrel and so many other on this list that do not speak up, and have major skills, are the reason guys and Gals like myself have had the opportunity to have parts and models to try and do a little better.

Thanks Guys, I hope everyone gets to spend some time with your families tomorrow.
Tom Holley|-||-|

 

Great!
Please post photos of you project!!
Thanks
Tom Holley

 

My GP35 shell arrived yesterday. Guys, the pictures don't do it justice; Tom won't admit it, but he is a master modeler. Once I get caught up with my current round of installation work, I'll get to work finishing mine including Tsunami sound. Class lights are going to be part of the project 'cause this beauty is in a class of her own and will look good leading a multi-unit consist.

When I get her done, pix will be posted.

Oh! Tom, those nose stripes on the up-dated 716 are perfect!

 

Not only is Tom a very, very good modeler, but my goodness is he fast!

Ken

 

Wow,
Those are some lofty comments guys. You all inspire me to try to do better. I have won a few NMRA contests and got the Merit awards and all that, to get the MMR certificate. I just have not gotten the last little scratch building project thing done to qualify.
To be very honest I saw a person claim work that I know for a fact he did not do. and got the title, which is very sad, as it takes away from the wonderful accomplished modelers that hold and enjoy the title.
I have always put more stock in the person than the title anyway, whatever the title is, a CEO or Janitor, they both have earned my respect.
Please don't mis-understand that comment, I look up to and seek advise from you MMR's and enjoy you work, but that took some wind out of it for me.

The best modeler and my Mentor, Bob Svoboda, was a modeler's modeler, he could build from scratch anything. Cars, Plains, Trains, Autos, whatever, He never bought a commercial made switch, he built everyone by hand he ever installed, made it look so easy too. I miss him. When I met him in the mid 80's I was barely putting handrails on my locos, he taught me the satisfaction of making something with my own hands.
He also taught me that Model Railroaders are some of the most gifted modelers, as we have to be part Civil Engineer, part Mechanical Engineer, part Electrical Engineer, Dreamers, Carpenters, Painters and all around handy men, You know he was right. He never held a title and didn't want one I guess.

I consider myself very lucky to have known him as he has made it possible for me, to get to know some of you, even if only thru this website.
Thanks Guys your a great bunch of people.
Here are some links to vids on the old "Torpedo Boats" and company "ernin" their keep.
OK, What to build next??
Tom Holley |-||-|

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-DesYY6NVc&feature=plcp



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okLvYrx6Gw0&feature=plcp



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coK_QAlK6Ec&feature=plcp

 

Tom - Time for a U-boat or two?

Ken

 

Thanks Ken
But I am thinking maybe some GP38's are in order. The only GP38's I have are from you, and one by Athearn. The GP38's whether dash 2 or not, were one of the most popular EMD's the Frisco would ever roster. I only have 2, homage must be paid So, I would like to model some of the not so modeled units. Please lets have some ideas, pictures and stories behind them.
I would welcome pictures and stories of the GP38's (dash 2 or otherwise).
I have used a couple on a Road Switcher and thought they were more than adequate and up to the task, they would happily wrinkle the rails underneath themselves to move tonnage.|-||-|
Tom Holley