GP35 (Torpedo Boat) Modification

Tom - Athearn Genesis has a new GP38-2 model out that looks pretty good. I have not seen a review yet. They have not announced one in Frisco colors yet, but I think I saw that the undec is available. I have reason to believe that a Frisco 38-2 is in the works, but we need to be patient. Athearn liked the way their recent Frisco models sold.

The old Athearn Blue Box GP38-2 is also pretty nice for its time, needing the usual details. I see them on eBay now and then. I used to have three, got rid of two (maybe one to you?), still have the last one, a dummy, that I use but have not detailed yet. The Frisco o/w color is pretty good.

Can't argue your desire for GP38/38-2's. The Frisco used them everywhere for all sorts of assigments - they were good at everything except running fast under load, not enough HP for that. For a long time, the SLSF had the second largest number of 38/38-2's rostered, behind Conrail, but I think a few other roads, including MoPac, ultimately had more.

Ken

 

Here are a few pictures of my Holley-craft Frisco Torpedo Boat GP35 #714 at a BYOE (Bring Your Own Engine) Operating Session on a local layout. Our crew was assigned as Extra 714 to work the local refinery.

Right-click on the thumbnails and open in a new tab or window to get the best view.

 

Sweet looking locomotive! Very crisp and well detailed. I do have a question about the train of tank cars. Lately I've been seeing/noticing BNSF trains of tank cars going by my house and there is always one box car at the head end. I've been wondering why and then I just saw your photo. There it is, a box car at the head end! What is that for?

 

That Holley-Craft outfit is a "firsta classe" engine builder! Love those Darth Vaders!

Ken

 

The work sure caught the eyes of the other modelers present with many kudos!

Jim, the box car or some other car with non-hazardous lading is placed between the locomotive and hazardous loads for safety. The same was done for cabooses in the later years. The yard crew in the yard got the head end correct, but kinda dropped the ball at the tail end (although not a requirement in the era modeled by the owner). In this consist, the last three cars were empties headed for the gasoline racks at the refinery.

 

Thanks. That makes good sense. It was a coincidence that I just noticed that on the prototype and then saw your model photo.

 

Sherrill, et al, that layout is a work of art. The owner is a very talented modeler and my few photos gave you very little to judge by. The layout fills an approximately 1700 sq ft basement and is nearly complete with scenery. He is a very congenial, but private host and it is a lot of fun to operate there with up to 16 other people.

 

Keith
I am so glad you got it finished. Looks good doing the deed too. That MRR you are operating on looks like a real work of art as well. Thanks for sharing the vid and nice comments guys.
Tom "Holley-Craft" Holley

 

Well lets try this again

 

And this

 

and again