Proto 2000 E-8 Locomotives

Discussion in 'Electo-Motive Division (EMD)' started by FriscoCharlie, Feb 25, 2013.

  1. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Back to the Proto 2000s, what all was offered in this? E-8s, F Units, PAs?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 29, 2013
  2. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    If we are talking about an HO layout, P2K units were available as E7s or E8s, PAs, GP7s. There was also a line called Proto 1000, which were slightly less well detailed and slightly less expensive (they are still very nice and run well), which takes in the F-units. However, for my money, I would go with a Stewart F-unit. They are not expensive, run well and are VERY simple to convert to DCC if your thoughts are still running in that direction. You can find all this stuff at a reasonably-sized swap meet and get by for less than list.

    GS
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 30, 2013
  3. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Proto 2000 also offered very nice versions of the Frisco FA1's and FB1's. They are among my favorite HO locomotives. As Greg noted, these also are often seen on eBay at nice prices.

    Proto also offered a host of models the Frisco did not have: E6, PA1, PB1, SD7, SD9, GP9, GP18, FA2, FB2, BL1, SW1200, SW900, S-1, etc etc etc. I'm sure I've forgotten a few more!

    Ken
     
  4. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    I bought a PA on eBay. I must be losing it.
     
  5. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Charlie - For years I have been thinking of doing an Alco PA1 in Frisco "Racehorse" colors. It would be fun to do so just to see what they might have looked like. Very neat I'll bet!

    The Alco PA1 was so admired that they were called the only diesel that was titled an "honorary steam locomotive", because of their good looks, and because they smoked so much when the throttle was advanced.

    Ken
     
  6. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Yes, a PA in racehorse colors would be an eye-opener. I like that. I think when I get my HO doubletrack layout around the ceiling in our den I will run my E-8 on one track and the PA on another.
     
  7. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    The ultimate insult. Calling these painted boxes "Honorary Steam Locomotives". Fah!
     
  8. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Well, if you are of a mind to do it and don't wish to antagonize the prototype gods, you can always paint the PA in MoPac colors. Also, PAs may have been "honorary steam engines" (turbocharger lag will create lots of smoke--EMD used superchargers, which have no lag), but they quickly fell into disfavor on many roads because the crankshafts in the 244-series prime movers were notoriously weak. Either way, if you do paint up a "racehorse" PA, be sure to post a photo.

    GS
     
  9. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Not only the crankshafts caused trouble on the Alco 244's, but the turbochargers themselves were a disaster until Alco retro-fitted many of them with a water-cooled turbo. The crankshaft bearings were also a problem, and the units were prone to electrical problems as well. Alco's reputation never really recoverd from their 244 problems.

    We railfans and modelers would have liked to see the PA1 on the Frisco roster, but I'm sure the SLSF mechanical and operating people were glad they did not have the problem. I remember the late Lee Buffington ranting and raving about the 244 when I suggested to him that a Frisco PA1 Racehorse would have been really neat to see!

    Ken
     
  10. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Sort of like our President receiving the Nobel Prize, eh?

    Ken
     
  11. TAG1014 (Tom Galbraith RIP 7/15/2020)

    TAG1014 (Tom Galbraith RIP 7/15/2020) Passed Away July 15, 2020 Frisco.org Supporter

    Somehow, MoPac, SP and Santa Fe figured out how to make PA's work??

    TG
     
  12. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    I'm sure these roads that used a lot of PA's (and FA's & RS's) had Alco retro-fit them with water cooled turbos. Plus, they had to give them more maintenance TLC than they did to the EMD's.

    I'll have to look at a few ATSF & MoP PA pics to see if they have the water-cooled turbos.

    They were trouble, but, they sure looked neat!

    Ken
     

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