Tichy USRA Single Sheathed XM on the SL-SF?

Discussion in 'Freight Equipment' started by yardmaster, Jul 22, 2007.

  1. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Folks -
    Any kitbashing suggestions on how (or "if") a Tichy USRA single sheathed boxcar could be made "good enough" for any Frisco series?

    I think Vince Griesemer gave me some feedback a few years ago but I can't find the e-mail.

    I'll have to dig out the "Essential Steam Era Freight Cars Vol. I" article in RMC on the Frisco Howe Truss boxcars - I think it would be about the closest candidate?

    I think I could come close to pulling it off - either the first batch (147000-148999 w/Murphy ends and wooden doors) or the second (149000-149499 w/Murphy ends/Youngstown doors).

    See also http://www.steamfreightcars.com/gallery/boxauto/slsf162854main.html

    One of the 145000 auto box cars would be very nice, but another day.
     
  2. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Awesome, Karl...many many thanks.

    I'll have to compare the model dimensions to the drawings but I'd say it's good enough. The Tichy kits comes with the Murphy 5/5/5 ends and wood doors as an option.

    The only parts I'd have to buy separately would be the Miner gear and Bettendorf trucks (the kit comes with Andrews but I can use them on a DS rebuild).

    I'm not very up to snuff on my air brakes, but I'm assuming that "K" air brakes would still be good for an early 40s model.

    A few more Tichy kits and I'll likely have a good start on a fleet.

    Thanks again,
     
  3. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    The AB triple valve was developed during 1933, and all cars built after this date had to be equipped with this valve. The final deadline to replace "K triple-valved" cars with the "AB triple valve" was 1953. It's my understanding that there were still lots of "K triple valves" about during the war.

    On the diagram, note the end ladders. I think that some Kadee ladders, will save lots of time vs. drilling holes and applying the individual rungs (grab irons) as supplied with the kit.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 3, 2007
  4. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    I think the notable difference is that the Frisco cars used "Z" bracing and the Tichy uses hat bracing shapes for the bracing. Other than that, nothing life threatening. The Tichy car is very nice.
     
  5. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Thanks, Don. Good info to know. Using the three-foot rule (my River Division leans on that one pretty heavily) it just might work!
     
  6. meteor910

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

    Thank God for the "Three Foot Rule". I use it all the time!

    Ken

    ps - If I ever get it finished, my Frisco "Race Horse" E8B will require a rule using some greater distance. I know, they never had any E8B's, but they should have!

    I also have an undec P2K E7B. Might do that one, too, if I don't sell it. That would look good in the earlier Meteor/TS scheme, with some side fluting.

    Hey! I can't be blamed just because the EMD sales rep that called on the Frisco didn't know how to sell E-B units.
     
  7. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    I'm resurrecting this thread because I have a question about the Miner Handbrake. Is that the Miner Lever?
     
  8. meteor910

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

    Gary - I checked my SLSF boxcar diagrams this morning. Yes, the SLSF 150000 - 150999 o/b single sheathed 40ft boxcars used a Miner lever action handbrake. The diagram calls it a "Miner Ideal" brake, and the car drawing clearly shows it to be a lever.

    Scullin Bettendorf trucks. Built 1926 by both Pullman and Mt. Vernon Car.

    Ken
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2009
  9. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Thanks Ken. Precision Scale 39081 or 39082, brass or plastic, respectively, will work. I am a little surprised that these cars were built with 5/5/5 ends in 1926, but the more I know, the more I learn I don't know. Now to find decals that will work...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2009
  10. meteor910

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

    FYI - I just checked the Walthers webpage and they show both of the Precision Scale Miner handbrake detail parts referenced above to be in stock.

    Ken
     
  11. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Gary, I think Westerfield may offer decals that would work for these boxcars. Obviously I haven't gotten around to ordering any yet but they seem to be the right fit.

    Best Regards,
     
  12. mark

    mark Staff Member Staff Member

    Gary,

    Here are a few of other sources for Frisco lettering you might want to consider.

    Clover House - You can download their catalog at: http://www.cloverhouse.com/downloads...2_20080901.pdf. Please see page 38 of 78, right column, third down, set 7962-02. This includes the pre-1947 "Frisco Lines" herald.

    OddBall Decals - You can link to their web site at http://mopac1.tripod.com/oddballs3.htm#SLSF Please see their set 238. This set includes the 1947 and later "Frisco" herald.

    You may need to modify the dimensional data slightly, but either source should give you the basic tools you need. It is important to have an Equipment Register for your era you model. It will provide the dimensional data you need for the number series.

    Great Decals - By Art Griffin, is another source for even earlier era (1880s - 1930s era builder photos) Frisco decals. You can link to their web site at http://www.greatdecals.com/Griffin.htm. Their selection includes some predecessor and associated railroads including the Blackwell, Enid and Southwestern (BE&SW), St. Louis, Memphis and Southeastern (SLM&SE), Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis (KCFS&M).

    FYI - Quanah, Acme and Pacific (QA&P) decals are available form each of these three manufacturers.

    Hope this helps!

    Thanks!

    Mark
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 8, 2009
  13. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Wow, thanks guys!

    I just threw it out there casually--I was looking at Microscale, Herald King, and Champ, but I hadn't found the right set yet. The Cloverhouse catalog is a big download, though, but it might be worth it.

    I have a few freight car projects I'm working on, and some new decals will come in handy.
     

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