Howdy folks, I'd like to use the NEW run P2K locomotives with proper snouts for the E7 Texas Special locomotives. I think Walthers made three different shells with details for the current run for non-Frisco roads. Has anyone taken a close look at the new run shells to determine which ones might make the best E7 Texas Special Locos? Best, mike
Mike--You'll want to pick the shell with 45 degree number board (Called "angled" number boards on the M B Klein website). (The M B Klein site shows the undec E-7's with no pilots??) I'm not sure if the shells on the MBK site are the "new" ones, but those were the only pictues I found. Then you'll have to figure out some solution for the fluting. There's a fluted or currugated HO styrene, not sure if that's Evergreen or some other?? There's also a Williams Brothers metal roofing material that looks about right for N scale, but probably too narrow for HO. There might be other HO corrugated sheet metal material used for barn and rural building models. Tom PS: M B Klein Proto undec E-7A: http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Proto-2000-HO-40977-EMD-E7A-Undecorated-w-Ang-p/920-40977.htm
Thanks Tom. The part I am most concerned about is the roof detail. So far, the Milwaukee Road units don't match, wondering about the other two. I'll check MB Klein site for more info. Best, mike
Mike - My HO Frisco Texas Special E7, SLSF 2003 (pics are in my album), was made using the "old" P2K E7, an undec, item number 21272. This is the model with the 45-deg number boards, no d.b, and with the nose door headlight. The roof has the correct single steam generator, the eight exhaust pipes, and little else besides lifting rings for the various panels, the eight radiator vents and the two horns. What roof details are you worried about? The new Walthers P2K E7 does have a better nose. To my eye, the differences are small. I have two "old" P2K E7's (the other is GM&O 100) and I love 'em. Ken ps - The side fluting is Union Station Products item FSP004. It was $2.99 per pack way back in 1997 when I bought two packs. When painted aluminum (not silver) on the TS unit, it looks pretty good. You need to attach the fluting to the E7 body using ACC or some water based glue such as Elmers. The fluting is very thin and the regular solvent cements will melt it in between the "flutes".
It also needs the full passenger pilot, not the freight pilot that some E's used. The old P2K E's always gave you one of each. I don't know what Walthers is doing. Ken
Howdy, Thanks again Ken and Tom. I have a supply of the Station Products siding I purchased for the E7 project. The Milwaukee Hiawatha model that I have has the wrong number boards and loads of roof detail, so it won't be a good one for the conversion. I'll sell the shell and keep the chassis. I had purchased it with DCC and sound (QSI) to match the chassis of an E8 I upgraded with a similar chassis. Best, mike
Howdy Terry, In fact, I purchased the exact metal you recommended in your note. The intent was to use it on the old P2K shell, but the newer shells have a more accurate snub nose. I'll post photos when I begin the build. Once again, I appreciate the help. Best, mike
