If you were building a small layout, and could only have ONE Frisco locomotive, which one would it be?
If the key word is small, then the PFM, 2-10-0 Bolshevik. Covers a broad time span, oil or coal burning, used in freight and psgr service. Lots of detail variation between locomotives to make 'm interesting. PFM had several runs, and the latter versions had can motors and backhead detail. They are relatively common enough so that Caboose Hobbies usually has some on consignment or else Ebay.
Hmmm... I would have to go with either a GP-7 or a GP15-1, though most likely it would be a GP-7... I'd even make it boiler equipped, so I could justify a passenger run every now and then. Paul
This was a good one! I could never settle for just one locomotive no matter what size the layout was. But if I was absolutely forced to have just one it would probably be a brass 2-8-0 or 2-10-0
I agree with Paul - I'd select a good old Frisco black/yellow GP7 with a cooker in the short hood. I'd want to number it SLSF 501, in honor of my favorite Frisco steam locomotive - SLSF 1501. I spent some time with 1501 yesterday in Rolla. Even though it's under roof, she is in bad shape. Sad to see. I remember how neat she looked when I first saw 1501 as a freshman at MSM in 1960. It had only been a few years then since 1501 was moved to Rolla, and the weathering, theft and decay had not started. See my Roster Tale on 1501 in one of the early museum All Aboard issues. I admit to having an emotional attachment to that locomotive. I took a bunch of pics of 1501 yesterday. I'll post them when I get back home. Ken
Tough one. Would a 2-8-2 be too big? I really like my BLI Mikado. If it's too big, either the Bachmann Russian or the Bachmann Connie--flip a coin.
Oddly enough, I AM building a small layout I have a VO1000 in service as the paper mill switcher, but I could see it as power for a local freight. I could also see an Alco RS1 used (I have one in HO) as well. Hey, anybody can use Geeps, but I like the Alcos, especially the 539-engined models. And Atlas came out with RS1s in N scale.....
Depends on the period but I would have to go with the GP38. They were evrywhere on the system doing anytype of job. If it's first generation you're modeling the logical choice would be a GP7 (but who's to say what's logical?)
depends on the time frame. Early steam: 2-6-0. Late steam: 0-6-0. Early diesel: GP7 or VO1000. Mid to Late Diesel: SW1500, or MP15. When you say small I think you mean 4x8 Ho scale or 2x4 N scale
Well, I guess I said "small" layout, to justify the "only one" question. Great answers. For lots of us, choosing only one is an almost insurmountable challenge. The only black Frisco units I ever saw were a few GP7s in Alabama. But also being a CNW modeler, I can cheat and use old Frisco Geeps restenciled to cover that angle. So, I guess I'd go with the GP38s as well.........although black torpedo tube GP35s are a close second.
The GP38s would be my second choice (my current roster includes a total of 7 of these - 4 GP38ACs and 3 GP38-2s) pushed the GP7s off of many of the jack of all trades assignments. The GP7s have a longevity angle to them as well, since they were on the frisco roster from the early 1950s to the late 1970s (they didn't quite make it to the end, but they didn't miss it by much). Paul
The MP15 by Atlas is another one to think about. I have three of these and really like them. They look good coupled nose to nose. If I'm not mistaken I beleive an N scale model was made, too I'm partial to the Atlas line. They seem to be the only maker who puts the Frisco on there models. It's to bad they have to discontinue schemes and models. Maybe the Athearn SD40-2 will be a quality product.
Hmmm! Well, in large scale, the choices are limited. I do have a couple of Bachman 4-6-0's that I am going to redo as some of the "berry pickers", so the 10 wheeler would be my choice. Building a train of berry loaded freight cars would be appropriate running thru the garden. Dan
DAN ... I like your idea. Be sure and add a couple reefer's to haul the Ice Cream to go with the berries for those hot July - August afternoons. U might even consider a tank car for the Ice Tea as well.
Another vote for GP-7. In fact, a Tenshodo brass GP-7 was the first HO model locomotive I bought. Doug
"Passenger" GP-7 (w/ steam generator) in "Modified Chevron" black and yellow scheme (every other stripe along walkway, only one full stripe on the nose, diamond under headlight). BUT, having ONLY ONE Frisco engine is a real doofy idea--sort of like eating only one potato chip!
The GP7 is a nice 2nd, but, I vote for the Russian 2-10-0. 1. Basically I like the late 20's to early 50's period of railroading. 2. It is my favorite locomotive - case closed. The photo on page 68 of "Frisco Power" of 1627 with a nine car consist fits very nice with trying to operate a home layout. Even 9 cars is a strech for many of us. If it's for display only - then the 1500 series wins hands down.
What is this "display" you speak of.... I personally don't like to see models stuffed and mounted any more than I like to see the prototypes.... Paul
