Just Ordered an RS-2

Discussion in 'N Scale' started by Jim James, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. bob_wintle

    bob_wintle Member Frisco.org Supporter

    While I am no longer an N scaler, Micro Engineering track is very nice and Atlas makes a code 55 that is very nice. I prefered the Micro Engineering track when I was in N Scale as the Atlas Code 55 was just a little too small for my older N scale cars. The wheels rubbed on the ties.
    Bob Wintle MMR
    Parsons, Ks.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 5, 2010
  2. SteveM

    SteveM Member Frisco.org Supporter

    I bought a piece of Atlas flex and rolled some cars on it. Sure enough, the Micro-Trains deep wheels made lots of noise. I bought a bundle of MicroEngineering flex and a few turnouts, then discovered they didn't make the #10's that were in the literature. So I ended up using the Peco 55 because they make a variety of turnouts, though not a #10.
    If I was interested in building my own turnouts I probably would have stayed with Micro for the flex.
    I made some conversion pieces so I could use the Mico in areas where not very visible; still have several sticks and the turnouts. I have a location where I think they will work well and the control device needed to hold the points in position will not be an issue.
    For a diorama, as opposed to heavy operations like my situation, the Micro would probably be best. You will need something for turnouts, since they don't have spring detention like the Pecos.
    You can get a lot more opinions about this subject at the FineNscale group on Yahoo.
     
  3. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Thanks Bob and Steve. I'll probably go with Micro and model a stretch that has no turnouts. Short term goal is a static display since I'm an HO scale guy. But someday this project may grow into a small continuous loop layout focused on various local Hoxie branch scenes. I can't stay away from my HO Zalma branch too long.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 6, 2010
  4. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Holy smokes. I got my RS-2 today and N scale is very very small. I don't think I can do it any justice. Sorry about all the questions and hype but this project may take a while. Sorry guys but I should stick to HO scale from now on. Holy smokes.
     
  5. SteveM

    SteveM Member Frisco.org Supporter

    But Jim, you have a chance to replicate the lineside buildings at their full scale size. I don't have room for the 537' bridge over Frog Bayou and my Arkansas River bridge will only be 480' long, but I'm getting a reasonable approximation of a lot of stuff in Fort Smith/Van Buren in less than a gymnasuim.
    It does take some adjustment for you Horribly Oversized folks.
     
  6. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Very true,Steve. My scale ruler does include N scale on it so I'll give it a go. Now I need 3 or 4 frieght cars appropriate for the mid fifties.
     
  7. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Did RS-2s run long hood forward? I just noticed the tiny (and I mean tiny) letter "F" on the side of the running board. This obviously means that they ran long hood forward but I never knew that.
     
  8. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Yes, the F means front; they ran the long hood forward - following the early feeling of engineers that having all that locomotive out front was more desirable (safer).
     
  9. Yes all RS units on the Frisco ran long hood forward. To my understanding when some were repowered with the EMD engines they received hoods off some GP-7s and they still ran longhood forward, because Frisco didn't want to pay to switch the controls. That almost always made them boosters after the repower.
    Ship it on the Frisco!!!



    Murphy Millican
     
  10. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Well I'll be. Thanks guys. I knew that F meant forward but they look like they should go the other way. I think it looks good long hood forward. Kind of a carryover from steam days. I'm beginning to warm up to it.
     
  11. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    Since the RS-1 was in essence a S-2 on an extended frame with a short hood (for a steam generator, if needed), changes were not made to the cab configuration. Subsequent models followed this pattern, although the buyer could switch ends or even place two controls in the cab for truly bi-directional operation.

    Regardless of the extra protection afforded the crews, having the engine ahead of the crew was not favored. Numerous pictures of Frisco RS-1's and RS-2 show the addition of several varieties of stack extensions and exhaust deflectors. A nice touch for any model.

    Crews didn't like the steam locomotive-like classification lamps, which hung above the running boards. If care was not exercised, it was possible to bump one's nogg'n'.
     

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