I am really tempted, and if I didn't already have 3 shells to turn into Frisco models, I might pull the trigger on that one. Paul
After looking at prototype photos I see that I need to modify the engineer's side windshield into one big "L" shaped window. That's a very deistinct feature of the Frisco units. Anybody ever do this modification? Also I need to add the orange light on the cab roof. Any source for this detail?
The L shaped window is not a Frisco exclusive. I know SP had units with them as well. Athabasca Shops makes a replacement brass cab with the L window. I have one for one of the SD45 shells I mentioned in a previous post in this thread. As I understand it, the L window proved to be difficult to maintain, and many of them were replaced. I know there are late Frisco era ( 1979 or 1980 ) of some of the SD45s with standard EMD windows( I just checked, rr-fallenflags has pictures of 901 and 934 with the standard cab). You will also need a 5 chime horn and a rotary beacon. BLMA makes a proper horn. I don't know of a current source for the rotary beacons. Sunrise enterprises used to make the right beacon, but they are no longer in business. Paul
Thanks for the info and detail sources. I guess I'll leave the window alone and just change the horns. A new brass cab sounds neat but I wouldn't want to try to match the paint or decal it. I'm just getting my feet wet when it comes to N scale and diesels.
I've done it to one of my units and got as far as the shell modification but didn't finish by adding custom glass. Luckily on the Kato shell the tops of the windows align such you can just file off the separating pillar. I rounded the bottom corner of the "L" and masked imperfections by painting black around the edges where the gaskets would be. I was pretty pleased with the results: One other thing about the Kato - the number boards are way too narrow. On the EBay unit you can see the decal resting on top of the original number boards, expanding above the original bezel. For my unit, I shaved the number board bezels, filled with putty and slapped an appropriate sized number board decal on top of that. If I were to do this again, I'd fill with Krystal Klear instead of putty so the lights could shine through. On the pic above you can see the decal modification. Here's a comparison of proto to un-modified Kato: -Mike
Thanks, Mike. Your photos really help. You've now motivated me to modify the windshield. I may just leave the number board alone. I just couldn't resist this cool little Frisco N scale six axle diesel! I'm going to make a small oval layout just to let her run around on. Broaden my modeling horizons so to speak.
Awesome, I'm partial to the six axle units as well. Good luck and be sure to post back your results! Unfortunately I haven't modelled in years now, but I should dust off ole 905 and at least get the glass back in her... -Mike
Will do. I'm about to "go dark" in my modeling efforts as warmer weather is fast approaching and my focus turns to my other hobbies. But I'll keep dabbling away at it. I wonder if DCC and sound could be added eventually? Hmmmm.
Jim, I'm sure you can find a DCC install photo or two and maybe instructions. There are a couple of sites that have collected install info for most of the N power available. One is a club in North Carolina, I think. Not as many with sound, but surely some sound on Kato mechanisms. I haven't entertained sound for my fleet, still trying to get CVs right. Frisco didn't run six axle units to Fort Smith, so the MOP is only road on The Central Divisons with big power. But you'd always be welcome to visit and let your unit stretch its legs on a long train up the hill toward Winslow tunnel.
Thanks, Steve. Now I've got to figure out what freight cars to focus on getting for a prototypical train that might have gone through Cape Girardeau. My initial plan is an oval with a divider down the middle. 1979 Cape riverfront on one side and maybe present day UP on the other (the view out my front door). Plans change but that's what I'm kicking around now. Guess I'll sell my HO scale Frisco SD40-2 and cars. That would help fund my N scale adventure.
How easy DCC will be to add to this unit depends on which run of SD45 this unit was built from. The original mechanisim has split light boards ( one at each end ). For these units, the easiest solution is a TCS CN decoder ( http://tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/N-Scale/ClassicN/CN-Series.htm ). If this is the newer mechanisim, it will have a single light board running from the cab to the back of the unit. There should be drop in decoders that will replace the light board ( I don't have any of the newer mechanisim units ). The newer mechanisim is probably easier for a sound installation. Paul
When I receive it I'll pop it open and see what's up with it. I've been spoiled by DCC control and sound. I wonder if a second non-powered unit could be permanently hooked to it and house a Tsunami decoder and big speaker? That would sound really good I bet and space wouldn't be a problem. Also more wheels for electrical pickup.
I got it today. I think it looks great and it runs like a Swiss watch. Last night I bought an Atlas 4-4-0 from my LHS and it also runs flawlessly. Super slow speed and 12 wheel electrical pick up! I'm definitely giving N scale a try. These new locos run so much better than those from the 80s.
Glad you like it Jim. Modern N Scale locomotives run great! Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk 2
