I'm a big fan of Frisco steam, but can't figure out why they would spoil the lines (IMHO) of the USRA mikes with that over-tall cab. Anyone know the reasons for the change in cab?
Kevin - Good question! In Frisco Power, Joe Collias offers what I see as a tongue in cheek reason, i.e. perhaps Frisco engineers and firemen were taller than on other roads from having to stretch to peer over the next Ozark ridge. However, it does not offer any tangible reasons. With a little digging, there might be a reason in some of the old FMIG Newsletters...perhaps an explanation from Lee Buffington. Don Wirth, any insight that you have? Best Regards,
I would start with the Frisco's building plans. There may be a footnote as to why the cab rebuilds. Check and see if anyone has maintenance logs for that time frame either. That might give a clue. I don't think that the "taller" has validity. It has been proven that the farther back in time you go, people were smaller, aka, shorter. I would think that they would have changed cabs simply for maintenance ease. Less parts to keep around if they had to have theirs and another for repairs. Just my .05 at the current rate of inflation.
My understanding is that the original cabs were too low inside. Same problem with the 1060-1069 4-6-2s. Traditional Frisco cabs were taller and there were no restrictive heights on the RR as found on the NYC and some eastern roads. I do think some of the 4000s were a bit much. The cab roof was 3' above the boiler at the front of the cab.
Does anyone have a schematic, aka, measurements for these tall cabs? They are not available in the market place, so they need to be scratch built. Either from styrene or from brass. That information would be very helpful. I don't know where to begin and it would compliment this thread nicely. Thank you! Mr. Horse Apple Extraordinaire!
I read that, too! Maybe since the Frisco steam power was so fancy compared the the MP that they needed room to wear top hats. Kevin
