Folks: The latest issue of RMC includes a Dremel Kitbashing Award Article on the Frisco's hideously unique repowerd RS-2 units by our very own Frisco Folk, Richard Napper, MMR. It goes without saying that any article with Richard's name on it immediately brings about great expectations for me (no pressure, Richard! 8^); his most recent article does not disappoint! Thanks, Richard, for helping keep the SL-SF visible in the mainstream modeling press!
Hey all, I thought that the article was fantastic, but as an Engineer myself for BNSF (bigger now still FRISCO) I noticed there was a flaw. When these Engines were remotored the control stands were moved across the cab to make the short hood forward as in normal locomotives as evidenced by the "F" on the short hood end in the Mandarian Orange and White prototype photo in the article. B Stowe Nebraska Division Engineer
All the evidence I've seen indicates the control stands were not moved so the short hood was forward. If you look at any photos of these particular locomotives when they were in black paint, The F is always on the long hood. In both of Louis Marre's books on Frisco Diesel locomotives, he indicates switching the control stands was just too expensive. On at least some of these units, there was a painting mistake made when the units were painted into Orange and White. This is acknowledged on page 80 of Marre and Sommers Frisco in Color. Paul
Paul, I see and admit I could be wrong, but why would the 26L Air brake be on the normal Engineers side with the short hood forward? BDS
The original brake equipment, 6SL, remained on these locomotives. As can be seen on the 1965 diagram the units were operated with the long hood as the front and the cab controls remained as if the unit were a RS-2.
If I'm not mistaken, the apparatus you're refering to on what would be the engineer's side of the cab if the short hood was forward is seen on most, if not all, RS2s. As the diagrams Karl posted show, the brakes were not changed out, which means the brakes on 550-554 are no different than their RS2 siblings on other railroads that retained their ALCO prime movers. Paul
After reading Richard's excellent article, I went back & looked at my own RS2 model (a Stewart RS3 with a GP9 shell from a Front Range diesel), and although I'm not throwing it out, jt would have a ways to go to match what Richard has done. Were I to do it all over again, I'd use an honest-to-Pete RS2 instead of bashing an RS3. As with his models of SD45s and GP38-2s, his work continues to inspire me.
Here are my RS-2Ms, one Frisco and one Rock Island: The Frisco one is in front, made from a Proto 1000 Rs-2 and a Proto 2000 GP9 shell. I still need to add drop steps and numberboards. I wanted to do this kitbash for awhile, and had even bought the RS-2, but Richard's excellent article got me working. I'm especially glad he listed needed detail parts and decal sheets.
Wow, very nice. Those things are so ugly, that is is enough to make me start modeling diesels again, almost. Thanks for the photos of this rare loco. We're looking forward to more. Mike
LOL! Thanks for the compliments, Mike. Yeah, they are ugly, aren't they? I think that's why I wanted to model them. I showed it to my wife--she said "I'm sure its mother loved it anyway."
I think it's mother may have been a spot-series 2-10-2. Keep the pictures coming, Gary, and let us know how/if you deviate from Richard's techniques. Can't wait to see the finished product.
