I have a photo of Frisco 1019 taken in 1944 at Allenton, MO backing up with the local to do some switching. It intrigued me because it had been given the big sand dome and doghouse on the tender, but retained her striping. About the time I got a good buy on a Sunset 4-6-2 and thought "why not". This girl is nearly done. Needs window glass, lenses and numbers in the numberboards. The decoder I was installing in it (Tsunami 2) went belly up, so it is waiting for the replacement to arrive and be installed to finish up. Strange thing is since downsizing my roster, I've gotten back into building. I guess I'm addicted. There is also another 4000 in the womb at the shops, probably will end up as the 4030 with the tall cab. It is an Akane USRA Light 2-8-2, which I have stripped to start on the build. 1019 will be touched up and final inspected after the decoder install and finished.
Great stuff Don. I too always enjoy and look fwd to your steam builds and images. I have a couple questions. These oil burners used a fuel called "bunker C". Is that correct? I have heard it smelled like diesel. Is this correct as well?
I'm waiting for the Don Wirth coffee table book of exquisitely modeled Frisco HO steam locomotives! Tom G.
Bunker C is very heavy oil and requires heating to make it flow properly. It smells completely different from diesel, which is refined. It has a very rich "oil" smell to it. Hard to describe. Closer to asphalt than diesel oil. Burns very hot, diesel doesn't for use in a steam locomotive.
Very nice work as always Don. I always enjoy your steam history lessons and explanations too for youngsters like myself.
Nice work - as always - Don. Even Frisco passenger steam power relegated to freight/local service is delightful. And my appetite's whetted by the tease on 4030. Will be especially curious to see how you go about the high cab roof. Best Regards,
What I do, anyone can do. Its not getting any easier. My eyes aren't what they used to be nor or my hands as steady. Getting old ain't for sissies.
