A while ago, I managed to grab an ABBA pack of P2k Alco FA-1, FB-1 units in Frisco with all unique numbers. I was flipping through archive photographs and noticed some had additional details that were not present on the models. Being a lunatic, I asked y'all for more information, and you delivered. The set as purchased. All four units needed new gears, but otherwise ran reasonably for a $100 acquisition. The disassembly process on FA-1 SLSF 5200. Progress shots of the roof on FB-1 SLSF 5300. I used styrene to fill in the open areas, then sanded to smooth. I used a GP18 shell to mark where the exhaust stacks needed to go. FA-1 SLSF 5200 needed a second lower headlight in the door. I probably could have tried to track down a factory part, but I did not want to repaint the entire door. I drilled a hole and fitted a short piece of brass tube, then paint matched the tube to the door decal. I used a KV models etched metal Pyle light to create the correct lens effect, then backed it with a piece of clear plastic taken off of another locomotive. A comparison of FA-1 SLSF 5215's roof to FB-1 SLSF 5315's factory roof. A comparison between the body work on the two FA-1 units. Because I am a maniac, I opted to take advantage of the factory class light lenses. ESU recently added native class light logic to their programming, so I wanted to make use of it. Each FA-1 unit has all three colors available. I have programmed the white and green to use the class light logic, and the red to come on with what would have been the rear headlight. I also programmed a second sound slot to allow FA-1 SLSF 5215 to use a dual S5T/A200 combo horn. The two locomotives use the same program, so the horns can actually be changed with CVs if I remember which one is the correct CV. Some box spaghetti for an idea of how much is going on inside the FA-1 units.
Here are preliminary shots of both FA-1 units. I do have some light bleed issues, partially due to the close spacing of the marker lights to the number boards. I have some potential solutions for future builds, as one marker on FA-1 5215 came out exceptionally well. At some point in the build, I lost the headlight cover for FA-1 SLSF 5215. Decoder information: FA-1 SLSF 5200 - ESU LokSound V5 with motherboard, ESU speaker FA-1 SLSF 5215 - ESU Loksound V5 with motherboard, ESU speaker FB-1 SLSF 5300 - NCE Silent Decoder FB-1 SLSF 5315 - Soundtraxx Tsunami 2 Alco sound set, ESU speaker, horn muted I may convert the two FB-1 units to ESU later on. The Tsunami sound set for the Alco seems to be fairly muddy and is not very distinct from the ESU EMD sound set like I had hoped. The set runs together very well, despite using three brands of decoder. I disabled the delay start on the ESU decoders, and upped the low speed voltage on the NCE. I have a tendency to lead with FA-1 SLSF 5200 because it has more going on, but the most frustrating part is not being able to show off both at the same time. FA-1 SLSF 5215 has a considerably brighter headlight, and is certainly ready for night operation. The set does have a few flaws, and I am sure I missed some prototypical light functions, but I am pretty proud of how they came out for how long of a project this turned into. I do have a third FB-1 unit, numbered SLSF 5300, that I acquired later. It will be getting renumbered to FA-1 SLSF 5301 and modified with the appropriate details, plus an ESU Loksound V5.
The red marker lights would only be used on the rear unit of a consist running light with no cars or caboose.
Easy enough to fix. I can put the red in the class light logic or program it to a second button. It will still work against the direction of travel. I can use that information when I am setting up the hood unit program, too.
