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ANOTHER GREAT FRISCO RAFFLE!

KCT Alco HH900 #50 Project

Discussion in 'American Locomotive Company (ALCo)' started by Jim James, Jan 16, 2015.

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  1. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    After a short wait, Walthers was finally able to ship the Tenessee Central version of the HH600/660. I just received my order today and I'm very impressed with the model so far. Great detailing, very hefty and packaged very well. I chose this version so that I can just change the lettering from Tennessee Central to Kansas City Terminall, everything else is correct. It might be tedious but oh well. I really like the tank and piping detail underneath! I'll install the truck chains after all other work is finished. I'm installing a TSU Tsunami micro sound decoder and Keith has kindly provided me with an "installation kit" which is in one of these photos. Thanks Keith! I have busy weekend coming up but I'll report on any progress made as soon as I can get to it. Here's a few photos for fun.
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    Jim James, Jan 16, 2015
    #1
  2. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Definitely distinct looking critters. Jim, Keith and all, I'm not terribly familiar with the KCT switching fleet - did these see service in passenger switching, freight work or both?

    Best Regards,
     
    yardmaster, Jan 16, 2015
    #2
  3. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Amen, the HO Atlas Alco HH models are neat little switchers, a very nice model of a historical diesel locomotive. Alas, our Frisco was not even close to considering buying any of these at the time. When the Baldwin VO's came on the scene a few years later, they decided to nibble.

    Ken
     
    meteor910, Jan 16, 2015
    #3
  4. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Chris: I suspect both, but I can't prove it. I have one picture of #50 in the background at the KC Union Station switching passenger cars, and two (I think?) pics of it in a freight yard, but running as a light engine.

    I intend to get one of the Atlas HH Tennessee Central engines to become KCT #50, too, but Atlas hasn't received/shipped the sound-equipped ones yet.
     
    Coonskin, Jan 16, 2015
    #4
  5. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    I need a couple of Frisco passenger cars so I can play at switching them. Maybe a small switching shelf setup. If for no other reason it will offer some photo oppertunitys.
     
    Jim James, Jan 16, 2015
    #5
  6. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    I can furnish you with a couple of Athearn heavyweight cars (the shake-the-box 72' cars) to practice with until they need to report for duty on the KCT. They are already weathered and painted and probably more age-appropriate for the HH900 than the cars you now have.

    GS
     
    gstout, Jan 16, 2015
    #6
  7. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    That would be great! Thanks. If we ever make it to the hobby shop I'll grab some flex and turnouts for a switching module of sorts.
     
    Jim James, Jan 16, 2015
    #7
  8. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Plenty of photos out there that would allow you to make a nice photo vignette with part of the KCUS train shed and/or express docks. I dare say that whatever your end product will be, Jim, it will look great.

    Best Regards,
     
    yardmaster, Jan 16, 2015
    #8
  9. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Thanks, Chris. Tonight I removed the Tennessee Central lettering with brake fluid and Q tips. It worked perfectly but it was a chore I dreaded although relettering it will be even more dreadful. Couldn't someone make some custom decals for this simple lettering design? Anyhoos, here's a couple of project pics.
    [​IMG]
     
    Jim James, Jan 17, 2015
    #9
  10. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Excellent looking! Really gets me fired up for my similar project!

    How long to soak and how much rubbing did it take to remove the lettering using your brake fluid/Q-tip technique? Also how did you get rid of the oily residue brake fluid leaves behind?
     
    Coonskin, Jan 17, 2015
    #10
  11. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    I checked the fluid every 30 minutes by rubbing the Qtip along the lettering. Maybe an hour into it the lettering began coming off with the Qtip and I returned every 15 minutes until it would completely remove all traces of lettering. Then I scrubbbed it with an old soft toothbrush and warm soapy water. I used my iPhone's timer feature to remind me when to go check on it.
     
    Jim James, Jan 17, 2015
    #11
  12. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Thanks for the reply. Never really had a cause to remove lettering over the decades. I used to just purchase undecs and paint/decal as needed, but all those intricate pinstripes on the KCT #50 scheme... removing lettering seems like a better idea!
     
    Coonskin, Jan 18, 2015
    #12
  13. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    My thoughts exactly. I wonder what color the bell should be. Steel, black or brass?
     
    Jim James, Jan 18, 2015
    #13
  14. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    I'll acknowledge Rule #1 for this discussion, but just as a historical note, the Frisco was one of two KC roads that did not utilize the KCT for passenger car servicing at the KCT's coach yard. The Frisco would send one of its own switch engines to KCUS to drag its cars back to the 19th coach yards for servicing.
     
    Karl, Jan 18, 2015
    #14
  15. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Well, doesn't that just figure! I wonder what Frisco's oldest switcher would have been there? A VO?
     
    Jim James, Jan 18, 2015
    #15
  16. Boomer John

    Boomer John Member

    This is starting to get interested to me. Have scheme where cgw runs transfers down Santa Fe ST to Frisco. Could also run KCT and do like this little locomotive. Jim what are you going to use for KCT name decals. Have never had courage to tackle decoder installs. Do you need an engineering degree from Purdue to do this.

    I am waiting for Bowser to come out with their new LOKSOUND Baldwins to replace my two FM's.

    John
     
    Boomer John, Jan 18, 2015
    #16
  17. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    John, I'm not sure about decals. I may have to piece it together if I can't find a service willing to do a very small run on the cheap. The only tricky thing about installing a decoder is finding room for all the components. This will be my first diesel install and it looks easier than steamers. Keith Robinson's "kit" should make this one a breeze.
     
    Jim James, Jan 18, 2015
    #17
  18. dricketts

    dricketts Member Frisco.org Supporter

    That's a great looking model Jim. I'm looking forward to watching your progress.
     
    dricketts, Jan 18, 2015
    #18
  19. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Karl: LOL! Spoil sport!! (Just messin' with 'ya!)

    Jim: According to Frisco Diesel Power, the first diesels were VO's. Also be aware that the first handful of VO's delivered had what I call the "Phase 1" cab. That is, the cab roof had a shallower arch than the later Phase 2 cabs. All the Stewart/Bowser VO's have the Phase 2 cab. Sorry, I can't remember offhand when the cab change took place, but I "think" I recall it was after VO1000 #206. May be a non-issue with you, or it may be a big issue with you... but thought you might want to know.

    John: Bowser is already coming out with their LokSound Baldwin's. I have the "Executive Line" CGW DS4-4-1000 #40 and it looks, runs, and sounds GREAT. And yes, IF you're modeling the West Bottoms, then essentially ALL the roads passed through there on their way to/from other railroads with transfers. That's why I'm in the process of gathering up examples of appropriate engines from all 13 of the KC lines!

    Jim again: KCT decals are a wash at this point. Oddballs was the only decal place that offered them, and Oddballs has been defunct for some time now. It could be that we KCT fans could pool our resources and get some KCT decals made using the old Oddball sets as a guideline. I would up for about a half dozen HO KCT sets. Any others interested in pooling our efforts?
     
    Coonskin, Jan 18, 2015
    #19
  20. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Thanks for the info. Tonight I got everything wired thanks to Keith's simple diagram and everything works perfectly. Lights, sound and silky smooth motor control. Typical of Tsunami. Now I just need to tidy up my wiring and cram it all into the shell. Should be fun. Just kidding.
    [​IMG]
     
    Jim James, Jan 18, 2015
    #20
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