I see Athearn's June announcements include their next series of Genesis GP38-2 models in HO. This time they have had the good sense to include four Frisco 38-2's: SLSF 683, 695, 419, and 454. Projected release is shown as March, 2014. Hope they come through with these - they should be very nice. Their recent Frisco models show they have the red/orange shade correct now. Their first Genesis GP38-2 release showed well how good they are at producing road-specific details on their models. The Frisco, of course, used these versatile units everywhere, so most of us should be interested in a few. Ken
WOO HOO! I have already sent an email to my "pusher" informing him of my intent to get all four numbers. I encourage everyone else to contact their seller of choice and provide their intent to purchase. Perhaps we can "front-load" the system so we ensure they all get produced.
Yay, more Frisco locos! The Athearn GP15-1's were nicely detailed, and the light effects (Gyralite and Stratolite Beacon) were well done, too. Meanwhile, the Atlas U30B's still list "June 2013" shipping. I guess they have 3 more days!
I have two of the U-Boats ordered, its said June for quite some time. Hope they are still coming. I will order some of the GP-38's also. William Jackson
As many as the Frisco had we should buy the entire production run LOL. Which version do the Genesis Locos represent? looking forward to a little discussion on this.
they should also paint some with no number because as it was stated OUR FRISCO had so many, we could add numbers to other units and someone might be able to eventually have the entire fleet
Toy Train Heaven is showing all four numbers with DCC for $190. There will be an undecorated one for those who want more numbers and aren't afraid to paint their own models. Terry
Tom - These units are pretty much the standard GP38-2 with all the Frisco specific details added - d/b's, nose gyralight, five chime Leslie, yellow roof beacon, whip radio antenna, plow pilot, etc. I'm sure Genesis will get all these details correct - they seem to be good with these road-specific details now, at least I hope so! I seem to recall there was some slight variation in fan spacing on the rear two radiator fans on the 38-2's. I'll have to check photos to confirm. The fans were spaced farther apart on the GP38's, and then moved closer together on the 38-2's with perhaps two different spacings. GP38-2's SLSF 663 - 699 were received between March, 1972 and December, 1972. Since the 600 series was then filled up, the additional units were numbered in the 400 series. SLSF 400 - 478 were received between June, 1973 and December, 1976. There was quite a steady stream of new 38-2's heading to the Frisco in those days! Per Marre & Harper's "FDP", "The only minor variation among the herds of GP38-2's was to be found on engines 426-433, which were purchased with extra capacity six-cylinder (vs the normal three) air pumps and a second air line for supplying the dumping mechanisms on unit coal train hoppers." None of the proposed Genesis Frisco 38-2's are in this group. It would be an interesting addition to modify one with a different number and the second air line to create a unique unit. In all, the Frisco had 146 GP38's-GP38-2's, making this type the largest number of the same general type on the all-time roster. The prior leader was the GP7's, of which the Frisco rostered 128. Ken
After some digging I found that 663-682 were phase 1a GP38-2's that had wide spacing on the fans. 683-699 and 400-458 (all of the units genesis is making) were phase 1b with close fan spacing 459-478 were phase 1c with close fan spacing. It looks like these will be good units to have. Ethan
In addition to the GP38-2 announcement, Roundhouse is also offering the single sheathed 50' automobile boxcar in three numbers. Terry
HO Hobbies, which I normally use to preorder from does not handle Athearn. Any suggestions for sources? Keith Edgington
Wholesale Trains, and Toy Train Heaven take reservations. MB Klein will allow you to submit a request for first come first serve when they receive their shipment, but I don't know if they take actual reservations. Terry
To illustrate the issue of radiator fan spacing on the Frisco GP38-2's that Ethan and I talked about above, take a look at the following photos of various Frisco GP38-2's from my Enid collection: o SLSF 663, Frisco's class GP38-2 unit, a Phase 1a. Notice the wide fan spacing, like the fan spacing was on the earlier GP38's. o SLSF 445, a Phase 1b. Notice how close together the fan housings are. This will be the phase the Athearn Genesis units will model. The units with the larger air pump, SLSF 426-433, are in this group as well. o SLSF 475, a Phase 1c. Looks the same as the phase 1b with the close fan spacing. SLSF 460, the well known photo shown on the 1977 Frisco Annual Report, was a phase 1c unit as well. Ken
In response to suggestions as to where to order, may I recommend Spring Creek Model Trains in Deshler, Nebraska. Dave and Deb Zucker are two of the finest people you could ever meet. They make most of the train shows in the greater mid-west and will provide excellent service.
Keith, I'll second that recommendation, I've met Dave and his son and they are very knowledgeable about what they sell and have almost everything out there. They even carry Moloco stuff. Nick PS I'm cautious about Athearn's listed GP38-2s, since details are wrong and the image doesn't match some of the listed items and loco numbers being offered. Ken has just listed the tip of the iceberg of the differences between the series of orders.
Kieth, I 3rd that, Dave and Deb are awesome, we have 2 train shows a year here and every once in awhile the Worlds Greatest Hobby show pokes its nose into San Antonio and you can always count on Dave and deb to be there, and if you want something specific, they will bring it to the show for you. AWESOME AWESOME PEOPLE!!!!!
I cannot remember the year, but Richard Napper did a wonderful Article on modeling the FRISCO GP38-2's and GP38-AC's in a December issue of ModelRailroader Magazine. Wish I still had my issue so I could remember the year. He was very informative on the differences of the 2 types as well as the numbering. I know I had modeled about 6 units using his article for reference before I lost my collection and had to start over. I still remember what to look for to make a good FRISCO GP38 Model Thanks to that Article!!!!
I have been so busy with my career I had no idea that WE had lost Mr. Napper back in March, If I have hurt anyone by posting about his article of the GP38's I am truly sorry and if asked to do so I will delete the post.
Will, I think that any time we can credit Richard for his work, we should. He definitely is sorely missed.
