PFM / Toby 1500 question

Discussion in '4-8-2 Mountain' started by skyraider, Mar 8, 2018.

  1. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Which numbers of the prototype 1500's are the unmodified PFM brass models closest to? Was there ever a real 1500 class with no disc driver, tanks on top, and a small smokebox door, or does something have to be done to the PFM model to truly make it like any of the prototypes? I have an out-of-the-box one that is has an ok paint job, but am about to have one done correctly.

    Were the disc drivers a later addition to all of the 1500 class locomotives?

    Finally, does anyone have good cab interior photos that they are willing to share? I've looked google and the forum over and found a few partial photos, but not anything sufficient for creating a cab interior.

    Thanks,

    Paul Moore
     
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  2. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    The Frisco purchased 30, 1500-class locomotives from Baldwin. They may be divided into 3 groups:
    1500-1514; blt 1923; Baker valve gear; small smoke box door. Later during their careers, the 1501,1503, 1506, 1510, 1511, and 1512 received large smoke box doors.
    1515-1519; blt 1925; Walschaert valve gear; large smoke box door, top/mounted air reservoir
    1520-1529; blt 1926; Walschaert valve gear; small smoke box door, top-mounted air reservoirs (the PFM model).

    I will post the diagrams later.

    The Scullin disc-centered, main driver was an after-market affectation.
    The 1520 and the 4208 collided at Quincy, MS on 2/16/39. The 1520 received a "new" tender, and the 4208 received new valve gear. "After" pics of the 1520 may be seen at the Archive.
     
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2018
  3. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Absolutely awesome information. Thanks so much. So, 1522 AS BUILT would work as one to model without major modifications.
     
  4. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    As-built, the 1500's had the "full window" treatment. See http://frisco.org/mainline/wp-conte...-date-and-location-unknown-photog-unk-BLW.jpg These windows were removed during the late 30's. Another add by the Frisco was a running gear inspection "step". These were removed by the 40's. Another Frisco add was the Volatone chime, air horns. These too were removed by the late 30's.
    http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/1502-in-1929.876/#post-5403

    To your question, the 1522 would be a good choice for an out of the box PFM model.
     
  5. meteor910

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

    I think the second order series of Frisco's 1500 class, namely SLSF 1515-1519, had Walschaerts valve gear rather than Baker. This second group was also the first to have the air reservoirs mounted up on top of the boiler, though they were in a slightly different position up there than the following SLSF 1520-1529 used.
    K
     
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  6. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    Ken you are right... was looking at the wrong diagram
     
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  7. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    If you modeled 1522 as built, she would not have a disc driver, would be a coal burner with the exhaust steam injector on the left side. The injector was what caused the tanks to be moved top side. No booster, small door and big cab windows.
    If you modeled her in the late 30s, she would have all spoked drivers and no booster and be an oil burner.
    I got into an argument in Tulsa when we were there with her with some old fart that swore on a bible that she never was a coal burner. Even after I showed him the stoker engine mounting area on the frame and told him I had an article from an old FEM about her first trip from Springfield to Newburg which stated how much coal was used, etc, he still insisted so I walked away.
     
  8. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    So I'll model 1522 in the late 30's. Thanks.
     
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  9. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

     

    Attached Files:

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  10. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Thanks for the 1937 photo, Don. It's a huge help.

    Today I bought the PFM / Toby model off of ebay. This is the first model that I've attempted to make close to a particular prototype number in a certain period. I'm pretty excited about it. Therefore, all the questions.

    Does anyone have any photos of the cab interior of 1522...or any of the 1500 class 4-8-2s? I've got a few partials, but I'd like some better ones, if I can find them.

    Two color questions: Would the cab roof between the drip rails be signal red or red oxide?

    What color did Frisco paint their cab interiors? Many railroads painted the interiors a green color, but I have no idea what Frisco did.

    As much as I enjoy modeling, painting and soldering are the two things that still elude me as far as skills. In the past I've painted several steamers and diesels, but that's just not my skill set and not what I enjoy. A friend is spectacular at it. I pay him just like everyone else does, and it's well worth it. Attached are a handful of photos of models he's painted for me in the past. He scratch built the C&O 2-6-6-6 Allegheny and the PRR K4. I decided to focus on the Frisco, D&RGW and Mopac, and sold everything else.

    Again, thanks to all of you for your help.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

     

    Attached Files:

  12. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Paul, Mainline Modeler May and June 2003 has a great article about the Frisco 4-8-2 locomotives. I scanned the page with backhead photos and have attached it here for your use.
     

    Attached Files:

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  13. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    The pipes on the oilburner have been painted white for the purpose of the photo. Quite a few things changed between when that was taken and the way they ended up. Other engine is a coalburner.
     
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  14. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Thanks, Keith.

    Paul Moore
     
  15. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Thanks to everyone for their input. Last week I bought a PFM 1500 class 4-8-2 on ebay. It is now in the hands of my friend who will make the modifications and paint it. It will be awhile before it's done, but I'm excited about it.

    Paul Moore
     
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