Late last night I received my digital newsletter of 3rd Rail announcing the ALCo Fa Diesel units.
http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.html#ALCOFA
Unfortunately, the Diesels that I would have wanted were NOT there. I was hoping others would take note and see if they agree or disagree.
I was looking for the PRR FA-1 A-B-A configuration.
Why the FA-1? Well NO MFG/ Importer has made a DETAILED FA-1. Yes the WBB is out there but that's ones only choice.
The WBB version has :
- the incorrect truck side frames that modeled early RS1 FRICTION Bearings. The side frames would have to be modified and
- the Truck length is too short- a la MTH EMD F & GP units in PS1
- Missing the Exposed Air Tank as shown in the picture above
- Incorrect Fuel tank. WBB has molded some kind of compartments to the sides when thetank side should be smooth
- Incorrect Side ladders- The WBB used EMD E-unit stamped metal ladders and
- Ladders don't curve IN like the 1:1 did
- NO Trainphone Antenna
- Early FIRST RUN Williams FA-1 has incorrect road numbers assigned to them. PRR road number for the : FA-1 are 9600-9607 FA-2 are 9608-9630
- By the Time someone makes some kind of corrections & detail additions- one is WELL over the PRice of a Third Rail FA!
- When was the Last time 2 railers had an FA-1? Weaver models are pretty abundant along with many brass models of the same FA-2 model!
- 3 Railers have a pleathera of Choices for the FA-2 from Weaver models [2 versions] to Lionel TMCC/Lionel Legacy versions and MTH PS2 & PS3! What could 3rd Rail possibly offer in their price point to bring 3 railers to buy their version?
NOW for an FA-2 I would want to see the DEMO Version!
- This is a Paint Scheme that NO Mfg/Importer has produced or plans to produce anytime soon! MTH has issues with "dip Job" simplistic demonstrator paint schemes and Lionel Seems to Avoid Demonstrator schemes of late!
I am in for an A-B-B-A Set of this paint scheme for SURE [But IMHO the GE logo is what maybe scaring mfg/s importers away- along with LOW Demo order numbers from past demo offerings]
What are your imputs of this model?