ANd NOW comes the 3rd Rail ALCo FA Diesels

To say nothing of the bad rendition of the nose and windows on the WBB FA.

It is as hard for the model mfg'ers to get the nose/windows right on an FA as it is the nose/windows on the EMD F.

As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

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. 

This is a new announcement, and the Pennsylvania FA -1 can certainly be done. Send an e-mail to Scott Mann with your desire to see them.

With the low minimums for reservations any and all paint schemes are encouraged.

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Haven't the E and F units had an optional fixed pilot?

MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Yes, as that is the only way Sunset/3rd Rail offers diesel units. Otherwise, Scott couldn't sell a single one to 2-Rail Scale modelers.

BobbyD posted:

MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Haven't the E and F units had an optional fixed pilot?

The "fixed pilot" os not "optional". What is "optional" is a different "fixed pilot" without the huge opening for the lobster claw coupler arrangement on 3-Rail models. Thus, the "optional" pilot allows the 3RS modeler to change-out the pilot with the huge hole for the lobster claw, when the model is up-graded with Kadee couplers, as that "optional" pilot provides the more scale size opening for the Kadee coupler.

K-Line showed the way with multiple pilots included. Movable pilot with lobster claw, fixed pilot with open doors and scale coupler (could be replaced with a Kadee), fixed pilot with closed doors.

Pete

laming posted:

...As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

Poor SLSF...it is so difficult for us to get any love from the manufacturers. I never thought we were that obscure a company, and they had 16 A-B-A sets of FA1’s.  

Scott, does say in the ad, to inform him by email what you would like to see in options for this offering. However, for $699.00, I'd like to see a truly accurate rendition of the prototype.  And a smaller radius then 54....  As I only can accommodate 45 radius.  I think the majority of O Gaugers, have a smaller radius  than large.  I could be wrong, but let's see what the forum responses will be.   I did purchase a Gp-9 from GG, but I had to return it do the sound not working, and never had the chance to try and modify it for the shorter radius... Scott, was a pleasure to work with, but it is still a hassle mailing back locomotives regardless whom the manufacture is...  

Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Scott, does say in the ad, to inform him by email what you would like to see in options for this offering. However, for $699.00, I'd like to see an truly accurate rendition of the prototype.  And a smaller radius then 54....  As I only can accommodate 45 radius.  I think the majority of O Gaugers have a smaller radius  than large.  I could be wrong, but let's see what the forum responses will be.    

Well, you're going to have to make a decision.  Do you want a "truly accurate rendition of the prototype" or do you want a model that can negotiate tight curves?  Those are mutually exclusive requirements.

Bob,

It's a matter of priority.  I am well over 15K in my current layout.  I have modified much of the motive power.  I didn't realize the importance of the larger radius until after the fact.  That is my only regret.  If I build another, I will go with at least 74 radius... Lesson learned'... Speaking to those that have 74, say they wish they went with a 92`.  Again, room size and funds contribute to these type decisions....  Then there is a complete 2 rail layout as well... to consider.  Then again, much can be converted either way.  So for the time being, it is what it is'... 

Rob Leese posted:

laming posted:

...As for the upcoming 3rd Rail FA's:

IF I was rich (or even into O scale!), I could slobber for the Mop, GN, and UP FA's. Love the lead pic at the linked 3rd Rail site showing the UP FA's w/stock cars trailing.

Andre

Poor SLSF...it is so difficult for us to get any love from the manufacturers. I never thought we were that obscure a company, and they had 16 A-B-A sets of FA1’s.  

Well shore... if'n I wuz rich an' all that jazz... then absolutely... try to get 3r Rail to do up some Frisco FA's!

After all, the Frisco tops the list of my all-time fay-voh-right RR!

Andre

rheil posted:

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

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. 

This is a new announcement, and the Pennsylvania FA -1 can certainly be done. Send an e-mail to Scott Mann with your desire to see them.

I will do that.   Given the new P:48 conversion wheelsets being produced  I'd certainly be in for a PRR ABA FA1 set in as-delivered paint, etc.  

I did not see 54" min radius listed for the FA-FB diesels but with a tank drive and the short wheelbase of the FAs I would not be surprised. When Key came out with their super detailed PAs someone had posted that an accurately coupled set with the truck and underbody details required a 7-8' radius give or take, just saying.

Like the F7, it will likely negotiate a 48" radius in two rail, but 54" will be the likely recommended minimum.  I'm excited for a PRR set.  My current ones are very old Weavers and while they run fine, they are just not up to today's standards.

I 'm asking Scott Mann to offer the New Haven Alco FA-1 diesels in either of their two earlier paint schemes. The original colors when the FA-1s were delivered in 1947 were orange and hunter green with thin silver stripes. A few years later, they were repainted in hunter green with gold stripes. It seems that almost all models of New Haven diesels are painted in the orange/black/white McGuiness scheme that was introduced in 1955. I would like to have more models in the liveries of the 1940s and early 1950s.

MELGAR

Back in the late ‘90’s or early 2000’s I purchased a 3rd Rail PRR #2318 H6 2-8-0. Today I reserved a L&N ALCO FA-2. This will be my second 3rd Rail locomotive, if the production gets the go-ahead.

Is it safe to say that all 3rd Rail locomotives will have prototypical engine #’s?

I've contacted Scott asking for the green with gold stripes NH livery. We have plenty of McGuiness choices.

Jan

I ordered a A-B-A set of Mopac tonight. And requested he change the MKT to this paint instead as I would take a pair of these as well.

I also asked about Frisco, but have not heard back.

Hot Water posted:

BobbyD posted:

MR-150 posted:

Are these going to have fixed pilots 

Haven't the E and F units had an optional fixed pilot?

The "fixed pilot" os not "optional". What is "optional" is a different "fixed pilot" without the huge opening for the lobster claw coupler arrangement on 3-Rail models. Thus, the "optional" pilot allows the 3RS modeler to change-out the pilot with the huge hole for the lobster claw, when the model is up-graded with Kadee couplers, as that "optional" pilot provides the more scale size opening for the Kadee coupler.

And so they have had an optional fixed pilot. Not sure where you got anything about a truck mounted pilot in my post. 

Looks like I am ordering (2) MKT's - Scott changed the paint overnight to the above picture and added the Frisco's. This is going to be expensive.

Also he added many of the requests above. Looks good for everyone interested.

I expressed interest in a coupler cover for the front pilot as pictured below. It wouldn't have to be a complete pilot but a piece that could be snapped in or fastened to the 2 rail pilot. I also requested extras be made as a detail part that could be used on other FAs and PAs. If anyone else thinks this a good idea it might be time to start banging the drum.

Pete

I see the 3RD Rail Promotional page has been updated a bit. A correction that needs to be made is the ALCo DEMO units. There were no FA-1 demo units. The demo units are FA-2 with the 4 extra scale feet added on after the Radiator section and the "missing Air tank" by the fuel tank and the Larger Angled Number Boards.

All your input is good. Keep it coming.

TM Terry posted:

Back in the late ‘90’s or early 2000’s I purchased a 3rd Rail PRR #2318 H6 2-8-0. Today I reserved a L&N ALCO FA-2. This will be my second 3rd Rail locomotive, if the production gets the go-ahead.

Is it safe to say that all 3rd Rail locomotives will have prototypical engine #’s?

Yes. There's a lot of research to any third rail diesel engine.

So, Scott, Just to be clear, what is the exact minimum radius these new units 2 & 3 rail,  will handle without complications...

Thanks very much,  Previous customer'...

Scott,

Should I hold off ordering in anticipation of the original New Haven orange/hunter/green/silver stripe scheme or just order the New Haven hunter green scheme now?

Also, if possible, would like the FA-1 to have the switches and battery as done in the PA-1 shown below.

MELGAR

Scott,

I was told many years ago the MKT only had FA's, no FB's. Never followed up on it.

You are correct.  There were no MKT FBs built in either the FA1 or FA2 model designations.

By chance,did the Pennsy have any FA's in Tuscan?

Norm

PA and PB units - yes .  FA and FB units - no

FA and FB we're freight designated locomotives. The exception was Canada where they had FA-2 ALCo's with steam generators for passenger cars.

Scott,

Any thought to painting the Erie Lackawanna units in the Erie inspired black and yellow scheme?  No O scale manufacturer has done it before.  The EL only painted a couple of the FAs in the Lackawanna inspired Grey, Maroon and Yellow.  The masking would seem to be simpler especially on the B unit.   Atlas did C424s in the Black and Yellow colors few years ago and they are quire handsome.

Any other EL fans out there?  Chime in!

Thank you Scott for always pushing the envelope in O Scale.

Earl   

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

FA and FB we're freight designated locomotives. The exception was Canada where they had FA-2 ALCo's with steam generators for passenger cars.

Baltimore and Ohio, Missouri Pacific and Great Northern also had FPA-2 passenger units.

Rusty

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

FA and FB we're freight designated locomotives. The exception was Canada where they had FA-2 ALCo's with steam generators for passenger cars.

That's interesting. The new Lionel catalog has some Canadian Pacific FA-2s with passenger cars, which I thought was inaccurate.

@Rule292 posted:

....I'd certainly be in for a PRR ABA FA1 set in as-delivered paint, etc.  

---

---

As I have mentioned many times on this forum, so would I.

I not sure why this topic is still open, but I can not pass up another chance t request a PRR FA-1.  The Pennsy bought two FA-1 ABBA sets in 1948, then went to running mostly ABA sets after realizing most freights did not need that much power.  They did not buy FA-1s again until 1950.  My era is 1949 so if 3rd Rail made a PRR FA-1 I would get a all-powered and sound ABA set, maybe even that second B if the stock market doesn't crash.

Unfortunately, there is a post somewhere that said the FAs are on the back burner.  Hopefully when it starts up again a PRR FA-1 is in the mix.

Well it’s good to stir the pot a bit in this thread. This 3rd Rail Alco FA offering seems stalled short of getting an “it’s a go” signal. FAs just don’t seem to be offered very often - seem to get no respect. I’m not sure why. This offering should be attractive for roads like Frisco and MoPac as they are hardly ever offered. The “fence sitters” must be really sore by now !!!  Time to step up and reserve or add a unit to what you already have reserved. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Perhaps (is it possible ???) - could this be appended to the possible F3 second run ???  If it’s all about numbers ???? 😳

@TrainBub posted:

Time to step up and reserve or add a unit to what you already have reserved.

Can't step up and reserve when it is not listed.