Another Neglected Prototype:Shop Switch Engines

The first one is a great example of ugly-cute.  And it would be fairrly easy to build: take a powered truck from just about anyone's (WBB, MTH, Lionel, Atlas) diesel - one with a vertical can motor - and build a body around it out of flat styrene sheet.  I think I have all the materials around somewhere - I may try it, it would be something you don't see anywhere else.  A bonus would be that how I would build it is probably how the shop built theirs: a spare truck with motor they had in a corner and some sheet steel and a bit of welding. 

 

The second one, the SP 0-6-0 is one of my current favorites and the prototype for this recently completed model loosely based on it.

Progress so far on making the other of the two.  I decided to use a three-axle rather than a two-axle truck because I had one three-axle truck that has two center pickups and thus will run better.  Lionel U30C powered truck from my parts bin, scratch built body.  No e-unit, just a rectifier and DPDT switch to change direction.  Probably finish it tomorrow.

 

Looks terrific

Lee you're creativeness seems to hold no bounds!

 

--Greg

Very nice work Lee! I agree there should be more of these. I was hoping Scott at 3rd Rail would make one of these as he is planning to do the S-12 switchers. I don't think the 966 was based on an S-12 but it should be fairly close as a start point.

I have this as well as 217 in HO.

 

 

 

The Lionel "docksider" is based on the Reading Shop switcher and likely a more common design on coal fired roads.

 

 

Pete

http://brianwowak.wordpress.co...o-reading-b4a-0-6-0/

 

 

That's Super-Duper, Lee. Are you using a 3-D printer in any of the fabs?

 

Been reading about all the interesting items one can make with them.

 

 

 

I didn't use a 3-D printer.  Fascinating things, but I will stick with the old-fashioned ways, at least for now.  

 

Here it is, done.  It worked out quite nicely: about 2 1/2 inches shorter than a BEEP.  I gently weathered it - a yard dog like this would never be lavished with cosmetic attention.

 

Lee. Another great design. I really like the unique in trains and yours is fantastic!

 

electroliner: Thank you for posting this topic!

 

bob2: Can we ask for some details? Scale, What model did you start from, etc. Great looking engine.

 

Terry

Once again great job lee.

Along the line of the unique yard switchers... I've always been fascinated by these, Pennsylvania's rubber tire'd switchers. An early track mobile? Would make a great model and really open up a great opportunity for a city/ harbor industrial scene. Super street track?

Here's one I always thought was neat.  If I recall, it's BNSF.

 

Jim

 

Lee

What is astonishing to me is that in my choosing a prototype shop switcher ( an obscure one at that) I picked the one out of maybe a hundred variations that you were actively working on.  What are the odds of that? Synchronicity?

On the subject of small diesels..

Now if they would only produce a Whitcomb (Baldwin) diesel..the one that helped win the war in Europe..I think the number over there was 651 units ( probably more)..equally forgotten and obscure..it would make one heck of a realistic Army Railroad Division set..It always gave me a chuckle that the engines picked for such sets nearly always picked, never had anything to do with the Army..

Such a consist would be a great project.