converting Lionel scale Alco ATSF PAs to 3 rail scale#1 Pilots

Eric Lindgren,

 

You shot some pictures with an I phone 6. I'm do a free upgrade to the six or the new Samsung. How is the camera in the six?

 

Ron

Ron,  I use a late model iPhone 5s and have been quite pleased with the camera's potential. Supposedly the 6 has a few improvements...

Thanks Sam.

Resized for this thread- however the overall image quality of these shots are almost comparable to my pro-gear. I'm impressed with the 6 Plus camera. Very impressed. It shall never replace my real cameras but not bad for a point shoot anyway! A phone! Wow

I don't really know. I have spoiled myself with the Key 2010 run models. The Samhongsa models in my opinion are full of errors. I actually like your model better than the 1989 run Samhongsa PA! Your model has better proportions.


       

Thanks Erik.

Erik, thanks for the reply. How are the movies with the camera in the 6 plus?

 

Ron

Mario,

 

I'm working on the ATS unit. It's really tedious and I don't want to make a second. Will post a picture when it is done in brass. Will do the speedo next.

 

I'm happy to send them to you to print. What kind of turnaround do you think ?

 

The plastic will be perfect so these can be super glued to the trucks. I'de like to make enough of these to supply Doug, Marker, C.Sam and any others interested at cost.

 

Depending apon whether I feel like making two more pilots I might send you one to print as well.

 

Regards,

Ron

I like the camera on my 5S; takes great close up shots and HD (720) movies...

 

Ron, The PAs are on my list!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thanks,

- Mario

Picked up a new I phone 6 plus and the camera is so much better.

That's beautiful Ron. Thanks so much for showing all of us the progress and the process!

 

Here is a shot of ours (same model - stock) for comparison.  You've inspired me to perhaps consider doing the same a little bit at a time.. 

 

The depth of field of this camera is great. This is one of my Hudsons I'm re-piping at the rear.

Now fabricating final pilot for the powered A unit.

 

Progress shots on new pilot for Pa1

 

 

Pilot just about ready for paint.

It's beautiful

Agreed!

Thanks guys.

First primer coat. All of the bad areas come out. And you get a lot of spots when one hand forms something. At least I do. Will wait a day for it to dry then putty and sand some before another primer coat.

That's where the weathering comes in. A little dirt and grime, it will look just right. A little used, maybe it hit a shopping cart on the rails , got a ding here or ding there.

 

It's all good, I'd still take a pair, imperfections or not. They are great!

Very nice, however you just might not want to make it too "perfect". Remember that diesel locomotives struck lots of stuff throughout their lives, and pilots definitely showed their wounds.

Believe me I won't make it too perfect and I will weather it like I did the dummy A unit.

I'm going to try and get it scanned before mounting it so it can be reproduced 3d.

 

Thanks, Ron 

Finally painted, piped and weathered. If not too cold will mount tomorrow and add coupler.

Really looks great!!

Video of completed Alcos Unfortunately I was anxious to get some videos and the epoxy on the powered A wasn't dry and a gap was developing. Enjoy.

These are the As running separately.

The ABA unit.

 

 

What a nice shot!

Ron,  have you a chance to give her some extended track time with the new pilot? I can't get my flash updated for some reason and haven't seen your videos.

 

Do you see any clearance problems ahead for those of us running on 'regular' track? 

Sam,

 

One would have to cut the mounting lugs for the stock pilot off the A unit for sure and run a chassis mount coupler. On an 036 curve and maybe 072 I believe a dummy A would have to retain the stock setup. I run broad curves so I can do this.

 

Best wishes,

Ron 

Ron H,

 

They look GREAT! You did a fantastic job!

Pretty well wrapped up.

Awesome job! How much do you want for the ABA set? Lol