Lionel Early Alco Question

I've never had those gorgeous trains, but could the bulges on the roof be fans?

Heat would be my only guess.

Mine are like that too. I have read a detailed explanation, but can not remember what the reason is. I believe it had something to do with the original molding of them. I bet someone on here will answer this. Waiting to hear also.

The original roofs were too thin, and subject to warping.  Lionel subsequently put small plastic dimples into the roofs to combat the heat effects.

http://www.tandem-associates.c...ains_2032_diesel.htm

It wasn't the heat that causes the bulge. Plastics in the late forties and early fifties were unstable. The knock out sprue is the weak point and that's where it bulges. Adding that dimple increases the thickness and solved most of the problem. Santa Fe and NYC F3's and Early American Flyer tank cars has the warping problem too.

Bingo Chuck, you are RIGHT! There was another version of the yellow Union Pacific. Gray on top of the nose. Don

Boy, that is one clean set of 2023's.

I'm pretty convinced it's the heat from the motor. Years ago, when I got my alcos (1952(?) silver UP 2023s), the engine had a warp on the shell, but not knowing why, I switched it with the dummy shell which had no warp and before long, it then began to warp as well. Thankfully, neither of the warps are serious, or even noticable from a distance, but they're there nonetheless.

I never noticed this on my 2023 UP FAs but will look later today. I think the original Alco FAs are among the most under-rated diesels from the PW era, perhaps the best for O27 operators, even O31 operators with smaller layouts. Definitely overshadowed by the bigger F3s, but those extra 6" on an AA set of F3s take up a lot of space.  I've been thinking about picking up a modern set, either WBB to convert to ERR TMCC or LionChief Plus. 

raising4daughters posted:

I never noticed this on my 2023 UP FAs but will look later today. I think the original Alco FAs are among the most under-rated diesels from the PW era, perhaps the best for O27 operators, even O31 operators with smaller layouts. Definitely overshadowed by the bigger F3s, but those extra 6" on an AA set of F3s take up a lot of space.  I've been thinking about picking up a modern set, either WBB to convert to ERR TMCC or LionChief Plus. 

The Williams F3 AA sets from the Golden Memory series are top notch. I run mine conventionally with no plans to convert.

Here are my B&O and Western Pacific AAs. 

Those WP F’s are sweet. I’ve always liked WP’s colors.

raising4daughters posted:

I never noticed this on my 2023 UP FAs but will look later today. I think the original Alco FAs are among the most under-rated diesels from the PW era, perhaps the best for O27 operators, even O31 operators with smaller layouts. Definitely overshadowed by the bigger F3s, but those extra 6" on an AA set of F3s take up a lot of space.  I've been thinking about picking up a modern set, either WBB to convert to ERR TMCC or LionChief Plus. 

I agree, I always wanted the Erie when I was a kid. Got the silver Union Pacific with gray top along with all the gray top passenger cars when I started collection PW. Also bought the Rock Island but didn't much care for the paint job. Don

scale rail posted:

raising4daughters posted:

I never noticed this on my 2023 UP FAs but will look later today. I think the original Alco FAs are among the most under-rated diesels from the PW era, perhaps the best for O27 operators, even O31 operators with smaller layouts. Definitely overshadowed by the bigger F3s, but those extra 6" on an AA set of F3s take up a lot of space.  I've been thinking about picking up a modern set, either WBB to convert to ERR TMCC or LionChief Plus. 

I agree, I always wanted the Erie when I was a kid. Got the silver Union Pacific with gray top along with all the gray top passenger cars when I started collection PW. Also bought the Rock Island but didn't much care for the paint job. Don

Don, here are my Erie Alcos leading the original PW set. Run like they were made yesterday.

Balshis posted:

The original roofs were too thin, and subject to warping.  Lionel subsequently put small plastic dimples into the roofs to combat the heat effects.

http://www.tandem-associates.c...ains_2032_diesel.htm

I read the info at the link provided.  It says the circular area was added on the inside to help prevent warping.  If the cabs are pooched out as indicated in the picture I think you can be assured that it is from the heat of the motor that is directly beneath that spot.  If someone is telling you it is a 'fix' to solve the warping problem they probably also have a bridge for sale.

JohnsTrains, I agree. In my point of view, Lionel's single motor GG1 and the Alco were the best running engines of the time. A friend of mine had a Lionel shop both to sell trains and repair. I don't remember either of those locos ever in for repair. The O27 passenger cars were beautiful tell they went to the all silver version. Don

johnstrains posted:

raising4daughters posted:

I never noticed this on my 2023 UP FAs but will look later today. I think the original Alco FAs are among the most under-rated diesels from the PW era, perhaps the best for O27 operators, even O31 operators with smaller layouts. Definitely overshadowed by the bigger F3s, but those extra 6" on an AA set of F3s take up a lot of space.  I've been thinking about picking up a modern set, either WBB to convert to ERR TMCC or LionChief Plus. 

The Williams F3 AA sets from the Golden Memory series are top notch. I run mine conventionally with no plans to convert.

Here are my B&O and Western Pacific AAs. 

 

 

 

Love your F3s, especially the B&O set. I actually have the PWC F3s, my only F3s, in B&O. 

I just re-read my post and realized I meant I was thinking of picking up a modern set of Alco FA AA's to convert to TMCC or a set with LC+ out-of-the-box.  My only Alco FA AAs are my PW UP set (in yellow) inherited from my grandfather. 

I have the 2032 Erie Alcos.  They have no bulge.  As has been said, I believe the post-war Alcos are way underrated.  Mine run as smooth as silk.  They go through O22 switches without even a bump.