Great post Butch. Pretty amazing work by Bassett. Makes me wonder if this was it or if there is another piece of Peter's art out there somewhere.
Given your photos and detailed descriptions, I believe you have the makings of a fine article for Ogaugerr someday.
This is a stunning thread. It has obviously degenerated into fine scale, and even further degenerated into 2-rail. I went through all 13 pages yesterday and today - it kinda deserves to be in a more widely scanned forum, or maybe two!
Later, I will again present some of my UP doorstops. I am just a few pipes and steps (and maybe an injector or cold water pump here and there) away from owning a UP-3 class 4-12-2, and as soon as I am home when the sun is at the right angle, I shall get a portrait for here, and for MTJ.
I am seriously impressed with what you guys have done, both with your models and with this thread.
On the rivet press - I think I have the best rivet press this side of Korea. Push me a bit and I will again share details.
Here are a couple contributions from the doorstop contingent. Remember, I know and respect those who need absolute prototype fidelity to the Nth degree - but for me it is just a model.
The story on the Big Boy: my friend Bud (now long gone) came by with a box of Lobaugh Challenger parts - I was able to make one Challenger and one Big Boy out of the parts, and still have a few spare parts left over. The Big Boy and Challenger share a boiler and smokebox, and a lot of other things like drivers, cylinders, rods, etc. The domes are aluminum, since I had some aluminum pipe laying around. Cab and (I think) tender are scratchbuilt using my rivet machine. I will post a close-up of a tender so you can see the rivet detail.
And my latest Lobaugh Challenger - not exactly UP, but you get the idea. I have a lot of these, some almost entirely scratchbuilt, but always following the Lobaugh patterns. This one came from the estate of my friend Peter Cozens - for years, Peter would ask questions about how to put it together. I think this model was in fact the basis of our friendship. I think that is why I bought it. Peter had all the parts gathered, but was still kind of thinking about construction. I finished it in his honor. He was way too young to croak.
Bob,
Yeah, early on, it was apparent, you were the best choice for the model.
Jay
Glad you posted. I like the weathering on the BB. The thread is supposed to be fun. It's all about how we enjoy modeling the UP and sharing images of the different O gauge / O scale models we have. I'd enjoy seeing more.
Every time I wonder if I'll ever finish the locomotive projects I've sidelined or start to think maybe it's time to get out and start selling, I end up running through this thread. I'll see something I haven't seen before or I remember how much I satisfaction I get from the hobby. Then I catch the fever again.....
Look at it this way: we are fortunate to have the leisure time and bucks to have a hobby. This is probably a recent thing for humanoids. Enjoy it, and do not worry about how you over-do it. That is what wives are for.
You could do like a lot of folks, and spend leisure time (and retirement) in a bar. Instead, you preserve a little piece of history in a storable package. A lot of these models will survive for hundreds of years.
Now back to the subject at hand - somebody vote to move this entire thread to someplace where it can be seen - like 3-rail scale?
And herewith some rivets - this one is a 17/64 AC-4 tender, and its insides are a simple wood block. Pay no attention to the incorrect trucks; I have lots of correct ones. I am just being ornery.
By the way, it won't be long before I get some decent shots of the Monster. I may try today!
bob2 posted:......Now back to the subject at hand - somebody vote to move this entire thread to someplace where it can be seen - like 3-rail scale?
I understand the idea, but I think it's in the right forum. Since the intent of the thread is really about "seeing" and sharing photos.
I think 3RS or 2R might intimidate some members from sharing other great Union Pacific models.
I also feel, being here in the calmer backwaters has lent itself to the longevity of the thread. It would get buried too deep in the busier forums.
Keep 'em coming.
Maybe you are right. I never look here. I never look at the tinplate forum either, and almost missed a really good Lionel 701 thread.
Mth did a great job on this engine, but I decided to convert it to fixed pilots. I think it looks a lot more realistic this way, and I will add Kadees as soon as the screws come in the mail.
Here is my latest "in progress" shot:
Very cool. Is the tender kit, separate, or scratch build?
I need to find a low priced 9000 tender and a preferably a KTM SP 4-10-2 to tear down for a future project.
I'm looking to build a custom FTT #5097.
Scratch-built. Mostly .020 brass. Rear of water tank is hammered out of .032 to give me extra material to file smooth.
The SP 5000 is not a good starting point. The UP cab is dramatically different. Why not start with a UP 2-10-2 and put a new smokebox and extend the forward frame?
bob2 posted:Scratch-built. Mostly .020 brass. Rear of water tank is hammered out of .032 to give me extra material to file smooth.
The SP 5000 is not a good starting point. The UP cab is dramatically different. Why not start with a UP 2-10-2 and put a new smokebox and extend the forward frame?
I only want the KTM or 3rd Rail drive train, which is why I'm looking for a junker. Instead of a Frankenstein-frame job, my plan was just to use the working drive train from the 4-10-2 combined with a modified extended boiler from a KTM TTT and scratch build the simplified steam chest, piston covers, large stack and sand dome. Use a modified Sunset or KTM 9000 tender converted to oil. Finally add details to prototype.
Then again it would be great if Scott Mann and 3rd Rail just made a proper one. Communication with Scott however, he felt it was a no go as there wasn't enough interest when it was previously offered. I would argue the problem was in offering the earlier 3 cylinder 8800/8000 class instead of the later simplified 5090 class. More popular locomotive and in a more popular later time period for Union Pacific modelers (1942-1954). Heavy use on the Cajon Pass and a must have.
Or maybe Lionel will grow a pair and offer it as the next brass hybrid.
A frame extension is trivial compared to fabricating cylinders. But you may be correct - the SP boiler is straight across the top, and the MG 2-10-2 might have the wrong taper for your project.
Scratch building is not for everybody - my first was at age 44. It is extremely satisfying - you get to the point where you know you can have any locomotive you want.
This is a wonderful thread - I hope I have not taken it over. My next task for my 4-12-2 is the firebox ash pan screening. I plan to duplicate that shown on page 220 of Kratville's Vol 1. My question, for those familiar with brass fine mesh screening is - what would be the best mesh to use, and is there an easy source? And does it come with a selvage edge?
Hey, the more participation the better. Just remember it's all about the photos....
Besides, now I've been motivated to get off my duff and finish up the mods on my E7 project. The decals just arrived so I can apply the period correct "Union Pacific" nose herald.
I agree, the forum is in the right place, because everyone here is interested in the subject matter and very few if any wanderers coming in to start fire storms. Just sort of a private party. I've been off forum for awhile, because little time to work on the 2-10-2 and this forum often sleeps as we all work on projects, but you've woken it up Bob! Whaaaaa hoooooo! Keep posting!
Witt, when I bought this model from Peter, this was the only loco he built. He didn't think any importer was going to do it any more correct than USH, which was very generic and way off base for a UP 2-10-2. When I see all the modifications he made, I can see why it took years to complete and doubt he had time to do much else. He owned and operated a hobby shop and this was his evening getaway. I think it would have just stressed me out.
Gary Schrader said it is the most rube goldberg assembled loco he has ever seen,even though it is very accurate to the prototype. I haven't heard back from him since sending out the boiler to remove the batteries and boiler weights. He might have just left the hobby due to this model....just kidding, he's still fixing up other peoples and manufacturers screw ups and just finished some very nice OMI FT's.
Butch
In contrast, I admit to spending extra time and thought to make locomotives so they disassemble easily. The 4-12-2 comes apart with two screws, and soon I will rig it so that is true even with lead truck attached.
My articulateds, including the eight UP Challengers, all come apart with three screws - because a single screw at the cylinder block would go right through the drive shaft.
Sometimes simpler is way better - even if you have to forego petticoat stack detail.
Nice Logan. The fixed pilot looks great in action. Did you modify both units?
WITZ 41 posted:Nice Logan. The fixed pilot looks great in action. Did you modify both units?
I modified the second engine to fixed pilots, first one was already fixed pilots and 2 rail.
Scalecoat I, Armor Yellow, showed up yesterday. I felt a little motivated to work on the E7 roof hand grabs. I've already drilled the holes and sized the brass wire rod. After a day or two to completely dry I'll clear coat them with Testors clear/matte and get them installed. After that it's just a few decals, blast of clear coat, number boards, then reassemble......
Yes, sometimes finding the motivation among life's other demands is hard.
BH
My whole Union Pacific fleet
What's the story with UP 9026? It appears a 1943 was renumbered. What is the significance of 9026?
Steims posted:What's the story with UP 9026? It appears a 1943 was renumbered. What is the significance of 9026?
1943 is the commemorative cab number. 9026 is that locomotive's original cab number. So they're basically the same locomotive. I don't think it ever had cab #9026 in the Spirit of Union Pacific theme.
Just the same, I think they're sharp looking diesels.
https://www.up.com/aboutup/com...pirit-10-27-2017.htm
3rd Rail Union Pacific Early Challenger (Oil Burner) #3802, 2R
A recent arrival. Great looking model from 3rd Rail. I've been late to the 3rd Rail game but I think the ones I have are wonderful models at a great value. Aaron had already posted photos of his 3900 series. This is almost identical except for the oil tender. This is a nice representation of the early challengers.
Union Pacific converted the early challengers to oil burning and in 1944 renumbered the series to 3800s. They stayed that way except for a brief stint back to coal for less than a year before going back to oil again. I try to stay in the 1946-1954 range so #3802 is correct for the period I'm trying to model, however at this stage many of the first group of early challengers had large modified sand domes over the front engine driver set. This particular model, as made, has original sand domes, modified cylinder articulated steam supply pipes, modified pilot that kept original "cow catcher" but added recessed front plate and side steps. Of the actual prototypes this model is a good candidate for renumbering to #3821. The actual prototype that kept this look to the end as far as I can see from dated photo research.
I'm not sure I'll ever get around to doing it as I'm thrilled to have it, and happy as is. Sorry if the color seems to be off in these photos, I tried different lighting.
Enjoy!
Great job 3rd Rail. (Still hoping you'll reconsider the UP 4-10-2 but as the simple 2-cylinder rebuilt late model 5090-5099 series.)
So I've checked one off the white whale list.
Still looking for:
PSC 17003-1 UP 2-8-8-0 Bull Moose (Late)
OMI 0178 FEF-1 #815 with experimental skyline casing.
Got around to hanging my shelves last night. Now I can finally get my UP cars out of their boxes. Have been a big fan of the Excursion set and the flag car from Lionel. The bottom 3 are MTH's versions of the flag cars with the one on the left being the latest "1943" variant.
My favorite UP Steam:
The 844 on Sherman Hill 1963 NRHS Convention excursion. My Dad took the pic and I was running an 8mm movie camera.
Oh! U didn't mean the 12"-to-the-foot model :~)
Lew
Great pics guys. 1:48 and 1:1!
I'm on the fence about the Lionel 21" cars. I've been considering a Challenger set, I like the improved dome cars, But holding out for another in service set. Preferably a City of St. Louis with proper dome obs drumhead that I can run with my No.9 E7. I may have to buy and modify.
When I was a wee gazer I rode the City of Portland, the Challenger and No 5 but never the City of St Louis. They were great trains. Four or five E9s at the head end.
The UP was known for it's smooth starts and stops. We would stare at the ground outside and try to determine when movement began. You really couldn't. Those Engineers took a lot of pride in that.
Sorry for being AWOL so long, but a new baby arrived at our house. The search for it and its delivery have consumed me for months. You know how new babies are.............
Hope to get back to modeling as soon as I settle down. 
Butch
My goodness Butch. That is a beauty! Those early quad headlights Vettes are gorgeous.
1962 has always been my favorite year for vettes. Last year for the C1's with the old front end with the new (C2) style rear end, first year for the 327, last year for the straight axle and the list goes one. Lots of firsts and lasts in this year. A buddy who has one hit if on the head. They are rude, crude, but beautiful.
Butch
Me too, Butch, although mine would have to be a 1957. Same body style. Or I could go for the one just before the current ugliness - I think it was a C-6? In between, they were just (opinion) ugly.
However, I can tell my agility isn't what it used to be - swinging into the front seat of a Piper Cub is no longer a graceful move causing the girls great palpitations. I am afraid getting in and out of a C-6 might be viewed as geriatric maneuvering.
I thirst for more UP motive power photos. You guys need to step up before I start subjecting you to Armour Yellow doorstops.
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