Mike G.’s Commodore Vanderbilt build …..Tales from Harmon Shops

Very nice!

Now here is some great things coming Pat. I was wondering when some new topic would be popping up. Considering how things usually work in the hobby with those who have jobs still to do the 8 hours, figured busy as usual. Good to see some progress coming about. Things at my work will and have been picking up, so that will probably mean OT at some point. Funny thing too, my cousin and my Aunt have arrived from NC today. She'll be staying here but my Aunt(her mom) is up at the other house.

About this CV, I guess it is keeping the silver skin and not going in for the color change? Looks great so far. Here's another question, didn't these come with the option to switch a rubber wheel set and no traction tires? If I remember correctly, wasn't this the first engine to have that before they switched over to making engines with traction tires.

That is beautiful work Pat!! A true master craftsman!

Very excited to put it through it's paces.

And to answer Dave's question regarding paint - we decided to keep this one in the stock silver. We realize that the prototype used the darker gray/light trim and we may repaint down the road but for now, it will stay.

Great job!

My only regret in mine is not putting a stump pulling motor in it, but this was before it was the cool thing to do!

I like the silver, especially with stainless streamlined cars... it makes for a nice look.

Congrats on your CV!

- Mario

Okay, silver is okay. I know when I saw it in the store some umpteen years ago, I thought it was dynamite. When mine rolls into the Harmon Shops(down the road), it is going to be there with it's buddy getting the Harmon Shop's overhaul. For now, I'm sitting and waiting as there are a number of things that will be done sometime in the near future. All else I have to say, "Pat is a master at making these things something to behold in awe". After my company heads back down to NC, I can get back to work on prepping for layout building so the beasts that rest for now, will have a place to call home, and roam.

I need to send you my commodore! I know we spoke in the past, but now I have time to send it!!! There will be no rush!

The good thing is Pat is retiring from regular work soon, so he'll have more time to do what is important to him, and all of us. It's great to see his work.

Dave, you are right on Pat’s retirement!  He is probably counting the days!

Yes fellas!…my days are numbered at the day job!…..looking forward to hanging up the wrenches!…that was the whole purpose of building the addition to the house and having a train room…..it’s my second favorite place to be……the first is anywhere’s my wife is ….😁

Pat

@ZWPOWER13 posted:

I need to send you my commodore! I know we spoke in the past, but now I have time to send it!!! There will be no rush!

Totally worth it, as you see here!

- Mario

Looks like a 302 crank gave up some Mallory as a ballast weight for this CV .

@Lou1985 posted:

Looks like a 302 crank gave up some Mallory as a ballast weight for this CV .

Your assumption would be correct, and in the future near, many more automotive parts will lay down their lives in the name of model railroad progression,…..😁

Pat

I'm very curious about this optic sensor for the chuffing for these older RS2/2.5 locomotives. Sounds like a very beneficial addition!

Regardless, nice to see another one of these classics getting tricked out with the Pittman.

@Lou1985 posted:

Looks like a 302 crank gave up some Mallory as a ballast weight for this CV .

@harmonyards posted:

Your assumption would be correct, and in the future near, many more automotive parts will lay down their lives in the name of model railroad progression,…..😁

Pat

Is that what that is? I love myself to believe it was a custom electronics mount!  Genius!

I’ll narrate this like the fella does on the NYC Water level Route video by Pentrex,….those of you that have seen it, know exactly which scene I’m talking about ….

        “ let’s watch as our star slowly makes it’s way out of the Harmon service area, and heads towards the ready tracks, undoubtedly on a passenger assignment!”

Pat

WOW! That is one nice loco.

Excellent!

Great work as always !

Geez, with all these Pittman swaps you must be close to cornering the market with Pulmore's

Doug

Nice, nice work!

Backhead detail is fantastic, Pat!

That looks stellar Pat.

Four chuffs per -coupled with the ability for a slow crawl is just what the Doctor ordered

Great work!

@graz posted:

That looks stellar Pat.

Four chuffs per -coupled with the ability for a slow crawl is just what the Doctor ordered

Great work!

Yep, …when you take the time to dial in those antiquated gear boxes, speed step 1 is smooth as silk,…she’s a good runner you’ll be pleased…

Pat

Pat, I just thought of this question.  Do you have someone to pass your knowledge and skills on to; sort of an apprentice I guess? 

@Mark Boyce posted:

Pat, I just thought of this question.  Do you have someone to pass your knowledge and skills on to; sort of an apprentice I guess?

Mark, why yes I do!…my son Brian is working his way to becoming a good tech,…he has CP, but his fine motor skills are something we’d all love to have, so although he’s limited in large physical work, the model work is very well suited for him!…he’s already very good at basic diagnostics and parts replacement, and he’s now learning the art of swaps, and mods, ….he’s currently building a pair of MTH premier FEF’s with ERR cruise and all the goodies for double heading,…..I’ve tried to get him to join the forum, and maybe some day he will, ….he has his own place, his own layout and is making his way through the world,…next time he’s at the RR shop, I’ll snap a couple pics,….

Pat

Pat, that is excellent Brian is learning well!  Fine motor skills area great asset.  Mine have left me. 

I'm a day late to this party, oh boy. We got together last night for pizza in the park, came home and tried to stay awake. Wound up hitting the pillow around 10:30. Work took a ton out of me.

Great work as always Pat. My kin from NC will be taking up more of my time tomorrow as well as the ones from VA. Some more fun yet to be had, what is next for this engine Pat, or is it onto the next project time permitting?