I’ve copied my comment from a Rob Leese thread to add some info here / here in top part
Just some more FYI for everyone.
The early E7s for the Meteor were painted the same as the Texas Specials (MKT and Frisco) except the nose and side Had Only Frisco signage. Pictures of the Frisco E7 are a bit difficult to find - especially in color. This paint version lasted only 2 or 3 years and when E8s were delivered in a different paint scheme, the 7s were redone to almost match. There are tell-tale bits that show their “E7ness”.
I believe 3rd Rails offering of a Meteor E7 is a first. If you like the Meteor and E7s, this one’s for you. 3rd Rail will eventually get to another run of E8s and will undoubtedly offer a Frisco E8. 7s before 8s. It can be your choice. Your other choice is to troll the secondary market. I never see 3rd Rail Tx Specials 7s offered. MTH has 2x offered E8s - about 15 years apart. Early was an ABA - not prototypical. Later just as individual “A”s and with an unpowered option. These rarely show up. Lionel - I don’t know.
Here’s the 3rd Rail Tx Special. Pretend it has only Frisco markings and you have an early Meteor diesel. I like 3rd Rail as I can easily remove the lobster claw coupler and replace with the enclosed closed fixed pilot.
The below pic shows 3rd Rail Frisco E7 on left before removal of coupler. Notice it has fixed pilot.
The E8s are MTH and shows a 3rd or 4th iteration paint scheme (not final).
The second Paint version has been done by Key Models - very scarce and very expensive (and perhaps only in 2rail ???). This paint scheme is quite detailed. Later paint schemes always became more simple.
The Frisco Meteor ran with 2 “A” units. They had no “B”s.
FYI - I’m in for an 3rd Rail E7 as I don’t have one !!!
Cheers 😉
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And just to top off the diesel pix, here is HO pic of a Meteor diesel but Sans the Frisco emblem between the nose and ladder, in the silver area.
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NEW Comments
I’m trying to stimulate a bit more interest in this offering. This Texas Special / Meteor offering will be the Most Accurate, Prototypical Offering Ever Done In O Scale !!! Each car type will have accurate interiors - nothing generic !!!
The Meteor has Never been done - and is do-able because of almost identical consists (a few car differences).
It is Possible that Every Car Could be done - if reservations support doing so. The total number of different cars is Not Large.
Heres hoping the people that bought into the MP T&P Eagle offering will also consider this Tx. Special/ Meteor offering. The attention to ALL the Details will be as accurate as seen with the Eagle !!!
As Scott offers items in my collecting area, I always buy in as it is Always Superior. I Do Sell Off the items it will be replacing - the proceeds get applied to the new item. I’ve done this in MP, Frisco, and MKT areas - engines and passenger cars. (Just how I operate. 🤔)
Just trying to “stir the pot” !!!!!!
Cheers 😉