My GGD El Capitan Arrived!

Sweet!

what are you going to do about motive power?

I want to work on the FP45s to make them more prototypical.  The big issue for me is the pilot and the fuel tank.  If I could make those more realistic, I'd be happy.  I also have a blue / yellow FP45 to replace the "Super Fleet" scheme of 1996 that is in the lead position.  This set need two powered units, but it looks great with a dummy third.  I need to swap some shells in the not too distant future. 

Not a huge issue, but a fun project to work on sometime soon!

That's why I've been buggin Scott for FP45's for months.  They are perfect for the combined train too. These El Capitan cars are fantastic! I've removed the thumb tacks so far, and painting the diaphragms is next.

For folks looking for non-F3/F7 motive power to head up their El Capitan train, Lionel's upcoming Santa Fe ES44's might be a good choice for modern power.  

Unfortunately Lionel only catalog'd these in two road numbers, so folks will need to double up on a roadnumber (or two) if they want 3 or 4 powered units.  Not a showstopper though, since the ES44's aren't prototypical for this train anyway.  They'll still look impressive!

Another cool option for modern locomotive configs would be the Atlas-O Santa Fe GP60M-B-B-M (from the mid-2000 years) with 3 or 4 powered units depending on the number of El Cap cars in your train.

David

S W E E T  

Very nice.

Sharp looking consist!

These are the most beautiful 3RS passenger cars EVER made!

Absolutely stunning!

Beautiful set, Jason, and a very nice video. 

Gorgeous cars...enjoy!

these do look great and as to the second run I dont think there will be much issue with getting that run sold as well.

However, I would like to see a comparison with the K-line version, as that version is still of interest to me.

To those of you who own these beautiful cars... What in your opinion would be the optimal size curves to run them on?  I know technically they can probably run on 0-72, but I am guessing there would be a lot of overhang.  From an aesthetic standpoint, what would you suggest?  0-96?  Broader?

I think they are gorgeous, but I have always shied away from 21" cars as they looked terrible on my old layout.  I am going to try to build a larger layout in the next year, but I  fear that even with some more space and 0-84 or maybe 0-96 curves these might still look bad. 

Ben 

I think that's a matter of 'taste'

I have some K-line 21" cars and don't like the way they look on 0-140...Would like to have even broader curves..

That's what I figured I will probably pass on stuff like this although I admire it from afar!

 like to have even broader curves..

I would like to have narrower curves myself but as to trains unless your layout is ALL curves who cares; If your layout is like mine, the trains just round the curves for a brief period of time before they hit long straight sections.

So what the big deal about a short overhang.

Jonathan,

Very nice train. When I see these cars I have to remind myself that I go against the grain and model Santa Fe freight operations exclusively. As far the FP45, I fixed the pilots with Atlas SD40 parts and a hand-fabricated plow, among other details. For the fuel tank, I cut the factor tank in half and used plastic strips to lower it and make it wider. Not ideal, but better: 

RM

Rich,

Thanks for the pictures!  That is exactly the kind of modifications I hope to make.  Did you get the Atlas parts separately or did you have to find a whole donor locomotive?

I don't have an issue with this running through an 072 curve outside of the drag it puts on the locomotive.  Of course the layout I'll be running it on is 1300 s.f. and most curves are 096 or larger.  there is only one 072 curve on the mainlines and I try to avoid running on that track.  Personally the scale of the car outweighs the tighter curves and overhang.  Just my personal preference.

Freak-in' fabulous!!