New layout with lionel GP9 and custom caboose

I'm confused.  You state: " ... I like customizing and getting close to real as I can and have rolling stock and stuff near real as possible ...", yet you painted an extended vision caboose in Lehigh Valley, when none ever existed on the prototype.  You did a great job and you should be commended for actually doing modelling, but it is far from "close to real".

Opinion.

I knew I would probably get some static about the caboose I know they never had them I just had free decals and a cheap caboose at this time  it will get better plus I don't think I've ever seen a real engine with moving pilot and lobster claw couplers  and the engine is really a GP 7

My apologies for transmitting "static".  Like I said, at least you're modelling.  It was just that your results did not match your prime directive.  As far as the pilot and coupler issue, many on this forum have shown they are easily made more realistic.  Same for the tiny fuel tank and funky end handrails.  Now, removing the steam generator details and correcting the number would certainly help bring the locomotive closer to an LV prototype.

Again, opinion.

lee drennen posted:

... I like customizing and getting close to real as I can and have rolling stock and stuff near real as possible but in 3rail ...

Your train looks great for 3-rail. This is a hobby for fun so do what you enjoy and don't get derailed by rivet-counters.

lee drennen posted:

I've been looking and posting around and I think this sounds like where I need to be I like customizing and getting close to real as I can and have rolling stock and stuff near real as possible but in 3rail. I took the lionel GP9 and removed the glass and turned it around where the light mounts more in the nose area and black out the windows have some touch up to do yet. The caboose is a Atlas 2rail I repainted and decaled. I mostly run 2 rail rolling stock because of there detail and stance thanks hope you enjoy the pics 

Looks good to me. Maybe Lehigh Valley will use your design.

No harm done thanks Bob  just remember I'm just getting started in O scale I'm new here but not new in modeling and it will get a lot better can you help with the moving pilot

Lee,

Here are a couple of examples:

https://ogrforum.com/t...xed-pilot-conversion

https://ogrforum.com/t...-kadees-on-a-mth-gp9

They are not exact for converting a Lionel GP, but they should give you some ideas.

Demny maybe they will put it in there intermodal division  I hope so that's what I do I pull intermodal containers a rail fans paradise you get to see different rollingstock every day

Thanks ACE  I've had to deal with rivet counters before in HO  there not new to me I was beginning to wonder who's layout is this anyway I may just switch rail lines  I just can't stand to see a vintage train without a caboose that's why I did that  I got another shell today think I might paint it another one of my favorite rails 

Enjoyed your post and look forward to seeing future ones.

Welcome to 3RS,

Ron H.

Thanks Ron I will keep you guys  posted and thanks for the welcome to the forum. 

Looks great!  I was also looking at the truck you did ...... great stuff!  Look forward to more of your posts.

I've had a few of the Lionel GP7s .... all great runners for me.

Matt

thanks

I hope to have the truck done soon I will post it here with some more trucks and custom trailers I have on the bench so to say the layout taking up more of my time now I think I'm going to change to Missouri Pacific Rail That's one of my top ones I like.  Where can I find detail parts Like Air tanks, Fuel tanks, Lift Rings, Hand Rails and stuff?