O SCALE FRONT RUNNER

In tension (pulled) they run fine. Compressed (pushed) they work, but they get a little bunched up and the axles dont run straight on the rails. They weigh a good bit for their size, I've not had any issues with them derailing or picking switches, even on not so great modular trackwork.

 

Here's a video of front runners, 89' flats and an MTH spine set.

 

 

Tom, I have a fleet of eight, which ride in my Santa Fe TOFC trains. I don't run solid consists of them (I don't think any railroad did) but mix them in with spines and 89 foot flats. Because I model 3RS, the lobster claws were removed, spray-painted pink, and anonymously mailed free of charge to a forum member who always harumphs that "they're only toys" with the suggestion he install them on his trains and have fun. (Ok, kidding. I haven't done that... yet). In addition to installing Kadees, I fixed the trucks so that they no longer swivel. The prototype was designed the same. This increases rolling resistance a little in the curves, but my locomotive consists don't complain. With Kadees and rigid trucks, I have no tacking problems in switches and no problem with the trucks when backing a train. I use these cars because they were a common sight in intermodal trains in the 90s. I think the real thing was temperamental and may have had tracking problems. They didn't last on the prototype railroads much past the mid-90s. I'm not sure, but they may be too small for 53 foot trailers and that and inability to carry containers perhaps contributed to their demise. Nineteen ninety seven is the last I can remember seeing the real thing. I posted a video in the photo albums for you (I'm posting from an I phone, and thus can't post video when replying to a thread). My consist depicts Santa Fe train 199 (high priority intermodal from Chicago to Richmond, CA) as it might have looked around 1992-94. There are three frontrunners in the consist, including one bringing up the rear. I will see if I can scare up some stills. Hope this helps. RM

Thankyou to both of you. I appreciate the responses and the videos.

 

I'll look for them and buy spme as I find them.

Some railroads had speed restrictions with the Frontrunner cars in the consist.  I am sure that added to the reasons for their short careers.

 

I have one Atlas model of a Frontrunner and it is a very nice looking piece, and runs well.

I have the entire set of Atlas-O Burlington Northern "city-series" front-runners from 10 years ago.  Graphics on the trailers are first-class all the way.  Haven't purchased any of the more recent ones though -- at least not yet.  

 

David

 

Tom,

 

I found this still photo of one of my Front Runners.

 

RM