Studio Shots: Key Model Imports Santa Fe E1 A-B

One month old E1 hard at work just past Topeka

Regarding the question above concerning whether Key did the B&O EA, the answer is yes.  The Rockford O Scalers have a set and will post pictures of same in the near future.  In the meantime, here are a couple of photos to wet your whistle!

what a beautiful model!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Santiago, Very nice write up in the July RMC. Shows the smaller scales that some seriously detailed modelling can be acomplished in O scale.  Doug

Many thanks, Doug! Glad you like it 😊

Santiago:     have you figured out how to get the "nose" coupler out, behind the swinging doors?  I used another coupler and gave it a tug on my Key CB&Q E5's, but could not budge the nose coupler. Any thoughts?

Did you recently acquire these from a well-respected dealer we all know?

mark s posted:

Santiago:     have you figured out how to get the "nose" coupler out, behind the swinging doors?  I used another coupler and gave it a tug on my Key CB&Q E5's, but could not budge the nose coupler. Any thoughts?

Mark, I've never tried that. My guess is you the coupler has a two position screw, so you may need to unscrew, bring forward and screw again. But, don't quote me on that. My E1 will never see anything but clear tracks in front of her 😊

PRR 5841 posted:

Did you recently acquire these from a well-respected dealer we all know?

I got it from a privat collector about three years ago

Santiago - Thank you for contemplating my issue !    BTW, the Burlington Route Historical Society just released a homage to the E5.......think you might want to acquire one!   Interesting side note - - - your comment about your Santa Fe locomotives only seeing clear track in front of them - -- in the "homage", it was noted that the earlier Burlington shovel nose diesels created a problem for the locomotive crews:  nystagmus, or being hypnotized by the on-rushing ties so visible from their out front perch.

Guess I will just leave well-enough alone and not tinker with my E5's front coupler.  Although my stream-lined back-up Aeolus 4-6-4 was just itching to go rescue a disabled E5 out on the road !

Hehe u rock, Mark!

I actually gor it today!

And Scott’s E5’s are on their way!!!

Hi All,

Here are some photos of the Rockford O Scalers Baltimore & Ohio EMD EA and EB.  As previously discussed, these models are by Key Model Imports and are similar to the AT&SF E1s both featuring twin Winton diesel prime movers.  

The B&O EAs were actually the first EMD E units ever delivered (beginning in May 1937) but the Santa Fe units were right behind with deliveries starting in June 1937.  Both the EAs and E1s are beautiful locomotives but since the E1s debuted the classic Santa Fe Warbonnet paint scheme, there is little  argument as to which one is more memorable!

Rule292 posted:

Imagine the lucky fellow who got to hold down the assignment in the right hand cab seat on those back in the day.

Absolutely beautiful locomotives.

They were probably *****ing about it not being steam, and being more at risk riding in front of the loco.

Further to my comment about the Warbonnet paint scheme, it is, with little doubt, the most beautiful diesel paint scheme ever created.  Congratulations to Leland Knickerbocker of the EMD Styling Section for the inspiration!

Frank McCabe posted:

Further to my comment about the Warbonnet paint scheme, it is, with little doubt, the most beautiful diesel paint scheme ever created.  Congratulations to Leland Knickerbocker of the EMD Styling Section for the inspiration!

It is indeed an attractive paint scheme, but there are others out there equally good and in the OPINION of some, better. To proclaim it unanimous is, at best presumptuous.

CB&Q, NYC, KATY (TEXAS SPECIAL), GM&O TO NAME A FEW.

Simon

To put it differently, the warbonnet is the most ICONIC... It's impossible to think about American trains without considering Kinckerbocker's creation...

To me there will always be a dispute between the E1 and the E5 phase I as the most beautiful 

Not presumptuous, Simon, as it’s my opinion.  Nor did I say it was unanimous, BTW!

Frank McCabe posted:

Not presumptuous, Simon, as it’s my opinion.  Nor did I say it was unanimous, BTW!

Odd, I didn't see the word opinion in your post.

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

To put it differently, the warbonnet is the most ICONIC... It's impossible to think about American trains without considering Kinckerbocker's creation...

That is true; I recall seeing on railfaneurope.net a few years ago a series of photos of some double-ended diesel (Romanian?) that was painted in a full ATSF warbonnet paint scheme; even so far as having SANTA FE in the cigar band on the ends.

This isn't sour grapes because I TRULY don't care, but a lot of the popularity of the Sante Fe brand was created by advertising and public relations people. It was jammed down the throat of every prepubescent brat at every opportunity. The ubiquitous war bonnet paint was everywhere the BIG L was. Ask any child of the 50's!

So I like to take a pot shot at the sacred cow now and then! 

Santiago.....sorry, the best looking E is the 7 (opinion) 

Simon 

Hi Guys,

In retrospect, I should have prefaced my comments regarding the Warbonnet paint scheme to be solely my opinion and/or indicate that it is “one of” the best diesel paint schemes.  In any case, I agree with Santiago’s point that it is one of the most iconic.

Frank

Here are are a few low angle shots of the B&O EA and EB.

Frank, if you ask me you do nothing but greatly contribute to the forum/conversation. Thanks again! 

Maybe 30 years ago, the Santa  Fe war bonnet scheme was cited as the most recognizable image in the railroad industry by the general public. Perhaps Lionel had much to do with that. Of today's paint schemes, due to lack of variety and monotony, suspect no scheme is memorable to the general public.

About 50+ years ago I paced 5 Santa Fe red and stainless steel F units along Chicago's parallel Stevenson Expressway, pulling the Super Chief, in brilliant, early morning sun. That was one of the most impressive human creations I have ever witnessed!  I'm ok with "most beautiful" !

Thanks for your kind comments, Santiago!

mark s posted:

Maybe 30 years ago, the Santa  Fe war bonnet scheme was cited as the most recognizable image in the railroad industry by the general public. Perhaps Lionel had much to do with that. Of today's paint schemes, due to lack of variety and monotony, suspect no scheme is memorable to the general public.

 

You can bet your "bippy" that Lionel was a major factor. Can you remember seeing ANY other Lionel scheme as often? I have trouble even remembering any other scheme! LOL

As for recognizable modern schemes, maybe UP or NS depending on what end of the country you live in. As for BNSF, I think they kinda butchered that one! 3 classic color schemes down the drain to get a rolling Lifesavers ad.  (opinion)

Simon

Switching gears... does anyone know the status of the new Super Chief by Scott? Is it coming after the Hiawatha?

mark s posted:

Santiago:     have you figured out how to get the "nose" coupler out, behind the swinging doors?  I used another coupler and gave it a tug on my Key CB&Q E5's, but could not budge the nose coupler. Any thoughts?

Mark, I’m working on my Key RI E6 which I presume has the same pilot as our E5... see below...

Gotta love that Key lighting 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Dave Zucal posted:

Wow, is that real glass in all the windows?

Clear plastic, when clean they look fantastic! 

Scratch that! It's real glass...

A sister arrived yesterday...

Based on what is to be seen in the background, methinks you've taken the plunge and are building a LAYOUT!

I can't wait to see the results of your artistry as applied to stationary objet d'art!  This is gonna be good.

Rapid Transit Holmes posted:

Based on what is to be seen in the background, methinks you've taken the plunge and are building a LAYOUT!

I can't wait to see the results of your artistry as applied to stationary objet d'art!  This is gonna be good.

I am, RTH! It's a modest display, but it will allow me to video my equipment in action from a variety of angles. Thanks!

The following is a PSA….. brassmonger (Bill Davis) is selling a Key E1 set on eBay right now. The set looks pristine. Place your bid, guys!

@SANTIAGOP23 posted:

The following is a PSA….. brassmonger (Bill Davis) is selling a Key E1 set on eBay right now. The set looks pristine. Place your bid, guys!

$3300!  i'm guessing that's a bargain???

what's the minimum radius on something like this?

Somewhat, Martin.  The usual figure is 3.5 and above. My set runs fine on 65 radius.