*Update* 3rd Rail: Bring On The NYC E7 Beauty Queens!

Hot Water, Thanks for clearing that up. The handrails look great!!

Just checking because mine will be from the second batch.

It's a shame about the CB&Q E5s. I've been waiting forever for those. Such a beautiful engine. It would be perfect to pull the Atlas CZ.

Can one of you post the offical 3rd-rail/sunset drawing of the CB&Q paint scheme for the side view? I want to print it up and put it in my CZ binder. The one on the website is pretty blurry.

Thank you
Dan

For Scott Mann: I would like to see Boston and Maine/Maine Central/Bangor and Aroostook E7s in a future run. Don't forget about us New England guys!

The Beauty Queens, have been bought on.

http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.html#E7

Reserve yours today.

I can't believe a GM&O but no Wabash? The Blue Bird was one if the BEST looking trains in America!



Whenever you do the Blue Bird , I'm in.

Just placed my order for the Seaboard E7!!! Now bring on the Silver Meteor

I'm putting my money where my mouth is. I'm in for a pair of the B&M E7s. Thanks Scott!!!

quote:

I'm in for a pair of the B&M E7s.

...Actually I was going for a powered/non-powered A-A pair. Apparently non-powered A units are not available, so I reserved one powered A unit. Just the thing to pull my B&M streamliners.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim S:

quote:

I'm in for a pair of the B&M E7s.

...Actually I was going for a powered/non-powered A-A pair. Apparently non-powered A units are not available, so I reserved one powered A unit. Just the thing to pull my B&M streamliners.

You bring up a good point worth discussion. Hmmmm...... Let's say that the model railroading simply glorifies the number of B units that were actually ordered

quote:

Originally posted by marker:
I can't believe a GM&O but no Wabash? The Blue Bird was one if the BEST looking trains in America!



Whenever you do the Blue Bird , I'm in.

This is a fine train, no doubt. Sounds like a complete project needs to be done to do the train and the locomotive. GM&O did have a longer shelf life as a paint scheme as they could be seen leading on Amtrak trains up to 1973. However, Wabash is pretty.

Not as nice as PRR single stripe though ....

quote:

Originally posted by Trainboy_4:
Can one of you post the offical 3rd-rail/sunset drawing of the CB&Q paint scheme for the side view? I want to print it up and put it in my CZ binder. The one on the website is pretty blurry.

Thank you
Dan

Dan - send me an email. My address is in my public profile.

Just (yesterday) got my pre-order confirmation on the Seaboard E7

I may have to plan for an elevated mainline loop somehow to show this baby off. Anybody make brackets that would come off a 45 degree wall so they're parallel to the floor???

Jonathan Peiffer:

: Just looked at the new brochure for the 2nd run E7's. Is the artwork shown in the brochure "final"? The Penn Central logo and name appears to be overly slanted. Also, is the word PENNSYLVANIA on the single stripe unit from the PRR drawings or a commercial font? The Key units used a commercail font which while close was not correct.

Thanks;
Robert

Robert - The artwork done for the second run is preliminary to simply get the word out. There is a lot of work (and research) in progress to get these more accurate than what you see both in terms of artwork and road specific detailing.

As I put on architectural drawings I have not yet sealed and signed - "Preliminary: Not for Construction"

quote:

Originally posted by GG1 4877:

You bring up a good point worth discussion. Hmmmm...... Let's say that the model railroading simply glorifies the number of B units that were actually ordered

What does that mean?

I'll let Jonathan speak for himself, but I took it to mean that SOME of the modeling manufacturers have made a (bad) habit of offering too many AA, ABA, ABBA, sets, and often painted for RRs that didn't own any "B" units.

I won't buy a multi-unit set if the RR didn't own it or just because I hate feeling gouged. With Atlas (F3) and GGD (E7) offering single units I'll be looking at them more than the others. I like using DCS, but unless MTH starts offering individual/single engines I'll be more than happy to purchase the other brands.

Seaboard had only 4 E7B units and they were not permanently assigned to the "A" units, frequently being used whenever needed with other motive power.

I am ready for the L&N....Black and Cream OR! Blue and Cream, then you have to do passenger cars too! Stainless Steel!

quote:

Originally posted by ChessieMan:

quote:

Originally posted by GG1 4877:

You bring up a good point worth discussion. Hmmmm...... Let's say that the model railroading simply glorifies the number of B units that were actually ordered

What does that mean?

Just that there were not a lot of E7Bs built. Something like 74 total and they were not as popular in real railroading as they are in the modeling world.

The BB would make a great rain. Better looking than the overated Warbonnet!

quote:

Originally posted by GG1 4877:

Just that there were not a lot of E7Bs built. Something like 74 total and they were not as popular in real railroading as they are in the modeling world.

OK,thanks. I opted for a pair if A units myself.

quote:

Originally posted by Bob Delbridge:

I'll let Jonathan speak for himself, but I took it to mean that SOME of the modeling manufacturers have made a (bad) habit of offering too many AA, ABA, ABBA, sets, and often painted for RRs that didn't own any "B" units.

I won't buy a multi-unit set if the RR didn't own it or just because I hate feeling gouged. With Atlas (F3) and GGD (E7) offering single units I'll be looking at them more than the others. I like using DCS, but unless MTH starts offering individual/single engines I'll be more than happy to purchase the other brands.

Thanks, Bob. I have some MTH Western Maryland F3s that came in the usual ABA configuration even though the Wild Mary did not have F3Bs. The B unit stays in the box. Now Atlas O has announced the WM F3s in a powered A-dummy A set. IMHO, I don't think that they are worth considering since the Atlas O set costs more than the MTH set with two powered units and a B unit. I'm not knocking the Atlas O F3 product itself as I have a pair in another road name they are nice. But given the option ...

Are the E7's coming with railroad specific details? That is one or two headlights and small or large number boards depending on what on each railroad's actual E7's.

Also, if you order two A units are there two road numbers offered?

Ken

Chessie Man,

I know what you mean. I just looked at the Atlas site again and saw they don't seem to be offering a single F3 "A" either

A F3 "A" is about the only type of diesel I'd like to get to round out my Seaboard diesel motive power. A nice Mikado or Pacific would do for rounding out my steam.

quote:

Originally posted by kanawha:
Are the E7's coming with railroad specific details? That is one or two headlights and small or large number boards depending on what on each railroad's actual E7's.

Also, if you order two A units are there two road numbers offered?

Ken

Yes (to both). But,

I believe that the first run is phase 1 as delivered only. So I do not think any first run units have the angled (large) number boards.

Richard

I'm hoping to see these features on the Seaboard engine:





First off are the elongated handrails on the nose, next you have rooftop handrails above the windshield plus a hand grab in the middle of the windshield.

Other features are the angle shaped foot board/toe board on the fireman's side forward of the door, along with a couple of grabs.

All of these features on found on the nose, but you can just make out that a filter has replaced the steam generator window in the back. Also, most of the fuel tank skirting has been removed.

SAL 3030 was a E7 Phase 1a engine, they also had phase 1, 2, and 3. Number boards were moved from the side to 45 degrees on the nose, pilots were changed, grills replaced with filters. SAL engines also used different horns. Coming with original (2) single chime air horns, some were equipped with Nathan 5-Chime Horns or Hancock Air Whistles, depending on the time frame.

#3030 is my FAV, only because it was the usual main motive power for the passenger train THE TIDEWATER that came into Portsmouth where I live. All these rails and grabs can be done by myself, but if 3rd rail can do it for me I'd be one happy camper model railroader

quote:

Originally posted by GG1 4877:
The Burlington Units will have the nose vent decals.

They were not originally a decal; they were painted on.

By not following the painting diagram a Q shop painter created a real oddity in 1950. He apparently did not notice the instructions, "continue striping" leaving the upper portion of the painted fake grill solid black. 9916A was seen with the strange grills past 1952.

I prefer the delivery E5's extra stainless screwed on panel for the fake grills myself. The Q obviously did not; forcing crews to unscrew the panel if they ever needed access to the hatches. All of the panels were removed and discarded by the end of the 1950's.

quote:

Originally posted by CentralFan1976:

quote:

In all seriousness, for the unwashed who don't know a lot about the NYC, could you post a photo?

Regards,
GNNPNUT

Try these...

Beauty Queens: (Light gray, dark stripe, "high" waisted lightning stripe):


Repainted: (Dark gray, light stripe, low lightning stripe):


Both the 4001 and 4002 have the "small" number boards.

I really like the early E7 stripes.. They are fantastic!

Got a question,

The 3-rail version will come with:

(3 Rail) Electric RR Cruise in 3 Rail.
(3 Rail) TMCC/ E7 Railsounds 4.0
(3 Rail) Compatible with Legacy, DCS, TMCC, Conventional Control
(3 Rail) TAS TURBO SMOKE

If I run using DCS (don't have a TMCC Command Base), what features will I miss out on under conventional control?

Hey Dave!

I was thinking it would work just like any other conventional engine, the horn/whistle/bell on my 3 conventional engines under DCS, work just like they did before when using the Z750 transformer and controller or when using the Z750 brick, Powermaster, and CAB-1.

But, none of my present engines has TMCC (my WBB E7 does have the ERR Cruise Commander, but the MRC AC Sounder).

quote:

If I run using DCS (don't have a TMCC Command Base), what features will I miss out on under conventional control?

I don't know for sure, but why don't you just purchase the TMCC comand base plus the interconnecting cable to your TIU? That way you will be able to run everything with just your DCS Hand Held.

quote:

I don't know for sure, but why don't you just purchase the TMCC comand base plus the interconnecting cable to your TIU?

My best answer is that I don't want to spend close to another $100 IF there's no improvement in the way the engine runs with the Command Base installed, as opposed to just running it off VAR1 in Conventional mode.

The 3 Conventional engines I have now (MTH RailKing RS3 and 2-8-0 with Locosounds and a WBB E7 with ERR Cruise Commander) run well using the VAR1.

What if you want to run more than one locomotive/train on the same track/main line?

Hmmm, Good Question!

Right now I can run all the of my PS2 engines, but when I run one of the conventional engines I take the PS2 engines off the layout (I haven't made any isolated tracks or blocks yet).

So with the addition of the 3rd Rail E7 and if I had the Command Base wired in, you're saying I could run PS2 engines AND the 3rd Rail at the same time (without blocks or isolated track)? If so then that's one very good reason for getting the Command Base.

I will add some isolated track sections when I add a 2x14 foot yard and engine tracks to the layout because that's where I'll park my engines. There's one other siding I may put a switch on to isolate it, but that's down the road for next year.

quote:

Originally posted by Bob Delbridge:
Hmmm, Good Question!

Right now I can run all the of my PS2 engines, but when I run one of the conventional engines I take the PS2 engines off the layout (I haven't made any isolated tracks or blocks yet).

So with the addition of the 3rd Rail E7 and if I had the Command Base wired in, you're saying I could run PS2 engines AND the 3rd Rail at the same time (without blocks or isolated track)? If so then that's one very good reason for getting the Command Base.

I will add some isolated track sections when I add a 2x14 foot yard and engine tracks to the layout because that's where I'll park my engines. There's one other siding I may put a switch on to isolate it, but that's down the road for next year.

Absolutely YES, you can run DCS, TMCC, AND Legacy locomotives ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Even if you don't purchase a Legacy controller, you can still operate ALL your TMCC equipped models with a Cab-1 at the same time you are operating your DCS models ON THE SAME TRACK.

Concerning "isolated tracks", I have only done that for my individule yard and locomotive servicing tracks. Both my main lines on on all the time.

quote:

Concerning "isolated tracks", I have only done that for my individule yard and locomotive servicing tracks. Both my main lines on on all the time.

That will be my situation too.

Looks like I need to hunt down a Command Base!

Here's a pic of the nose of the New Sunset CB&Q E7. Scott brought back some samples to take pictures. I got to see the this one and the B&O, UP, GN and SP&S units. Very nice!

Sunset CB&Q E7

Here are some more pictures for your enjoyment.









Scott

Scott,

Looks pretty good.

Question on the CB&Q unit: The decal on the nose is supposed to represent the vents and was striped. Is it the photo that makes these look solid?

ChipR

Hey Scott- Those look great!

I agree with Chip about the paintwork it is a little crud on the fake grill work.. looks like the ink or Tampo bled through a bit closing the fine lines. This I assume is a pre-production sample and this was corrected.



Please don't forget the Silver on the high ribs of the anti-climbers.


All in all buddy they look fantastic especially for the money!

GOOD JOB!

Dear Folks,

First, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. 2012 should be better for all of us I hope. Cheers.

Secondly, we did our best on the detailing and lettering of these E7s. These pictures are of production samples I brought home with me. The rest are going to be here on the 10th of January. Yipppie!!!

I think they are **** good for a first production of this type for our factory. I am very proud of them. It took them 3 months when they had budgetted only 1 for assembly and testing, and they did everything they could to please YOU the end customer. So we all hope you are pleased with the result. Of coarse there is always room for improvement, and we will do just that on the upcoming productions.

I want to thank all of you that helped us with the data and corrections along the way. Most got into production.

Again, Thank you and enjoy your hobby, we are all working hard to make it a fun one for you.

Scott Mann and the Sunset Models Team - Happy Holidays.

Scott,

They are beautiful. Can't wait to get mine.

C&S/CB&Q 29 and 30, Denver to/from Billings, here we come!

ChipR