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Post by backshophoss on Oct 9, 2015 2:25:21 GMT -5
An upgraded version of the original release using the -8 40B shell,in DCC ready and
Sound Decoder equipped versions,"Model Railroad News" Oct'15 pg 20,article compares
the 1st run in'95 with the current run.
If compared with the Atlas version there will be some detail differences,that can be corrected.
A useful "backround" type model for switching at Major Terminals like LA,Chicago,Philla 30th st,etc
Working on LD trains as 2nd/3rd unit out or as the only engine on San Joaquin service train to Bakersfield Ca
for example.
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jwb
Member
Posts: 27
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Post by jwb on Oct 13, 2015 13:35:51 GMT -5
Here is one from a 1990s run that I detailed with dummy ditch lights, grabs, antenna, etc and recently converted to DCC hardwire. With a little work, they're good locos.  These have always been common in Los Angeles, on the Starlight, Southwest Chief, and as terminal switchers. |
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 13, 2015 18:25:39 GMT -5
Their use as leaders on LD trains is a bit rare now,on some San Joaquin service trains,and on the
push-pull Keystone service trains,they will work alone.
They will be 2nd or 3rd units on LD's if needed,or transfered to another location.
Can be used as "protect" power at crew bases like ABQ,Denver,Sanford Fl(Auto-Train)and other locations.
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aem7
Member
Posts: 32
Primary Railroads: Amtrak, B&O, Chessie
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Post by aem7 on Oct 22, 2015 23:35:56 GMT -5
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aem7
Member
Posts: 32
Primary Railroads: Amtrak, B&O, Chessie
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Post by aem7 on Oct 22, 2015 23:39:50 GMT -5
These photos show the front end of both models and the prototype. Note the cab door window on the Walthers model it is not on the door of the actual engine.   |
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 23, 2015 2:45:12 GMT -5
The Walters model uses a -8 40B shell,which is what the P32BWH was based on,frame wise,
From there,Systems used in the P40/42 loco's were prototyped on the P32.
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Post by acelaphillies on Oct 23, 2015 10:59:15 GMT -5
Great comparison shots! It looks like the Atlas loco is clearly the better model right off the shelf, in terms of detail. However, both models could use a dark underbody to match the prototype 513.
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aem7
Member
Posts: 32
Primary Railroads: Amtrak, B&O, Chessie
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Post by aem7 on Oct 23, 2015 15:05:23 GMT -5
Figured I would post some rear views as well. The details on the factory Atlas model are almost all incorrect with the exception of the brake pipe hose so you're almost better off with the Walthers model because you can just add the correct details. The Walthers number board is also closer to the real thing with the exception of placement, they should be centered on the rear headlight, but Atlas didn't get it right either. While Walthers didn't have marker lights on the front they did make molded plastic ones on the rear. The 500 in the model picture is a custom detailed Atlas model (not done by me) which corrects most of the inaccurate details but its still missing the main reservoir air hose which should be under brake pipe air hose, but MU recepticles, HEP cables, replacement uncoupling lever and ditch lights are correct.   |
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 27, 2015 1:09:28 GMT -5
The MR trainline is one of the most forgotten details,but a quick "fix".
Having 3 Atlas P32's,other than automatic coupler swapouts to KD's,and decoder installs
for 2 of them,are decent runners as is.
Now that I have a pair of P-42's up and running,can backtrack and tend to the minor detail "fixes"
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Post by sd80mac on Jan 4, 2016 19:29:42 GMT -5
I just picked up three of the Walthers units (new old stock) in the "Pepsi cans" scheme. While I really like this scheme, there was something about the Walthers locos that just didn't look quite right. I held one of the shells, and just kept looking at it, comparing it to the prototype, and then it became very clear. The long hood is incorrect.
The prototype locomotive uses a 12-cylinder prime mover, but in effort to save money on tooling, Walthers decided to cleverly disguise their 16-cylinder Dash 8-40BW body in Amtrak livery. The silly thing is that I knew this already from back when I gathered together various Atlas GE Dash 8 body shells in preparation to kitbash an Amtrak Pepsi cans unit (this was before Atlas tooled theirs).
So, I have somewhat of a dilemma, and that is deciding whether to rework the body so that it is correct, or just add a plethora of Amtrak-specific details and overlook the minor body differences, masking them behind paint just as Walthers did.
On a related note, I mentioned earlier that these locomotives were new old stock, numbers 519, 510, and 506. Upon removing them from the packaging I noticed that both pilots of unit 506 were being pushed out, and that the frame was bent under the battery boxes. I disassembled the unit, and when I tried to straighten the frame, it broke. After looking closely over the frame to see why it broke, I noticed many cracks, and it looked as if the metal had deteriorated and become very brittle.
Long story short, I elected to scratch-build a new frame from brass stock, and transplant all of the original drive train to the new frame. Going this route will allow me to go all out on the under frame detail in a manner similar to Liz Allen and Brian Banna! But, if I go that far, I might as well rework the body!
Donnell
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Post by backshophoss on Jan 4, 2016 22:56:34 GMT -5
You could contact Walters to buy the replacement frames,these "Mainline series" models were
made before Lifelike was bought outright by Walters.
Were the frames covered with a white powder like material?
Tend to refer to that as "casting rot" which normally means wirebrushing the frame to remove and clean up
that powder then painting the frame to seal it from the elements(aka: water)
Believe that Zinc was used to make the frames back then.
I have had to clean up many Athearn Frames and metal truck frames of "casting rot"
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Post by sd80mac on Jan 5, 2016 3:32:14 GMT -5
You could contact Walters to buy the replacement frames,these "Mainline series" models were made before Lifelike was bought outright by Walters. Were the frames covered with a white powder like material? Tend to refer to that as "casting rot" which normally means wirebrushing the frame to remove and clean up that powder then painting the frame to seal it from the elements(aka: water) Believe that Zinc was used to make the frames back then. I have had to clean up many Athearn Frames and metal truck frames of "casting rot"
These were actually from the Trainline series. I didn't notice any white powder on the frame, but it did look like it was crumbling into powder. I'll contact Walthers in the morning and inquire about the replacement frame.
Donnell |
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Post by backshophoss on Jan 5, 2016 3:57:06 GMT -5
Hopefully there was an "exploded view" diagram sheet in the box with these models.
Having a part # could help your cause.
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Post by acelaphillies on Jan 5, 2016 23:06:42 GMT -5
Hi Donnell, nice to see you stopping it! Looking back at the great photos that aem7 provided, I can clearly see the difference between the Walthers and Atlas model. Obviously it bothered you enough to notice it, so I would say go for it! It will make for a fun project. Especially if you got them at a good deal, it will make it easier to cut up  . Now, if you don't have time or want to leave it how it is, that's cool too! There is no reason that you can't enjoy the locomotive just because it is a few scale feet too long. That's my take on it. Either way, share pictures! |
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Post by sd80mac on Jan 6, 2016 14:30:21 GMT -5
Hi Donnell, nice to see you stopping it! Looking back at the great photos that aem7 provided, I can clearly see the difference between the Walthers and Atlas model. Obviously it bothered you enough to notice it, so I would say go for it! It will make for a fun project. Especially if you got them at a good deal, it will make it easier to cut up . Now, if you don't have time or want to leave it how it is, that's cool too! There is no reason that you can't enjoy the locomotive just because it is a few scale feet too long. That's my take on it. Either way, share pictures!
Thanks!
I have a few ideas on how to amend the Walthers shell, some careful slicing and reordering of body details, plus I still have all those Atlas bodies I ordered many years ago that I could graft onto the Walthers unit.
I did consider leaving it as is, but then I probably would not be satisfied, knowing that I could have done much more.
Donnell
PS - I did get in touch with Walthers regarding a replacement frame, however, these locomotives are at least 15 years old, and no replacement part exist. It's cool though because I've been wanting to try building a frame from scratch for a while now!
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