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Post by Baikal on Mar 10, 2024 20:31:38 GMT -8
Does any one have a photo of the PRR model? Would like to find out if the 3 vents are in the doors in front of the radiator area. The illustrations from atlas shows them there, but I cannot find any photos of them on the real ones. IIRC the Pennsy U30C's had the same carbody as the U28C's. NYC had 10 U30B's in the U28 body (2830-2839); Burlington, IC, and L&N also had these. The next iteration had the 3 vents and shorter radiator intake like the Reading U30C's (NYC 2840-2889, N&W 1930-1964, and some L&N). Then came the second D&H order and Soo Line's, with the little trim piece (fairing) in front of the radiator and the oil bath air intake up high, with the sides bumped out about 6" on under the radiators. The last version lost the fairing and most had paper air filters (low mounted) like BN's and the Detroit Edison units. Frisco and N&W had the U30B version.
I'm not real sure how this would shake out into phases. Somewhere we came up with Phase I, II, and III, but given the slight differences, I wonder if it actually could be Phase Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb?
U30 "phases" were worked out & documented long ago:
I'm up for sticking with Thompson's designations.
Other loco phase rosters here:
Of all the diesel rosters on teh web, these seem to have the fewest errors (if any).
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Post by markfj on Mar 11, 2024 4:29:50 GMT -8
If you want to get technical, a portion of the grill, at least on the phase 1 car bodies, should be see-through. However, achieving this detail on a mass-produced model of this caliber isn’t practical. The same situation occurred with Bowsers Alco C636 grill area that was molded solid whereas the prototype grills are see-thru at most viewing angles. This photo is the only one in my collection that clearly shows the see-thru effect. Note that the photo was taken at a nearly perpendicular angle to the grill area and in very bright lighting.  Personally, I'm more interested to see if Atlas included a decent rendering of the GE wheel slip indictors on the trucks. These detail, in my opinion, is much more noticeable and their absence would be disappointing. Thanks, Mark |
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Post by packer on Mar 11, 2024 7:17:11 GMT -8
as a bonus, Ford Fairmonts showed up. Just curious how much are the new ones now? I'd like to have a few, but MSRP was around $30 whn the preorder annoucement dropped. I remember thinking the first run going for $10 or so was nuts.. |
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Post by JohnJ on Mar 11, 2024 7:34:06 GMT -8
If you want to get technical, a portion of the grill, at least on the phase 1 car bodies, should be see-through. However, achieving this detail on a mass-produced model of this caliber isn’t practical. The same situation occurred with Bowsers Alco C636 grill area that was molded solid whereas the prototype grills are see-thru at most viewing angles. This photo is the only one in my collection that clearly shows the see-thru effect. Note that the photo was taken at a nearly perpendicular angle to the grill area and in very bright lighting. Personally, I'm more interested to see if Atlas included a decent rendering of the GE wheel slip indictors on the trucks. These detail, in my opinion, is much more noticeable and there absences would be disappointing. Thanks, Mark Not sure if the axle ends on the new U28C/U30c are intended to represent wheel slip devices, but if so they don’t have cables. It’s rare for those signature devices to be included on models; most prototype GEs have them as do late Alcos. The only models I’ve seen with them included are (I believe) the P2K RS27 and the Rivarossi U25C. Otherwise it’s aftermarket parts. I have a bunch of the Detail Associates part in hand, but threading the wire to represent the cable onto the tiny and fragile nub isn’t one of my favorite activities. |
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Post by middledivision on Mar 11, 2024 8:12:15 GMT -8
Just got my PRR U30C from TrainWorld; on first review, it appears to have arrived undamaged. Here’s what I see vs. the earlier PRR U28C: - DGLE handrails vs. black - Footboards - No yellow painted line for the pilot grab, but still no pilot grab - No mounting holes for non-existent sunshades - No “Radio Equipped” logo despite having an antenna - Red-painted class lights front and rear, kind of a neat touch for a PRR unit but maybe not to everyone’s liking - Side cab window frames not highlighted in silver (this is true on the U28C as well). Not sure if that’s a bad thing, but seems most models have this nowadays. Overall an improvement, and it’s a nice-looking model. I’ll give it a test run this afternoon. My Reading units should be here early next week. UPDATE: I did get the chance to run it, works flawlessly. Another difference I noticed is that the U30C has yellow step edges while the U28C doesn’t. Tough to tell from prototype photos, it’s possible both are correct. Good to know they corrected the handrail mistake. |
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Post by prr 4467 on Mar 11, 2024 8:36:53 GMT -8
I believe if you look closely at the Bowser C-636 grill you will see that it is actually see-through screen, with a flat grey panel behind the screen? Lee had told me that he wanted to have the rear area of the C-636 completely see through (see through the entire model just like the prototype). At some point they changed away from that, possibly because you'd have to make extensive changes to the mechanism to get it out of the way (as Athearn has actually done on some of the more recent tunnel motor models), and that might negatively affect loco performance, because you lose potential flywheel space and could end up with only one flywheel. One flywheel is ok for switchers, but probably not so much for big road units when some of us want to totally max out the pulling capacity and performance. So everything is a trade-off, also versus the MSRP you want to set for the model that has to be competitive with the other manufacturers.
Some of the recent Atlas U-Boat models, including but not limited to the U28C/CG, actually DO HAVE seen through screens, but as with Bowser, there is a flat panel behind the screens, typically grey in color. The tunnel motors are much longer models, so the manufacturer would have more options to hide that drive mechanism than with these definitely smaller U-Boats.
When I have been selling these diesels, people have come up and commented that the models are not see-through and I've been able to show them with a magnifying glass that yes, indeed, there is a fine mesh screen there and not simply molded plastic (or rather once the ebay buyer receives it and can look at it themselves).
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Post by JohnJ on Mar 11, 2024 11:02:04 GMT -8
Looks like my gamble paid off; my two Reading units from Hogtrainz arrived this afternoon, exactly what I ordered. I haven’t unboxed the models, but from what I can see they don’t have damage. I’ll get ‘em out this evening for a few laps around the layout.
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Post by sauconyard on Mar 12, 2024 3:35:13 GMT -8
These might be the nicest $200 with DCC and sound engine that I've purchased recently. Not sure what the profit margin for Atlas is on these and it took 3 years, but well done to make a high quality locomotive at what is now a very reasonable price.
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 12, 2024 12:03:19 GMT -8
sound engines are $300 though. Somebody must be giving them away
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Post by sauconyard on Mar 12, 2024 12:12:54 GMT -8
Trainworld and Lombard are at $199.99 and Hogtrainz is $205 for DCC and Sound. I know the MSRP is $299.95, but there are options for the end buyer at $200.
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Post by JohnJ on Mar 12, 2024 14:42:07 GMT -8
Trainworld and Lombard are at $199.99 and Hogtrainz is $205 for DCC and Sound. I know the MSRP is $299.95, but there are options for the end buyer at $200. And if you just want the locomotive without DCC and sound, I got mine for $132 from Hogtrainz. Again, seems a really good price for the model. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 12, 2024 17:56:35 GMT -8
That's crazy. I sold one for $160 over the weekend. I went back and scooped up the last two D&H silent as they were pretty short on them.
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Post by ambluco on Mar 13, 2024 2:45:35 GMT -8
I saw you sell the D&H one to a pretty excited fellow. Did the RDG sell? That's crazy. I sold one for $160 over the weekend. I went back and scooped up the last two D&H silent as they were pretty short on them. |
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Post by middledivision on Mar 13, 2024 7:35:53 GMT -8
Trainworld and Lombard are at $199.99 and Hogtrainz is $205 for DCC and Sound. I know the MSRP is $299.95, but there are options for the end buyer at $200. And if you just want the locomotive without DCC and sound, I got mine for $132 from Hogtrainz. Again, seems a really good price for the model. $129.99 at Lombard. |
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Post by Baikal on Mar 13, 2024 8:31:32 GMT -8
And if you just want the locomotive without DCC and sound, I got mine for $132 from Hogtrainz. Again, seems a really good price for the model. $129.99 at Lombard.
Plus Lombards has free shipping on orders over $450. In a zero sales tax state that's awesome. (In Alameda County / Oakland California you have to pay an extra $48.38 on that $450)
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Frank
Full Member
Pulling for you!
Posts: 248
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Post by Frank on Mar 13, 2024 15:47:59 GMT -8
I splurged for all 3 SCL numbers, because why not at just under $200 for DCC/S. Like most ACL six axle power, they were purchased specifically for the route I model. Even if SCL did not maintain that policy.
Anyone see if the newly tooled U boat cab applied to the U36B ended up on this model as well? Tremendous difference in accuracy if so.
The Fairmonts are nice to see return as well. Compared to some other manufacturers detail levels at the same price point they are well behind the curve though. They need to run their F-100’s more often.. Maybe with better wheels.
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Post by Partial_List on Mar 13, 2024 16:41:18 GMT -8
I splurged for all 3 SCL numbers, because why not at just under $200 for DCC/S. Like most ACL six axle power, they were purchased specifically for the route I model. Even if SCL did not maintain that policy. Anyone see if the newly tooled U boat cab applied to the U36B ended up on this model as well? Tremendous difference in accuracy if so. The Fairmonts are nice to see return as well. Compared to some other manufacturers detail levels at the same price point they are well behind the curve though. They need to run their F-100’s more often.. Maybe with better wheels. Interesting, I didn’t know that. What route? And were these U30Cs originally ACL? |
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Frank
Full Member
Pulling for you!
Posts: 248
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Post by Frank on Mar 13, 2024 18:31:03 GMT -8
From what I remember, SCL had exactly 4 U30C’s all of ACL heritage. They were purchased for the Montgomery-Dothan portion of the Bow Line route to Waycross. Also previous home to the ACL’s fleet of 2-10-2’s. Someone figured out two six axle locomotives with a four axle Geep in between would be just as effective as 4-5 F7’s and GP7’s that were typically used, saving on fuel and freeing those up for other assignments. As trains became larger, consists were all six axle. This was mostly undone with SCL as they shuffled things around.
It worked out so well for ACL they started using their six axle power more often on the AB&C route also, which was much better engineered route than the Bow Line but still quite hilly. A GP7 for example had a tonnage rating of only 1200 on the hilly, curvy Dothan and Montgomery segment for example. Lower than any of the AB&C, lowest on the system until the C&WC acquisition.
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Post by packer on Mar 14, 2024 5:52:34 GMT -8
From what I remember, SCL had exactly 4 U30C’s all of ACL heritage. They were purchased for the Montgomery-Dothan portion of the Bow Line route to Waycross. Also previous home to the ACL’s fleet of 2-10-2’s. Someone figured out two six axle locomotives with a four axle Geep in between would be just as effective as 4-5 F7’s and GP7’s that were typically used, saving on fuel and freeing those up for other assignments. As trains became larger, consists were all six axle. This was mostly undone with SCL as they shuffled things around. It worked out so well for ACL they started using their six axle power more often on the AB&C route also, which was much better engineered route than the Bow Line but still quite hilly. A GP7 for example had a tonnage rating of only 1200 on the hilly, curvy Dothan and Montgomery segment for example. Lower than any of the AB&C, lowest on the system until the C&WC acquisition. I'm curious if CSX still uses that line, if it's part of a shortline, or abandoned now. I went through Dothan and Enterprise a few weeks ago and didn't see anything. |
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Frank
Full Member
Pulling for you!
Posts: 248
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Post by Frank on Mar 14, 2024 6:37:51 GMT -8
A few weeks ago was a maintenance blitz during the day time for CSX. Tie replacement and replaced all crossings, including my personal one. The mainline is 150ft out my front door north of Dothan and quite active, 5-8 trains per day roughly. Enterprise is still shortline served, once a busy little railroad but now operate maybe twice per week.
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Post by markfj on Mar 14, 2024 8:35:17 GMT -8
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Post by waverly5 on Mar 14, 2024 10:37:52 GMT -8
Looks nice, haven't even taken mine out of the box yet.
Not too thrilled with the short nose grab irons....I can't unsee those eye hooks on the corner bends. Looks like same on previous Atlas U-boats, which I never noticed before.
Who makes a decent replacement for that?
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Post by cpr4200 on Mar 14, 2024 10:50:12 GMT -8
My pair just arrived from Lombard. D&H 701 has GSC trucks and no axle generators. RDG 6300 has Adirondack trucks and what appear to be axle generators on BOTH sides. Also no provision I can see for the cables running from the generators to the carbody.
Speaking of trucks, it appears that D&H 703 came from the factory with Adirondacks, judging by a postcard of brand new 703-702-701 shot by Jim Shaughnessy. 704 had them, too.
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Post by scl1234 on Mar 14, 2024 10:53:36 GMT -8
Hmmm/grumble...the last run of U30Bs (Frisco) got the same O/S eye bolts that need replacement.
Edit: With all the errors on SCL 2123, it's a work in progress (90 % complete)...suspect I'll be paying dearly for 6-axle GSC side frames (even if they're 3D printed). Steve M. at Atlas Parts confirmed the GSC side frames will fit the std. gear case, although these parts have been out of production for several years. While Adirondack side frames are like F-units...if you have a recent (since 2014) Atlas U30C, it will have these.
Also, hood stripes* in shades of orange/yellow (CSX Yellow is not SCL Yellow). sigh
A model seemingly completed in a vacuum with a "They'll be glad to get it" mentality.
*But hooray, there are no cab stripes (just decal work to add them, each side along with replacing those [gasp] yellow pilot stripes).
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Post by JohnJ on Mar 14, 2024 14:43:36 GMT -8
As I stated previously, I’m pretty happy with my Reading units. One thing I wish they’d done differently is the back of the cab. According to several pictures I’ve found, the green from the long hood should carry over to the back of the cab. On the model, the entirety of the back of the cab is yellow, which sticks out like a sore thumb when viewed from the back, particularly along the roofline where the yellow paint breaks up an otherwise entirely green top. Maybe one of these days I’ll see if I can match the paint.
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Post by markfj on Mar 15, 2024 5:28:11 GMT -8
Yep, back of cab should have the green continued on the horizontal surface near the roof line.  |
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 15, 2024 7:43:17 GMT -8
The 703 and 704 models I have both have two different trucks. I remember from their live that that is correct for one, it got a swap very early on and they chose to model it this way, but I don't know if they mentioned the other.
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Post by cpr4200 on Mar 15, 2024 8:17:42 GMT -8
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 16, 2024 20:18:03 GMT -8
Both sold today at the Albany Polish Center show.
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