Printing a Fairbanks

Now that Bachmann and Atlas have conspired to crash my ALCO party, I've shifted my efforts a new locomotive: the FM H-10-44.





For all of you who haven't kept up with the now lengthy "Printing an ALCO" thread: the shell rides on a stock (unmodified) Atlas VO-1000 mechanism. It's a sample (and not quite ready for the prime time), but overall I think it came out well!

One observation that I've already made: the windows on this locomotive are large and the cab looks entirely too empty - I think it's going to need a cab interior - I've already started working on one.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, once the H-10-44 is released I'll start on an H-12-44 to complement it.

 

Sign me up for one! No wait! Make that 2! I could use 2 of these.

 

12 of each for me please, looking very good!

 

Will definitely need a few of both in some Milwaukee :happy:

 

The shell looks good, but the doors stand out way too much. The chasims between the doors is a bit distracting.

The finish looks better than the Also. Maybe a different printing contractor?

I also think you should forgo the printed handrails and maybe go with an etched kit or even some loose wire.

 

These will nicely round out the Santa Fe switcher fleet, I'll be in for a couple.

Unless Walthers are watching and decide to bring out their's in N scale.:closedmouth:

 

I quietly followed the Alco thread with great interest, and was very excited for the possibility that a big hole could be filled by a little ingenuity and some modern technology. An FM switcher isn't really my bag but I know alot of guys would just about kill for one. Hope you get this one to fly before one of the big manufacturers!

 

Hey just had a thought.... How about a "Printing an RS32/36" thread??? :wink:

 

The picture with the log cars is really neat! I'll admit that I know nothing about the Chehalis Western unfortunately - but that strikes me as one real interesting juxtaposition of eras.

Yea I addressed this on the S-4/S-2 but by then the H-10-44 was already in the mail. It's no worries; I'm planning to cut them down by about half.

As for the handrails: they come as separate parts (I attempted a "test assembly"). For the moment at least that's all that I think I'm going to provide (for logistical reasons) - if anyone wants to come up with their own arrangement I will happily give them whatever support I can.

Yea...trying not to think about that possibility. lol I'm thinking/hoping that I'm in the clear with Atlas and Bachmann for a few months at least!

They're on my relatively short "list of possible projects" actually! That said, unless someone beats me to it, the AS-616 is currently at the top of said list. Thanks for the suggestion regardless.

 

I would love to do a couple of these in MILW colors, very cool!

 

Matt,
Keep up the great work.. The FM looks great.. As I model the D&H they did not have any, but awsome all the same.

You definately have my attention for a RS32/36.. Although be careful on that one as Atlas have already done one in HO and I would think easy enough to down size to N scale considering the RS11 chassis is already good to go.

Having said that. If it is possible to just make the front section and cut a RS11 behind the cab and graft on a cab / nose.. Then Im all in...
I already have way to many RS11's and the posibility of converting a few to low nose RS11's or RS36's low nose then Im definatly interested..

 

Since you are obviously a D&RGW fan... the H-10-44 is a great choice. Will this shell fit on the old Minitrix H-12-44 chassis?

Another model that is needed for D&RGW is the Baldwin VO-660. There are other Baldwin/Lima/Hamilton models which are similar to the VO-660 that could be done as well. I sort-of doubt the VO-660 is going to be done by Atlas (I was hoping for one after their VO-1000) because it was not widely distributed among Class-1 railroads. I don't know if a good chassis is already available for one though. I'm not sure if they VO-1000 chassis could be used... maybe length and wheelbase a bit too long. Perhaps the Bachmann GE 70 Ton chassis... but with different truck sideframes???

 

The Trix H12-44 chassis is too short for anything but the late production H12 that it represents. The H10-44 and early H12-44 have a longer wheelbase which happens to match the Atlas VO-1000 within a few scale inches and it has the correct trucks. Pretty much a drop on conversion. There is nothing wrong with the Trix shell for the late H12. It's actually very nicely done. I have a couple stripped and ready to section together to make an H10-44 but Mr. Meyers just made life a lot easier.

 

Thanks! I'll look into it

While I don't have a Minitrix mechanism on hand, my understanding is that they represent the later phase H-12-44s which were 2' shorter than the originals - since I'm basing my models on the earlier/longer versions, I'm inclined to guess that it wouldn't work... - yep, thought so, skipgear beat me by a few seconds -

As for the VO-660, I already have received a fair number of requests for these; plus, as you mentioned, I would have an excuse to paint one up in D&RGW

I think (I'll have to double check my research here) the newly announced Bachmann S-4 or Atlas S-2 would be darn near perfect donor mechanisms.

 

Guess I need to buy more decals.. ALOT more..

Randy

 

The VO1000 frame should be an exact match. The prototype H10-44s used the same GSC cast frame.
Later production units until the very last shorter H12-44s mimicked that frame with a welded version

Charlie Vlk

 

That's one GREAT looking FM you have!

 

This is looking pretty sweet, and I am thinking some logging lines had these as well as MILW, so I may need to get a few of these shells at least.