It is possible to build an N scale H20-44 using a shell from CMR Products https://www.cmrproducts.com/store/N-Scale-Fairbanks-Morse-H-20-44-Locomotive-Shell-p101664207 and a frame and mechanism from an Atlas VO-1000.
Hmmm. Interesting modeling idea! So, for the lines I model, the only way would be to paint that as a demonstrator unit. Here is a photo of FM H20-44 Demonstrator #2000 in Milwaukee. Any idea what the color scheme would have been?
That is a very good question, the H20-44 demonstrator paint scheme does not seem to match that of the H15-44, H24-66 or C-Liners http://www.trainweb.org/willstrainart/Train_Art_files/FM_Line/demoh1544.gif http://www.trainweb.org/willstrainart/Train_Art_files/FM_Line/demoh2466.gif http://www.trainweb.org/willstrainart/Train_Art_files/FM_Line/democline.gif I'm not an artist, but I'd guess the frame is a dark green like the dark green found on the H15-44. I'd also guess the lower carbody is a light green that is found on the H15-44 The stripe maybe red? The top of the carbody maybe yellow or cream? It's a shame a color photo of this demonstrator does not exist, it would make an interesting model.
According to the book Erie Builts and H20-44s by David R. Sweetland Withers Publishing p. 48: “The unit (#2000) was painted in a gray, white, and black paint scheme accented with a black outlined orange stripe and yellow-gold lettering.” Hope this helps, Jim
J Starbuck, it does indeed help! Interesting how Fairbanks Morse changed their color schemes for the various demonstrators. I do like the two tone green that FM used on the H15-44, though. I have really gotten into the various demonstrators lately, in terms of model railroading in N scale. I look at it from the perspective of "what if?", and then have no qualms running a set of Alco PA demonstrators with a Rock Island consist, or an FM H15-44 demonstrator on the M&StL.
One of my favorite paint schemes is the Southern Green and Cream scheme, Thanks Nancy for sharing the photo of a very nice looking FM Diesel.
Here's my favorite set, finally got a picture of them. The 'Grande only had three and if you look for the "F" you'll discover they are set up long hood lead. Gotta' love that...
Trainmasters....... tested on the Santa Fe in 1953 ... saw a picture of TM3 and 4 taken in the Raton area.........!
Most were set up that way as a carry over from steam. Made little difference if the locomotive had dual control stands but the Feds mandated that one end of the locomotive had to be designated as the front. And so it was and still is today.
The Southern Railway was looking for a bi-directional locomotive that only had one cab and one control stand and that is why they setup their locomotives with the long hood designated as the front. This eliminated the need to turn locomotives at the end of branch lines as the engineer was able to see wayside signals, regardless of which way the locomotive was operated. This also eliminated the need for "Back to Back" locomotive consists. This information comes from a former Southern Railway Road Foreman of Engines. I have been on ex-Southern High Short Hood locomotives and can confirm this is true and worked very well for the for axle locomotives Southern used on it's branch lines and local freights.
I have read this in several locations as well. It makes sense, as well as providing additional protection for the crew in case of a collision. The railroads I study and model ran their early (e.g. RS-1) units long hood forward, for the most part. It just "looks" right, in my opinion.
As a few have mentioned... All of them. My favorite are a scant few UP & ATSF Erie Builts which disappeared soon after LifeLike released them. It was a very short run that was never followed up by Walthers. Although I never got to use them... I'm sure they could easily pull long consists up a 2%+ incline. Now Walthers has stated they are not going to 'actively' pursue N scale locomotive production... so... who knows if we will see them again in N scale. Maybe by BLI... at $200 each (DCC/Sound). Next favorite are the 2 Atlas models... Trainmaster and H15/16-44... both really nice models. Last... the LifeLike C-Liner. I have an A/B/A set of Milw. Rd which are powerful/heavy pullers. These are N scale brutes which easily pulled a 40 car freight consist up a curved 2% incline without a hiccup. Aside from models which were produced most recenly... the Model Power/Minitrix H10/12-44 was okay as a vintage 1970's model... but was a weak performer. Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
