What's happening in my head? I keep thinking I want one. Let's see I'm a Santa Fe rail fan, come from a family of Santa Fe rails...longingly look back at what was, wishing to replicate it. Do you think that has anything to do with it? And, it's not a product of the B-Line. Hummm!
Having these wonderful progress photos to wake up to has sure made the first cup of coffee the SECOND thing I check on!! Positively beautiful craftsmanship Jason.
With nearly 50 years modeling the Santa Fe, first in HO, then N scale, have purchased many plastic and more than a few brass models. But never have I been blessed with a model of the SF northern that has truly been elevated to artwork like Jason has done with this model. AND!!!!! It runs like the Kato it was made from. Yes, I do know, that I am the most fortunate Santa Fe modeler on the planet. Fellow modelers, please allow me to post a photo of "The Boss"
All right! Yalls praise is over the top, but it does make me very happy that robert likes the engine so much. The truth is we are all capable, you just must have the will to take a cutting wheel to a perfectly good and expensive engine. Thanks again for the comments!
The Central of Georgia's "Big Apple" 4-8-4s 451-458 (never called "Northern" by this Dixie road) were built to SP GS4 specs with an appearance very similar to that of the Santa Fe Northern's. Wish I could provide a link for a photo but there apparently isn't any available on the web, but at one time I was looking into kitbashing one from the Bachmann engine... maybe I yet may since this beautiful shell would be a great place to start. These locomotives operated over much of the CofG system in both passenger and freight service (restricted over the Macon - Savannah line because of their weight, something carried over in more modern times as well with four CofG SD35s being built with 10,000 less pounds of weight for assignment over this very route), with the shear power of the engines being perfect for Birmingham, Al. to Albany, Ga., expedited freights since they could handle a lot of tonnage over the route. They were powerful beasts that died a premature death, like many other super power engines... sad that none were saved.
Actually the CofG K's were based on the SP GS-2, having 73" drivers, 250 psi boiler pressure, and 27"x30" cylinders The SP GS-4's had 80" drivers, 300 psi boiler pressure, and 25"x32" cylinders. Only pic I could find: http://www.shop.motorcarmania.com/images/cofgbigapple.jpg Andre
Have been using 3771 in the same type of local freight routine that I use for the Bmann 2-8-0's and the Kato mikado, to test clearances. Had had no operational problems, even in the industrial area. Even though the ice dock is only a cardboard mockup and foundations, the engine looks great dragging out a string of reefers.
