O.K., know I'm flirting with personal bankruptcy - but a note to manufacturers of HO gauge - When can we expect to see decent models of the C-420 and (note to Life-Like/Walthers) RS-27's, total production 27 units - BLW "Centipedes" - 40 units!
Seaboard Ai Line Centipedes 19 APRIL 2006 Hi Dave and all. Back up and operating. Dave. MTH issued the SAL centipede in premier 1/4" scale hi-rail. It is really a work of art. Larry @ SCRS
Baldwin "Centipedes" Hello Larry and Harold Well after much hard work by Charlie with Trainboard, hope that I'm back. I was not aware that MTH had produced a model of the "Centipede" - Larry, I reckon you've got one, right? I realised that the "Centipede" was sort of far fetched, but I don't understand the lack of a good quality plastic C-420. There were after all, more of them than the RS-27. While I know that you model O-scale, 3 rail and Harold is an N-scaler, I've just picked up my first FP-7 in Southern green from Keith with Discounttrains. It is my first Intermountain unit and I have to admit to being quite impressed with it, wish I'd ordered a second unit. I haven't made the same mistake with the ACL units however, have two on order from Keith. Have been putting down some flex-track recently and I have quite a bit of the Micro Engineering weathered rail in codes 83, 70, and 55. I'm finding it a "bear" to lay. If you have any friends or acquaintances who are/have used this track, sure would appreciate any tips on putting in laying uniform curves.
Dave, I have a few FT's in Nscale from Intermountain, but what scale is the FP-7? I am guessing HO.... I am far removed from laying track that big :teeth: I used to make it down to Chas. more regularly that I have lately, but may get down that way next month. Are you familiar with Mike Gleaton and Chas. Digital Trains? Harold
Intermountain FP-7 Harold - Good to hear from you again. No, I don't know Mike Gleaton but was aware of Charleston Digital. Am afraid that DCC is just too far away for me to even think about, ~50 some powered units will give you that attitude. The FP-7 is in fact HO gauge and is a real beauty, runs good and mu's with everything I've got lettered for Southern. Of course it's green & white, but hey - my modeling interest is like my layout's period, 1957 - 1967. Have been laying track the last few days and have my first siding in, and it was a struggle using the ME code 70 weathered rail transitioning from Atlas code 83. Believe the next ME track will be ordered unweathered and I'll weather it myself.
Dave, I figured you were talkin' HO, but thought I'd better ask! I think an FP-7 has recently been announced in N scale too! I was a skeptic about DCC until I ran it on the club modules... It does cost some $$ to convert, but I think it is worth it. Harold
Yep, it's HO all the way for me now, though got to admit that when I visit my LHS, I always cast a glance at the N-scale SAL GP-7's/30's on display, along with the ACL and Southern units. I'm certain that DCC with sound is the way to go and my wife is encouraging me in that direction, but - have the ongoing expenses of an abuilding layout and the manufacturers are sure making up for their long neglect of southeastern lines. The combination of the two above, plus some dental work have (and will) keep my hobby budget in deficit for months to come.
25 April 2006 Boxcab E50. Here is the MTH link with a small picture of the AA set. http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=20-2312-1 Dave. No. I do not have this set (almost did) for these need a minimum 72 degree radis curve, which would restrict running on the SCRS to the outside upper level main. Larry @ SCRS.
Larry- Thanks fro the link. They do a great job of describing the Centipede. But I sure can't find a decent sized photo. If you spot one, please let me know. Boxcab E50
Larry - Wow! I had no idea! Very, very impressive. The only problem I see is the traction tires. Otherwise a terrific amount of features and a very good looking unit.
27 April 2006 Good morning all. I had to sign in two times to get on board (old and New methods) this time. Boxcab E50. Here are two links for real pictures. http://www.trainweb.org/seaboard/SAL/sal4500b.jpg http://www.trainweb.org/seaboard/SAL/sal4500a.jpg For more info about these, check this link. http://www.trainweb.org/seaboard/saldr1283000.htm Dave. These units (like my E-8's) having four motors with traction tires can really pull a heavy car load. My passnger trains average out to be about 15 to 16' long (many cars -both heavyweight and streamline) and pull up two 3% grades. Larry
Larry - Yes, with that many motors and traction tires, bet they'll pull just about anything you put behind them. Have you had to replace traction tires yet? That's the one thing that bothered me about traction tires. Back when I had my free-lance Piedmont Southern, I got a real good deal on five AHM C-424's, downside to me was the traction tires. Bought Atlas wheel sets to replace the whole wheel, wasn't too certain about traction tires. But materials have much improved in the past 30 or so years. Unfortunately, only got to see one Centipede in 20 plus years of Seaboard watching. That was on a late #26 (Boll Weevil). The engine seemed to be as long as the baggage car and coach attached. That was the fastest Boll Weevil I ever saw.
