USA TRAINS FA1 units
- Thread starter trammayo
- Start date
Now, just getting that lump of jelly in my cranium sorted out - the unit behind the loco is a B unit (right?).
Has anyone got a pic of the Aristo B unit or a link thereto? (Assuming I've got it right in the first sentence!!!)
Has anyone got a pic of the Aristo B unit or a link thereto? (Assuming I've got it right in the first sentence!!!)
You asked sir.....
Aristo FA1 'B' unit
and for comparison...
USA Trains F3 'B' unit
Aristo FA1 'B' unit
and for comparison...
USA Trains F3 'B' unit
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A quick shot of my F3 A with two B units pulling the 'Ski Train'.
The loco heading up is an SD70 'Heritage' (Union Pacific painted a fleet of SD70s in a paint scheme to reflect each of the railroads that they had 'hoovered up'.
The SD70 is a 'MAC' version as that is what USA Trains had produced (they just did a repaint of their model).......it should really be an SD70 ACE with big radiator pods flaring out at the back...but never mind eh?
The picture is a bit fictitious in the 'lash-up' as the Heritage SD70 has only been used on the Ski Train once whilst heading up F40PH locos, but who is to say that it wouldn't happen with F units?
On my layout.....
The real 1:1 scale thing!.....
The loco heading up is an SD70 'Heritage' (Union Pacific painted a fleet of SD70s in a paint scheme to reflect each of the railroads that they had 'hoovered up'.
The SD70 is a 'MAC' version as that is what USA Trains had produced (they just did a repaint of their model).......it should really be an SD70 ACE with big radiator pods flaring out at the back...but never mind eh?
The picture is a bit fictitious in the 'lash-up' as the Heritage SD70 has only been used on the Ski Train once whilst heading up F40PH locos, but who is to say that it wouldn't happen with F units?
On my layout.....
The real 1:1 scale thing!.....
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Hi Mick I had forgotten (a senior moment) that they DID hook up an SD70 to the front of the 'Ski Train' for one time, but it was in front of F40PH power units not EMD 'F' jobbies.
I have amended my previous posting and put up a picture of the real thing.
I have amended my previous posting and put up a picture of the real thing.
I cannot remember why I leave one room to go to another sometimes - so you're excused!
Like the photo by the way!
I saw these on EBay and contacted the seller to tell him these units were aristo not USAT. He replied saying that he knew more about it than me. If they had been USAT F units I would have been interested.
USAT motors are not all that power hungry at around half an amp for each 4 wheel bogie when running light. Switching the lights on usually adds considerably to the amps being drawn - I think typically about .7 amp. Heavy loads and hard acceleration also pump up the amps.
USAT motors are not all that power hungry at around half an amp for each 4 wheel bogie when running light. Switching the lights on usually adds considerably to the amps being drawn - I think typically about .7 amp. Heavy loads and hard acceleration also pump up the amps.
That picture was used on one of the DRGW timetable booklets that I have in my collection - from 1958.
The other side of the folded booklet shows (mainly) the coaching stock on a California Zephyr service in Glenwood Canyon, but you can just make out the Alco diesels on another passenger train passing that one in the loop.....
I started collecting US timetables in the last 20 years, particularly for some of the artwork displayed on the covers - not just the contents of the books !
I was no wiser until I posted this thread. I'm happy enough with them though - tried them together with a load and they ran fine on a 1 amp Bachman controller.
If I see something on ebay that is blatantly not what it purports to be, I'll message the seller! Of late, I've had enough hassle from some sellers - and the odd one strains credulity beyond belief! Imagine putting two towing mirrors in an old Aldi carrier bag without any form of packing! Smashed mirror was the result!
I like those. I find the D&RGW a fascinating railway - I have a few publications (maybe I should read them again!). Thanks for posting!
I got one of these (in 'real' colours.....UP). Mine gets around R1 no problems, and does not derail the following stock. Apart from stating the obvious of having good trackwork, the loco did cause a problem when I tried to change couplers. On the FA, there is a centering spring that won't accept other couplers (even the Aristo loop). So, I have kept the as built couplers, run an Aristo wagon behind it, followed by any sort of couplers you want.
I just tried the two FA1s back to back and they uncoupled - mind you there are two sets of points within a short distance. To haul around the garden I used an aristo box car, then another with the 'correct' coupling and a Bachmann knuckle at the other end. The three transporter wagons are hook and loop so I had to change one for a knuckle.
ITMA - yes, another question!
Does anyone know the length of the body (roof length would be the best measure) on the B unit - all other measurements I can glean from the FA-1?
Thanks in anticipation!
Does anyone know the length of the body (roof length would be the best measure) on the B unit - all other measurements I can glean from the FA-1?
Thanks in anticipation!
A propos the setting, I took this picture of Wind River Canyon in Wyoming a few days ago. No loco but the scenery is impressive. I think it is freight only.
Thanks Peter - if all else fails, I will build one from scratch!
That's a great shot Dave - thanks for posting!