Model Train Journal

Jay mentioned the Abilene Flyer in the GP9 Project thread a couple of days ago. This was the name bestowed upon a particular ATSF streamliner spotted recently operating on Dennis Mashburn's layout in Abilene (that would be the Abilene in Texas):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6lgplsd6b0ja1iazgbv9e/ATSF-Action-on-Mashburn-Layout-2026.mp4?rlkey=pgtv9bisaxy477716jsfbvdpk&raw=1

The consist is Golden Gate. I don't know the full story behind the locomotive, but I understand that Jay did some custom work for Dennis on this model. Dennis requested that I take some video to show Jay just how nicely the locomotive runs. Hopefully Jay will fill us in on the details.

For what it is worth, I have seen a lot of models run on Dennis's layout, and I can't think of a consist I enjoyed as much as watching this one cruise the layout. We left it running for about an hour, and only shut it off when it was time to head back to Dallas.

Jim

Beautiful smooth running loco that pulls like a mule. Thanks for posting.

Jim,

Thanks for the video.

Short story long. Dennis wanted to finish this model (early Sunset with Overland trucks) years ago and present it to his dad. There was a AT&SF right of way on their farm and Dennis really got a kick out of the big Alcos.

Anyway, like so many of our projects he just never got around to doing it and now, with his ongoing issues, he asked me if I would give it a go. No way I would ever say no to either of the Mashburns. Two of my most favorite people.

Back to the model. I did install one of my drives into it and added a non-sound decoder. That's what Dennis wanted but I now wish I'd installed sound. Adapting the trucks was a little tricky but, in the end, it worked out. Oh well.

I did take way to many photos and created an album in Photobucket. Yeah, I know there are alternatives out there. I don't need to hear about it. If I wanted one of the others I would get/use them. I will attempt to attach a link to said album. It's supposed to be in chronological order (oldest to newest) but it's the exact opposite.

https://photobucket.com/share/46968ab6- ... 53c5d7c3d4

Jay

Yeah, I had no idea it would pull that many cars. I wanted to add more weight. Now I'm glad I didn't.

Jay

I'm sure all those ball bearings didn't hurt a lick on pulling power.

I still think the early SS PA's were some of the most detailed and beautiful models of that loco I've seen in O scale. I'm sure the KEY's are great too and I know others imported them, but there's just something about the SS PA that really appeals to me.

I agree. The recent PA models have been quite spectacular. I don't do plastics as a rule, but was party to converting a pair of Lionel PAs to Overland drives, and I was seriously impressed with the contours, including the difficult to reproduce hood taper and windshield area. The MTH plastic was a nice "second;" the windshield left something to be desired, but the rest parked right next to a Key without apology.

Someplace we have a PA thread.
yeah, here:

https://www.modeltrainjournal.com/phpBB ... it=alco+PA

One of the things I try to simulate is the stainless sides of the ATSF. i have come close with Alclad II, and missed the mark with nickel-silver, which seems to tarnish rapidly. I was going to try nickel plate, but did a quick cost-benefit analysis and shelved that idea.

PS - a little look-back reveals that these Sunset PAs may be the brass ones Mort brought in a while back. I agree - the photos I have seen reveal stunning models. See RDS' post from April or so this year.