Model Train Journal

Phil Randall recently posted a photo of this Nacionales de Mexico consist in his thread on the Southwest O-Scale show:



A video of this train in action can be viewed at the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zguqbnmbf8vd1hs6juam9/2026-10-NdeM-Mixed-Freight.mp4?rlkey=ynoew9emhflldpfknclfz20rq

Some number of years ago, my brother Pete started making noises about modeling the Mexican railways. I got pulled in when five south-of-the-border freight cars showed up from John Fisher. Four more of John's models arrived recently from a mutual friend, and Pete provided an addition car and a caboose, such that a complete train could be run at the show. Two more cars arrived just this weekend -- too late for the video but a welcome addition. Pete and I are also planning to model a different caboose to better match the consist. I should note that the locomotives are Atlas-Roco F9s. Fortuitously, the N de M was one of the few railroads that actually bought F9s, so the Atlas units are a good fit.

Jim

Awesome windshield and wiper detail (both windows) on that F9.
Petes Windshield Detail

Pete,

Can you tell us about the B unit? Was it bashed from two A units. Or is it something else. The show was such a whirlwind that I didn’t get to inspect these models as closely as I would have liked.

Phil

Phil -- As I recall, the B-unit was indeed made by splicing two A-units together. Further, I believe both units have the original all-wheels-powered drive in them. These drives are known to have a high rate of failure, but the units, at least for now, are smooth runners. I will take photos next time I am at the shop.

Jim

Like many of us I'm sure, the Atlas-Roco F9's were my 1st diesel purchased when I switched to O scale back in the early 90's. No other plastic O scale diesels existed IIRC. There were many articles about updating and detailing them as well as converting two "A" units to make one "B" unit.

I can't remember who the mfg was, but in 93 or 94 I bought some thin brass etching kits to convert the F9's to earlier F units. These were very complete, intricate and delicate kits sold on a flat piece of cardboard wrapped in celaphane. Got them at one of my 1st March Meets in Chicago.

These NdeM models look great and I see the headlight has been improved along with other detailing.

Those nice looking NdM F9's are indeed good runners with I believe original Roco factory drives coming from a friend of Jim's in the Portland area. I don't know if they have the after-market NWSL wheel sets which truly help in "calming" the bolster rocking, switch point climbing/picking of the original Roco drive wheels/axles with their big flanges and sketchy wheel alignment, also greatly increasing service life and pulling power. That B unit surgery is no walk in the park either, with one having experience in kit-bashing styrene car bodies a big plus. On a related note-


I do have this very nice PRR F7-FP7 set, both units bashed from Roco F9's by Art Selby that I got from Sarge in trade that do have the NWSL wheel sets and run and pull amazingly well. As a "bottom feeder" I love these older, inexpensive 70's era plastic models especially when you can upgrade their original "glass jaw" drives or alter the model of the car bodies as here, likewise my Rivarossi CFA-1600/2000 C-liners, two of which were also done by John Fisher. To me they're all fascinating in their contrast to the more expensive commercial offerings that eventually followed.

Those are great looking locos Pete. Building/modifying/upgrading is a lot more rewarding than collecting or operating factory models for sure. I never tried my hand at kit bashing these F9 into a "B" unit as just reading the article I could tell it exceded my skills. Same for the etched brass side kits for these models. My hat is always off to those who can do this work be it plastic, wood or brass models.

Agree.
First to Pete, and then to anyone here - free Armstrong bolster kits for these things.