SCL 1207 Progress Report

SCL 1207 seen in May 1968 is trailing SCL 1202 in southern Georgia. The split image scheme of Seaboard Coast Line is one of the most attractive schemes which combines the predecessor paint of Seaboard Air Line and an emergent SCL image.

 

I have chosen to model SCL 1207 in the standard freight scheme using the Rapido RS11. The model was disassembled completely to remove and change the necessary details. In the photos above, you can see the results of the grab irons being removed, the cab glass being removed, and the lettering removed. 

Using a soaked portion of paper towel, I overlaid the paper towel atop the lettering and using Walthers Solvaset decal setting solution, I removed the lettering from both sides of the cab, and one side of the long hood without incident. The side seen above, was a completely different experience. The chemical solutions were varied to include Microscale Microset and Champ decal setting solution which removed the "S", leaving behind, "EABOARD" untouched. I decided to manually remove the lettering using a Paasche air eraser which eliminated the lettering, but marred the remaining paint.

I thoroughly cleaned the model and decided to create a mixture which would closely match the existing paint using Tamiya acrylics. The mixture was begun with Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab, and darkened using Tamiya XF-9, Hull Red. The paint was darkened sufficiently and I then added three drops of Tamiya XF-3 Flat Yellow. The paint was thinned 3:1 using Tamiya Lacquer Thinner and stirred until all colors were blended. The paint was airbrushed onto the model using 25 PSI and allowed to dry for approximately 30 minutes. The paint obliterated the damaged paint and provided a good base which to my surprise matched exceptionally well. 

The above image of the long hood was the side which did not require any touch-up and the long hood, cab, and short hood were oversprayed using a 6:1 mixture of Glosscote to Lacquer Thinner. After multiple light coats, the model is now ready for decals which will be sourced from Microscale SCL Split Image set 87-1238.

Rapido Trains RS11 - Seaboard Air Line to Seaboard Coast Line conversion

Rapido Trains has released the most accurate Alco RS11 to date decorated for Seaboard Air Line Railroad. A recent delivery of a silent version allowed me to fully inspect the details of the model and share my thoughts on how to enhance the model to more accurately capture the look of a well worn SCL RS11.

SCL 1210, April 1968, courtesy G. Elwood's Fallenflags.org

Prototype information:

The Seaboard Air Line units were the first to be delivered to Seaboard Air Line with dynamic braking capabilities. The 10 unit order (Alco order numbers S3325 and S3333) were delivered in June 1960. These were the first Alco 251 prime mover equipped locomotives on the roster and all were assigned initially to West Jacksonville, Florida and were used primarily south and west of Savannah, Georgia. The units operated short hood forward and were constructed with high short hoods.

The RS11s were numbered SAL 101-109 and were used in 4 or 5 unit consists on fast manifest freights and could often be seen in consist with the 1965 built Alco C420s. All of the RS11s were conveyed to Seaboard Coast Line in July 1967, when they were renumbered SCL 1202-1211. In 1976, all of the RS11s were transferred to power short L&N where they were again renumbered as L&N 950-959. Initially, the units wore a, "L" suffix after the road number (i.e. 1204L) until fully repainted. The RS11s were ultimately retired in 1981 after 21 years of service.

The prototype specifications of the RS11 were 1,800 horsepower Alco 251B prime mover, 40" wheel size, 74:18 gear ratio, 65 mph top speed, 61,130 pounds of tractive effort, 1,800 gallon fuel capacity, 26L air brakes, and were dynamic brake equipped. Of the 10 units, two were repainted using Seaboard Air Line Jolly Green Giant paint, SAL 100 and 101. These units would retain their light green paint through the SCL merger and were renumbered SCL 1202 and 1203.

The Rapido model is well executed and prototypically correct for Seaboard Air Line to include the correct car body filter arrangement and dynamic brakes. The model will serve as a basis for a split image SCL unit and includes highly accurate underframe details, horn, separately applied etched metal grills, and wire grab irons. The revision of the exhaust fan housing looks exceptional as does the cab contour. The horn is accurately shaped and in proportion to standards, however should be replaced with a Leslie RS3L.

The model includes sun shades which must be applied separately, and the wind deflectors need to be replaced with finer etched metal components. The separately applied grab irons are parts which I will replace with finer wire, and am further considering replacing the intercooler piping and screen with aftermarket parts available from KV Models. Overall, the model is an amazing basis to model a split image SCL unit.

The necessary changes to convert the model to a split image SCL unit include:

• Number board changes from black to white
• Install ShellScale HO104 Alco numerals
• Removal of existing herald, road number and SEABOARD lettering
• Application of new SEABOARD COAST LINE road name and road number (Microscale)
• Application of a split image herald to the short hood end only
• Replace end grab irons with finer wire .0125" diameter
• Replace wind deflectors with KV Models part 1006H
• Remove segments of orange stripes per prototype photos
• Weather and reduce opacity of yellow and orange stripes within radiator housing
• Replace horn with Bowser 190-628, Leslie RS3L
• Install whip antenna atop cab roof