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 100-109 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

Beware of Squirrels: Past Projects and New Projects

Most recently, I decided to clean out several tubs and totes filled with project materials in hopes of sorting through several thousand detail parts, decal sheets, and under construction projects. Most of which I remembered building, but in my typical, "Look, Squirrel!!" brain, I often push it aside to model something a bit more interesting. 

I've learned through the years, the enjoyment of the hobby for me is the teardown and rebuild process. Painting is usually the least of my favorite aspects of the hobby, but decaling is certainly one of my favorite aspects of prototype modeling. 

In hopes of combating the ever growing list of under-construction projects, I decided to document the list so I have a record of sorts to determine the hierarchy of what to model.

SCL SDP35 616:

An Atlas rebuild with Cannon fans, new underframe details, ESU EMD 567D prime mover, speaker and LED installation.

SCL GP30 1320:

A Proto 2000 GP30 project still in the parts collection stage. The model was striped, grit blasted and is ready for detailing. The locomotive will be DCC equipped, and detailed with wire handrails, and SCL era appropriate details.

Seaboard Air Line #2 Depot:

Constructed as the Wimauma, Florida depot, this is a fun diversion from freight and locomotive projects, but I'm finally getting around to obtaining some parts which were never provided by the manufacturer. The current state of construction is stalled at window installation, and adding a stepped landing. The model is fully painted and awaiting these final details before the roof is sealed and added.

Fruit Grower's Express SAL 591181 RBL:

Still waiting on decals and completion. Such a fun kit to build, paint and construct, but shiny objects got in the way. 

SFRP Rr-56 2106:

Almost across the finish line on this one with some final detail painting left to do. The weathering process and addition of appropriate trucks (Plate C Models, are you out there?!?!) is keeping this one just shy of the finished mark. The Rapido sound units must be made of unobtainium as I've not heard (see what I did there) a sound of them. Still a really fun project and the rebuild, repaint, and decaling process was thoroughly enjoyable.

PFE R70-20:

Part of the reefer block, this one has been fully built and is awaiting the application of black ends and is ready for decaling. This car has been one of the reasons I began building a reefer block in the first place, and again a great kit build.

Seaboard Air Line and Seaboard Coast Line 40' PS-1 Boxcars:

I constructed and have begun the weathering process of the SAL PS-1 in the 1964 Billboard Gothic scheme using the Kadee PS-1 model and it is all built completed. Meanwhile, the SCL PS-1 will be a beer service car which I recently located an excellent prototype photo to finally complete the research process. The SCL variation is painted, and in need of a gloss cote so that decaling can commence. Sadly, there is not an overabundance of photographic evidence of these 40' boxcars.

SCL K-19 Gondola:

This is a Tangent Scale Models parts build and is in the process of receiving decals at the moment. The car is fully constructed, painted and receiving a variety of SCL decals. Likely the closest project to completion given my current push.

SCL U36Bs:

A complete rebuild of the Atlas U36B underframe is in order, and the cab numerals have to be removed and reapplied given the "thinness" of the font used. Once upon a time, Atlas hit dingers when it came to SCL locomotives, but their artwork needs some resuscitation.

SCL RS-3 1155:

A complete Stewart and Atlas franken-Alco project. The model will utilize the Stewart hoods, sill, and an Atlas cab. The majority of the details will be sourced from KV Models as they have made construction of these workhorses easier.

SCL Split Image Alco S-2 and S-4 switchers:

Alco switchers have been a staple of my modeling for decades, and I love the looks and sounds of an Alco. The four of these switchers will be in various states of the Seaboard Air Line inspired black and red Alco switcher split image scheme, while others will find their way into the typical black and yellow Bumblebee paint scheme. Thankfully, Atlas retooled the cab windows to accurately model the later Alco S-4 cab appearance, so these should be a fun painting process.

SCL 5259 Pullman Plan 7600 52 seat coach:

What a project. I'm certain this is one of the longest builds of my model making career and I've lost, found, lost, and found again parts for this car. It is in pieces some of which were waiting for the proper shade of suede, deck tan, and silver. A majority of this car is done, but again squirrels found their way onto my work bench.

SCL 35 Split Image NW2:

If you have ever run a Kato locomotive, you well know that they are simply the best performing locomotives in our hobby. The model was converted to DCC after grinding the frame, and then the shell work began. The lowly switchers get sidelined the most, but it currently appears to be in a porcupine like state with all the various holes filled with styrene rod so that KV Model parts can be applied. The NW2 needs the most work of all my locomotive projects, so I truly need to dedicate some attention to this much needed prototype. It is fitted with a TCS Micro decoder and is in need of reassembly and final construction. I've lost count of how many times I found another example to model, and am waffling about the application of roller bearings to the side frames still. Finding an intact SCL NW2 with solid bearings is akin to finding a hen's tooth.

Seaboard Air Line and Seaboard Coast Line P-9 Phosphate Hoppers:

F&C kits abound throughout my collection in various states of construction. I need only 92 more of these to complete my endeavor, but I really need to consider some 3D printed details or etched ladders to make these as good as I want them to be. "Model Phosphate Trains, It will be Fun!" says the guy....

This is a short list of current projects, and in no way accounts for what other treasure I located such as fully re-constructed SW9s, DS4-4-1000s, SDP35s, GP40s, and many more. Beware of the squirrels, and in a year, I hope to have finally put some of these projects into the pages of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler. 

Seaboard Air Line and Seaboard Coast Line Phase II RS-3s

 

Prototype Photos courtesy of Warren Calloway

Bowser Manufacturing has finally announced what could be the BEST announcement of 2023 for a Seaboard Coast Line Modeler such as myself. The recently tooled Alco RS-3 in both Phase II and Phase III have long been on my list of must have locomotives since they were well entrenched in the North and South Florida Divisions of the Seaboard Air Line which served the Port of Boca Grande. 

Seaboard Air Line assigned many of the Alco road switchers to the North and South Florida Divisions. Phase I RS-3s were typically found while parked or shoving phosphate cars onto the docks, but these new units will definitely augment my roster of Alcos. The Alco RS-2 was also a key motive power unit in the area along with several other B-B equipped road switchers from EMD and GE in later years.

Bowser has announced two unit numbers in Seaboard Air Line as SAL 1676 which was constructed by Alco in October 1952 on Order Number S3212. The unit was initially constructed with a steam generator for use on secondary and local passenger trains, however, the equipment was removed in the 1950s and the water tanks were converted to fuel storage. The locomotive was numbered as SCL 1189 in 1967 and ultimately retired in January 1974.

Prototype Photos courtesy of Warren Calloway

The second Seaboard Air Line Phase II RS-3 to be released is SAL 1681 which was constructed on the same order in October 1952. This unit was not steam generator equipped and was renumbered as SCL 1194 in 1967 and ultimately retired in January 1972.

The use of "Split Image" paint is referred to by SCL modelers when the original railroad paint scheme was left in place and shop forces applied new Seaboard Coast Line lettering to the original paint scheme. It was typical to see these units through the 1970s in this appearance, and makes for a unique change to the typical SCL Black and Yellow "Bumblebee" paint scheme.

Bowser also announced two split image Alco Phase II RS-3s as SCL 1191. This unit is former SAL 1678 and was constructed in October 1952 on the previously mentioned order, S3212. The unit was previously equipped with a steam generator which was removed in May 1970. The locomotive was retired on November 22, 1974.

The second SCL number is SCL 1196 which was constructed on the same order in October 1952 without steam generation equipment. It was retired on November 15, 1974 when it was converted into a MATE (Motor Assisted Tractive Effort) unit 3404 on April 1, 1975. The MATE variant would survive until January 4, 1982 when it was stricken from the SCL roster. Most typically, the Alco MATEs were coupled to former ACL GP35s for use in yard and transfer runs.

The Bowser announcement at the Amherst show details these will be ready to run with separately applied details and equipped with ESU Loksound decoders which feature the most realistic Alco 244 prime mover sound files to date. None of the SAL constructed RS-3s utilized dynamic braking. No price or date has been revealed, however, you can rest assured all four will find a home at the Boca Grande Terminal.

SCL 1177

SCL 1177 sits in Boca Grande, Florida on 11/07/1971. This image taken by Robert Selle is one of the best images of SCL power in Boca Grande located so far. This locomotive is a Phase 1 Alco RS3 and was formerly SAL 1665. The locomotives, initially built as Seaboard Air Line 1657 - 1665 were constructed by Alco in December 1950 through January 1951. Many of the SAL specific details can still be seen to include the front number board immediately above the headlight, the fan shroud, and unique front and rear handrail stanchions.

Modeling these unique details of the RS3 is now far easier than when I once constructed an Alco RS2 thanks to KV Models SAL specific detail parts.

http://kvmodels.com/alco-rs-series-details/

The RS3 was the primary power used to switch the elevator and haul trains north. A typical consist included Alco RS2s, RS3, as well as other smaller B-B configured power due to weight ratings of the two mile long trestles. Other power examples seen in photographs include EMD GP35 and GP40 locomotives.