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.

Prototype Rails 2023

 

Recently, I returned to Prototype Rails in Cocoa Beach this past weekend and enjoyed meeting with several good friends. The model displays were great opportunity to see hundreds of excellent models. Whether you are a SAL, ACL, New Haven, PRR, Penn Central, or UP modeler, the meet allows you to see some excellent craftsmanship on hand. I hadn't seen several of my fellow modelers in years, one in a decade, but I can tell without a doubt, meeting with like minded modelers, will definitely rekindle any interests, and strengthen lines of communication concerning a variety of projects.

The meet was also an opportunity to grab some much needed material from the ACL & SAL Historical Society, Bob's Photo, Cannon and Company, and from private sellers who had several kits of interest for for future publication. The friendships made through the years have certainly cemented a desire in me to continue prototype modeling, and it was evident as I searched the collection of my late friend, Bill Welch, who had several kits I will use. 

I also met with multiple manufacturers such as Cannon and Company, ScaleTrains, and Class One Model Works who displayed some amazing pre-production models. It was a great time to bend their ears about how several of their wares were appropriate for my favorite railroads, Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic Coast Line, and Seaboard Coast Line. Rest assured ideas were shared and I will continue to assist the ideas along as more information is gathered and shared.

As I raced home Saturday night, I envisioned which ACL and SCL Phosphate boxcars I would be constructing, and how I was going to use several prototype photos on hand to produce the most accurate model possible, and then use those projects to fill the pages of another issue of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler. As a shameless plug, here is the latest issue which can be downloaded for free from the ACL & SAL Historical Society's website located at https://www.aclsal.org/publications .

In my downtime, I would often head to Bob's Photo collection and browse endlessly through thousands of photos which suited my interests. I purchased enough photos to complete an endless train of FGE, SCL, SAL, and ACL subjects of interest. 

As I collected my thoughts Sunday, I sadly learned Mike Brock, one of the founders of the meet, passed away. I knew Mike well enough through presenting at previous meets, to know he was a gentlemen, a man of many hats, genuine, and his desire to promote the RPM movement was at the forefront of his effort. This year's meet was significant for me as it emboldened friendships and made for the realization that these finite days we are given on the big round rock need to be utilized for the best. Time spent recreating these models is not as enjoyable without the fellowship of friends.

SFRP 2106 RR-56 Progress Report

 

Progress is being made towards completion of SFRP 2106, but it has not been without some difficulties. The lack of Scalecoat II Reefer Orange really had me digging deep for possible paints to use. I unearthed several old bottles of Floquil Military colors such as Orange and Bright Orange, Modelflex SP Daylight Orange, and finally I decided to go with Tamiya Acrylic gloss colors. While not a Santa Fe modeler, I experimented with several shades that looked appropriate for the mechanicals and decided to custom mix my own using their gloss line of colors. I prefer to use Scalecoat II paint as it is easily decaled and is one of the easiest to use paints on the market, but having used Tamiya Acrylics in the past with success, I chose this route for the sake of not having to apply additional clear coats which is where I tend to see the most difficulties with inclusions and humidity.

In 1963, Santa Fe modified their paint scheme to a darker shade of orange. Using the prototype image I had on hand, and knowing that my final color will become muted once a final coat of Scalecoat II flat glaze is applied, I drifted the color to capture a darker hue. The mixing ratio was 15:1:1 of Tamiya X-8 (Lemon Yellow), Tamiya X-6 (Orange), Tamiya X-7 (Red). The color looks really good for Illinois Central and ICG Orange as well.

The ratio was mixed in a 2:1 paint to thinner (Tamiya Lacquer Thinner was used in place of Tamiya Acrylic Thinner) ratio and applied at approximately 1" to 2" from the surface. The model was primed using Tamiya Fine Surface Primer prior to airbrushing the paint mixture at 13 PSI. There are still areas which need to be touched up due to detail obstructions overlaying the model, but these are largely hidden and will be addressed.

One note of interest was I initially used my Paasche Talon with a .68 tip, and found that while excellent for detail painting, it struggled at the lower PSI to give me a good base coat. This resulted in some tiger striping along the panel lines, so I brought in my old reliable Paasche H and eliminated the issue with a broader spray pattern. 

Here are some overall images of the model as it sits awaiting one last round with my airbrush. There is still masking to be done as well to include the sill edges which will be painted black, and the roof will receive a coat of Model Master steel to more accurately reflected the sun beaten prototype's appearance. 

While airbrushing, I also removed the door rods and tracks and gave those a good coat which were unaffected by the thinner spray pattern of the Talon.

The door rods will need some additional detail painting to follow the prototype's appearance as they were painted to match the door on the prototype image I am using. The doors were far easier to address, which included sanding them thinner to remove the extra thickness, and a good primer coat. Once dry, I airbrushed the doors using Scalecoat II Santa Fe blue and allowed those to fully cure.

I was anticipating the Tamiya paint to leave a glossy finish such as that found on the doors, but it is inherently different paint than Scalecoat II which I have been using since the demise of Floquil. If I choose to go with another paint, it will be a mix of Scalecoat II Reefer Orange if I can locate a bottle, but with the upheaval at MinuteMan Scale Models, there is not much selection or choice other than hunting down old stock.

Lastly, the underframe components have not been modified as I am awaiting a copy John Moore's Mechanical Refrigerator Cars of the Santa Fe to arrive for closer inspection of the details.

The model has received an improved Kadee Champion brake wheel as one of the detail upgrades, and I plan to use Moloco 70 ton ASF roller bearing trucks until the release of the better trucks under development by Plate C Model Prototypes. The decals will be a mixture of those found on Microscale's 87-255 and 87-510. Overall, the Rapido model has excellent attributes, but could stand some finer details such as the brake wheel and trucks.

Rapido RR-56: SFRP 2106

 I began re-construction of Rapido's new Santa Fe RR-56 which will be repainted with some detail upgrades. The model was grit blasted using baking soda in my Paasche Air Eraser, an indispensable tool for modeling these days. I really appreciate the excellent body work of this model along with the etched grilles, however, there are some details which could be improved upon. 

The term Ready to Run (RTR) may hold true for some, but after locating a prototype image of both sides of the same car, I elected to strip one of my cars which will be repainted and decaled. In the interim, the door tracks were carefully removed, along with the doors, the hatch lid, running board, and brake wheel. The titanium or some metallic shade used by Rapido did not detract from the model, but in my observations, did not yield a galvanized steel look either. The majority of my time was spent removing the paint from the roof which is still evident on the seam caps in some locations. Masking the eaves of the roof will be fairly easy since the diagonal panel overhanging roof has clearance above the sides. I prefer to use Model Master "Steel" for the roof since it looks great once clear coated.

The model's color is one of those moving targets, and since converting to Tamiya paint, I will need to experiment with varying ratios and shades to get it close. The model will first receive a coat of primer and then the orange concoction will be airbrushed onto the model. Comparing Santa Fe orange to the various colors at my disposal, I also located two bottles of Floquil Military colors which could be useful for this project as well.

The immediate upgrades will be the replacement of the Champion-Peacock brake wheel with a Kadee equivalent, as well as placing some Moloco 70-ton ASF roller bearing trucks under it until Plate C releases their new ATSF specific truck. The car will be decaled using Microscale sets 87-255 (Santa Fe Mechanical Reefers) and 87-510 (Santa Fe 50' Mechanical Reefers). The model will be lettered in the Texas Chief paint scheme which will match my selected prototype SFRP 2106.

Flatcar Deck upgrade - AMB 329

 

While constructing a model of a former ACL, now SCL AAR 53'6" flatcar, I decided to upgrade the stock decking material with the American Model Builder's kit 329. The decking was initially primed and sealed with gray primer, then over sprayed with Krylon camouflage flat brown. After drying, the AMB deck was sanded using 80 grit and 320 grit board by board to simulate a worn appearance. The decking will also be over sprayed with flat black on the bottom edges to accurately model the prototype's appearance. While constructing the model, I noted several eyebolts which were affixed perpendicularly to the decking and used as a load securement point. The SCL model will not include this feature, however, a second ACL model will utilize these details so that the load can be prototypically secured.

 

ACL P-13 and P-14 flat cars

The yeoman of the Atlantic Coast Line flat car fleet was composed of the P-13 and P-14 series of 53'6" AAR 50-ton flat cars. The cars were identified as, "war emergency" cars due to their production during 1943 and featuring wooden stringers which were eventually replaced with 4" Z bracing. The P-13 series was delivered in February 1943 and were numbered ACL 77000-77171. Though unremarkable in terms of appearance, the cars were constructed to AAR practice and built by Greenville Steel Car Company. The cars also rode on T-9-D trucks which are denoted as 50 ton unit cast steel solid bearing trucks. The P-13 class utilized Cardwell-Westinghouse Type NZ-11-E draft gear and a Universal drop staff hand brake. The cars were painted black and lettered with white reporting marks. 

The P-13 series quickly became candidates for rebuilding in the 1950s as shipper demands warranted modification to include bulk heads being applied, log service, TOFC, and brick and wall board service. The P-14 series was ordered in January 1943 and later constructed by Pullman Standard in June 1943. The P-14 series was numbered ACL 77172-77471 and differed in the application of Cardwell-Westinghouse NZ-11-F (200 cars, ACL 77172-77371) and Miner AX-2-B (100 cars ACL 77372-77471) draft gear. The P-14 series also utilized T-9-D trucks and a Universal drop staff hand brake. This series was also painted black and lettered with white reporting marks. The cars when repainted utilized the unique Prismo striping which was applied in December 1951, however, the striping was later modified in 1957, and ultimately removed by May 1958.

In reviewing all of the information, ACL began the conversion program of the P-13 series in 1951 with the application of angled bulkheads and 4" steel Zee stringers which replaced the 4"  x 3 1/8" wood stringers when constructed in 1942. The bulkheads were modified in 1953, and a second series of cars were modified in 1956. In 1957, the angled bulkhead cars were revised using 3" steel Zee stringers above the trucks. In late 1957, the application of straight steel bulkheads was applied through car 77005. In December 1959, eight P-13 series flats were converted to TOFC service. In 1960-61, ACL constructed additional P-13 straight bulkhead conversion flat cars with upgraded stringers and removable side stakes. In 1961, ACL modified a single log/lumber service P-13 flat car with removable side stakes to assist in loading, however, this car was not equipped with bulkheads. The conversion process continued with the modification of four additional cars with moveable floor risers and 'Jumbo' end cover plates for use in dedicated wallboard/gypsum service. 

In all, 85 P-13 series flat cars were modified during 1951-1961 for varying services to include gypsum/wallboard, log/lumber, brick, and TOFC. Thirty-eight of the P-13 series cars equipped with straight bulkheads were equipped with 2 lading compartments on the A end of the car. 12 examples included a single lading compartment, while 7 examples had none. All angled bulkhead P-13 series flat cars were not equipped with lading compartments.

Straight bulkhead conversion lading compartments:

38 cars - 2 lading compartments
12 cars - 1 lading compartment
07 cars - 0 lading compartments

Car number: Year converted: Bulkhead type:
77020 1951 Angled
77037 1951 Angled
77079 1951 Angled
77104 1951 Angled
77122 1951 Angled
77136 1951 Angled
77153 1951 Angled
77154 1951 Angled
77066 1956 Angled
77128 1956 Angled
77156 1956 Angled
77002 1957 Angled
77015 1957 Angled
77022 1957 Angled
77116 1957 Angled
77125 1957 Angled
77000 1957 Straight
77068 1957 Straight
77074 1957 Straight
77110 1957 Straight
77124 1957 Straight
77140 1957 Straight
77150 1957 Straight
77169 1957 Straight
77101 1957 Straight
77168 1957 Straight
77013 1958 Straight
77096 1958 Straight
77003 1958 Straight
77007 1958 Straight
77080 1958 Straight
77098 1958 Straight
77129 1958 Straight
77003 1958 Straight
77007 1958 Straight
77080 1958 Straight
77098 1958 Straight
77129 1958 Straight
77011 1958 Straight
77106 1958 Straight
77107 1958 Straight
77026 1959 Straight
77031 1959 Straight
77045 1959 Straight
77048 1959 Straight
77061 1959 Straight
77086 1959 Straight
77099 1959 Straight
77100 1959 Straight
77102 1959 Straight
77120 1959 Straight
77123 1959 Straight
77126 1959 Straight
77130 1959 Straight
77135 1959 Straight
77139 1959 Straight
77146 1959 Straight
77164 1959 Straight
77166 1959 Straight
77171 1959 Straight
77041 1959 Straight
77137 1959 Straight
77005 1959 Straight
77030 1959 TOFC
77057 1959 TOFC
77065 1959 TOFC
77069 1959 TOFC
77071 1959 TOFC
77083 1959 TOFC
77097 1959 TOFC
77108 1959 TOFC
77056 1960-61 Straight
77004 1960-61 Straight
77014 1960-61 Straight
77021 1960-61 Straight
77146 1960-61 Straight
77161 1960-61 Straight
77032 1960-61 Straight
77084 1960-61 Straight
77087 1960-61 Straight
77142 1961 None
77012 1961 Straight
77117 1961 Straight
77157 1961 Straight
77158 1961 Straight


Straight bulkheads conversion in 1959, File 21.98, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912 (Diagram dated 08-13-1959). Two lading compartments at "A" end only. 

77026
77031
77045
77048
77061
77086
77099
77100
77102
77120
77123
77126
77130
77135
77139
77146
77164
77166
77171
77041
77137
77005

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98. Assigned to National Gypsum, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912 (Diagram dated 7-18-58). Two lading compartments at "A" end only.
77011
77106
77107

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98, Assigned to Southern Johns-Manville Company, Jarrett, VA. General Arrangement S-796, Floor stringer arrangement Q-525.  (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#) (Diagram dated XX-17-1958). No lading compartments.
77013
77096

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1957, File 21.98, Assigned to US Gypsum Company, General Arrangement Q-525, End Arrangement S-616, Originally 4"  x 3 1/8" wood stringers, New 3" Zees @ 6.7# above trucks. (Diagram dated 7-22-58)
77002
77015
77022
77116
77125

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1957, File 21.98, Reconverted from 44'6", 46'0" and 44'8" length cars, Assigned to National Gypsum Company, Savannah, GA. 4" x 4" wood or 4" Zees @ 8.2#, General Arrangement S-796. (Diagram dated 09-17-1958). One lading compartment at each end.

First Lot:
77000
77068
77074
77110
77124
77140
77150
77169

Second Lot:
77101
77168

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98, Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure only Q-525, End Arrangement S-616. (Diagram dated XX-17-1958)
77010
77024
77148
77165
77170

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98. Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure Q-525, General Arrangement S-913. Out shopped September 5-11, 1958. No lading compartments. Diagram dated XX-17-1958.
77003
77007
77080
77098
77129

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1956, File 21.98. Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure Q-525, End Arrangement S-616. (Diagram dated XX-18-1958)
77066
77128
77156

Angled bulkhead conversion in 5-1951. Bulkheads modified as per drawing S-616 in 1953. Anchors applied in 1956 per drawing P-446. Assigned to US Gypsum Company. Floor structure Q-525, End Arrangement S-616, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#) (Diagram dated 1958).
77020
77037
77079
77104
77122
77136
77153
77154

Flat car Piggyback service conversions in 12-1959, File 21.82.7.1, No stringer information listed. Diagram dated 02-03-1960.
77030
77057
77065
77069
77071
77083
77097
77108

Flat car log and lumber conversion, Waycross shops, File 21.98.13 and 21.98.13.1, 4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#, General Arrangement N-1080, Diagram dated 06-08-1961.
77142

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1961 at Waycross shops, moveable floor risers, "Jumbo" end cover plates, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912. Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated 06-13-1961.
77012

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1961 at Waycross shops, moveable floor risers, "Jumbo" end cover plates, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912, Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated XX-23-1962.
77117
77157
77158

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1960-61 at Waycross shops, removable side stakes, File 21.98.15, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912, Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated 06-20-1961.
77056
77004
77014
77021
77146
77161
77032
77084
77087

The P-13 and P-14 classes can be accurately modeled using the Proto 2000 (now Walthers) series models and will serve as a future project. The series was later renumbered as SCL 677000-677471 and were largely relegated to specialized service or demoted to Maintenance of Way service where they carried various equipment loads or were modified for tracking laying equipment. The following links show the varying modifications to include deck rails and gondola sides.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4917211

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4415241

http://rchase.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4415240

Seaboard Air Line #60 - Boca Grande

Seaboard Air Line sought to replace all heavyweight equipment on the Silver fleet trains as early as 1947-49, however, due to material and car production shortages, it was not until 1955-1956 that Seaboard would finally take delivery of the final lightweight sleeping cars. 

Larry Goolsby's Seaboard Air Line Passenger Service The Streamlined Era expertly details the history of these select sleeping cars, "To cure the shortage of lightweight Pullman equipment, Seaboard went back to Budd and Pullman-Standard for 15 full sleepers in three configurations and three sleeper lounge cars. The railroad filled out the order with seven 52-seat coached from Pullman-Standard with 10-seat center lounge. RF&P also contributed two similar coaches, Nos. 861-862. The total SAL/RF&P group of 27 cars, delivered in late 1955 and early 1956, was an unusually large purchase this late in the post-war era - a time when a number of other railroads were already beginning to curtail their passenger train offerings... The new full sleeping cars were heavy on room accommodations. Pullman-Standard built six 11 double bedroom cars (the Avon Park class, for the Meteor) and three cars with five double bedrooms, two compartments, and two drawing rooms (the Boca Grande class for the Star). An interesting footnote to the 1955-56 Pullman Standard order was that Seaboard no longer demanded Budd-style corrugated roofs on the cars; problems with the P-S and ACF corrugated panels applied to the 1949 sleepers were quite evident by this time. These newest Pullman-Standard cars came both with the builder's standard flat roof panels. Both they and the Budd cars in the order were also delivered without full-width diaphragms that had been standard on the earlier post war equipment; they had proved difficult to maintain and were being removed from the older cars as they were shopped. The cars did retain their traditional side skirts, but Seaboard also later removed this trim from most lightweight coaches."

Seaboard Air Line ordered three Pullman-Standard Plan 4201 5-2-2 sleepers for use on the Seaboard Air Line Silver series trains. The sleepers were constructed by Pullman-Standard in January 1956 and were classified as 5- Double Bedroom - 2 Compartment - 2 Drawing Room sleeping cars built in Lot 6969. The cars were numbered as SAL 60 (Boca Grande), SAL 61 (Clearwater) and SAL 62 (Ft. Lauderdale). 

In 1967, the series was renumbered as Seaboard Coast Line 6520 - 6522 and retained their car names respectively. On May 1st, 1971, the sleepers were transferred to Amtrak and were renumbered as AMT 2310 - 2312 where they reconfigured as 7 bedroom - 2 drawing room sleepers.

I have long wanted to construct this model and finally had the opportunity to order Union Station Products car sides and core kits. The Boca Grande will built without skirting to accurately model a prototype photograph of the car. Since this will be my first endeavor into this kit line, I will document the build from the outset for a planned article.