Amtrak BW32-8 phase5

[c415rock]

Here is a Atlas dash 8 that I tried to make as close to possible to a Amtrak unit. This unit has working marker lights, scratch built HEP cables, and rebuilt pilots. The correct antennas and air horn, along with a modified DW brass cab nose door & light removed above the cab. Except for the door configuration under the engineers side of the cab I think this unit is as close as one can get without major reconstruction. If you guys see anything I missed just let me know.

Thanks
Erik

[m a y o r 79]

Looks good to me. personally I liked the as delivered scheme the best on these. But you did a wonderful job on the model. How hard was it to add the lighting effects to the Atlas unit, did you keep the Atlas decoder or replace it? I'd love to do the same thing with mine (lighting wise) if I can find the free time.

[sd45longhoodfoward]

VERY NICE! I have an atlas also in the PhIV paint scheme witch is my fav scheme for the B-32-8 you pretty much nailed bud!!!!!!!!Mike the paint scheme you are talking about is what they called the Pepsi can isn't it?I Also have a dummy p 40 that is go get the phV treatment i got 5 DA GE P42 kits for 6.00 on eBay that has all the hep mu coupler lift &the S&S stainless grills mu receptacles etc..that go in it if any one needs one let me know i can part with one kit pm me

[c415rock]

Thanks for the feed back guys, As for the lighting on the unit I used a NCE DA-SR decoder when I do another unit I will probably use a TCS A6X for a couple of reasons. First the extra function and on board resistors for leds, the NCE only has 5.

The red marker lights come on via function#3 fwd/rev they are Mitey Lites by Circuitron 800-9322 super bright 2mm LED's wired in series.

The head lights are Miniatronics 12-310-05 Yeloglo White ultra bright 3mm LED's

The ditch lights are Miniatronics 18-001-10 Incandescent Lamps 1.5 volts 15mA 1.2mm Dia

Hooking everything up is easy to do the decoder is a direct board replacement for the Atlas, there is plenty of room to run the wires up from the pilot ditch lights to the decoder. With the pilot mounted on the frame.

As for the prototype operation of the marker lights. For what I remember seeing these units in push pull trains here in metro Detroit. The marker lights were on when the engine was the trailing unit.

White the TCS decoder I hope to be able to wire up the rear ditch lights.

The one down fall that I don't like with the NCE decoder is the fact the ditch lights stay lit in reverse.

Right now I am finishing up a P42 in phase5 with a Atlas drive. I am documenting the whole process and will post it in detail when done.

Erik

[m a y o r 79]

Thanks for the info Erik, thats helpful for when I do the lighting in mine.

I believe the as delivered scheme for these was nicknamed the "Pepsi Can". I recall reading somewhere that it was developed specifically for this locomotive and actually won some design awards. Too bad they painted over them.

[c415rock]

I agree the Pepsi can paint job was the best. On page 60 of the All Aboard Amtrak by Mike Schaffer (Railpace) book. It shows a photo of several different new paint schemes being considered for the new BW32-8 being built at the time. There is even green and black paint scheme. But the Pepsi can paint job was the best by far.

Erik

[sd45longhoodfoward]

THE TCS A6X are fantastic decoders all ya need is a resistor and 1.5v bulbs and you are ready to rock.are you guys go run roadrailers in your passenger consist? iam go run about 4-6 with my superliners

[m a y o r 79]

I've got a mid 90's (I think) version of the Empire builder thats got about 5 express boxcars and 10 or so road railers tacked onto the back. Makes for a long but impressive train. I dont see many people at shows that actually model the extra cars to the full extent.

My B32-8WH (Pepsi Can) is for my Hiawatha train ....... complete with NPCU car made from an old F40PH. Draws a lot of attention at shows, especially in Milwaukee.

[shastafan]

That really looks good, Erik! We see them periodically on the Coast Starlight and Cascades and I always try to get out and see them.

I was startled to see the white GPS dome, having not noticed them before. Then it dawned - they're all a dark gray with exhaust grime on them. I have a pretty decent roof shot, and you captured the details very well.

Well done.

Regards,
John