Post by Santa Fe Sammy on Sept 20, 2009 18:28:30 GMT -5
Here's another SF30B project!!
ATSF built one of these back in 1987 at the Cleburne, TX shops as a prototype for converting an old, wrecked U23B’s into more modern, efficient locomotives.
Although the project was deemed a success since the Cleburne shops closed, no other units were built leaving the ATSF with only one of these on the roster.
Anyway, since I’m a big fan of oddball ATSF power, I’ve always wanted to build one of these for my roster. Thanks to a fellow ATSF modeler (Steve Emerson) showing me the way, I finally got all of the parts together and built two of these earlier this year – one for me and one for KC area ATSF modeler Bob Miller. Bob kindly donated two of his surplus U23B’s to be cut up for the project. The models copy the reconfigured radiator section, the new nose, altered battery box doors and the altered fuel tank and walkway along with several other details. The 7200 reflects the details for the 1989 era and the 6419 shows the 1995 era details. Take note that here were several detail changes in just 6 years and thanks to the info I found on the internet and my photo collection, I was able to show these slight differences in model form.
Here are a few pics. There are several more on my PBase page showing how the original Atlas U23B’s were modified. One of these days, I need to add a few other small decals, fuel fillers / filters and windshield wipers to my 6419 - I’ll probably wind up putting ditch lights on the unit too since the prototype unit had them by the summer of 1995.
Completed 1989 era ATSF 7200
Early 90’s era ATSF 6419 with AAR trucks
Mid 90’s era ATSF 6419 with FB2 trucks from retired B39-8.
ATSF built one of these back in 1987 at the Cleburne, TX shops as a prototype for converting an old, wrecked U23B’s into more modern, efficient locomotives.
Although the project was deemed a success since the Cleburne shops closed, no other units were built leaving the ATSF with only one of these on the roster.
Anyway, since I’m a big fan of oddball ATSF power, I’ve always wanted to build one of these for my roster. Thanks to a fellow ATSF modeler (Steve Emerson) showing me the way, I finally got all of the parts together and built two of these earlier this year – one for me and one for KC area ATSF modeler Bob Miller. Bob kindly donated two of his surplus U23B’s to be cut up for the project. The models copy the reconfigured radiator section, the new nose, altered battery box doors and the altered fuel tank and walkway along with several other details. The 7200 reflects the details for the 1989 era and the 6419 shows the 1995 era details. Take note that here were several detail changes in just 6 years and thanks to the info I found on the internet and my photo collection, I was able to show these slight differences in model form.
Here are a few pics. There are several more on my PBase page showing how the original Atlas U23B’s were modified. One of these days, I need to add a few other small decals, fuel fillers / filters and windshield wipers to my 6419 - I’ll probably wind up putting ditch lights on the unit too since the prototype unit had them by the summer of 1995.
Completed 1989 era ATSF 7200
Early 90’s era ATSF 6419 with AAR trucks
Mid 90’s era ATSF 6419 with FB2 trucks from retired B39-8.
Great Job and very nicely finished! 
