Modeling Frisco USRA 2-8-2

Hi all

I enjoyed the article about the Frisco 4026, although this level of modeling is way "above my paygrade".  Of interest is that a sister locomotive, Frisco 4018, is located in Birmingham, AL.  It currently is located at Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark, where it was moved several years ago.  I was fortunate to be able to participate in that move effort as a volunteer.

A timely article

I have some brass steam that requires some modification, this article provides a good reference point.

Great work Don

 Great article and craftsmanship like always Don.  Your FRISCO steam is unmatched.

Steve Hurt

Brass Frisco steam loco

Very enjoyable article, thank you. Your transformation is impressive.

Question: I have a brass UP Mikado in brass which has the earlier narrow stack, I would like to replace it with the later "Sweeney" type large diameter stack. My search for said part has drawn a blank, any ideas where I might find one?

thanks,

Andrew

Maybe

Greenway Products formerly marketed a Sweeney stack to convert USRA locomotives to UP practice. I don't see it on their website at the moment, but you might contact them. http://greenwayproducts.com/

Look at http://greenwayproducts.com/brass-builders-corner-trackside-specialties/stacks-domes-scoops-turrets-and-fans/

Don't wait too long, because they shut down the business from November to April.

Someone may have one sitting in a drawer, as well.

More info would be helpful

This article kind of reminds me of the Monty Python skit “How to do it”.  

I found little about where the detail parts used came from or - like with the running boards, for instance - were fabricated (the latter something of importance to what I hope to do with some engines).  It’s not as if there is a space restriction in MRH, so there’s no reason not to go into detail about the details. It’s an enjoyable article, written well, but of little use to me or, I would think, other Modelers who want to make similar improvements to their motive power.

Still, a gorgeous engine! 

parts

A list of parts used would have been helpful. No mention was made of the doghouse other than it had one. Amazingly the attached drawing is from the author!

...

This article certainly doesn't hold your hand when it comes to brass detailing, and it certainly assumes you the modeler care enough about your prototype to research what kind of equipment is appropriate and then source those parts from what may be available at the time and to research what has been available over time to know what to watch out for as it becomes available through shows or Ebay. 

A parts list might be nice, but there's a high chance at this point the author doesn't even know which manufacturer made what, hence he works from the prototype and from those drawings already published throughout the press and uses the parts that are unique to Frisco.  That means he's spent considerable time getting to know his prototype and further understands individual detail parts enough to tell them apart from each other.  You can't just impart that type of knowledge onto other people through a couple paragraphs.  A road specific list of details parts will not be much help here especially since the author already called out the specific parts use by the Frisco and what parts were replaced within the article.

If you don't know how to cut new running boards from brass sheet stock using published drawings to get the dimensions without being told to do it, I'm not sure if this project is appropriate for you.