Fleet Air Arm Group Build

bondoman wrote:

I commuted for years in old Harriman cars, behind the Sd-45-2. Which was a SD-45 with a steam generator to heat the cars. The road power before that was the Fairbanks Morse Trainmaster, with the OP engine. I own 8 of those, in plastic, N scale. I own a vast and valuable collection of all of the Southern Pacific steam power classes of engines, two each, in N scale, brass. Really probably in the 7 digit range. It's my retirement. Airplane models are my diversion. Cheap too. Do you ever go west, like to Tucson?

7 digits!.....................7!!?? Sounds like each of my hands when I add the extra thumbs! But seriously.....7 digit collection? Are you married?

Bondo, those are beauties mate!!! A cab-forward in N scale, ! Do you have a 'Big Boy'???? That collection........ OH, I'm just imagining the ones you might have!!!!! I have the Bachmann GS-4 in HO I bought years ago, and a few Athearn Daylight cars for it. I would absolutely love to see pics of some more of them!!!!! I have been to the California State Railway Museum several times when I lived in Cal. Do you even have some of the SP Narrow Gauge locos??? I saw an O scale brass Big Boy one time at a model RR shop in Folsom. This was back in the 80's, and the price they had on it then was around the $3,500 mark! Oh, it was gorgious!!!! My mind is wondering and boggling at the same time about your collection. You wouldn't happen to have some that were made at the SLWs would you? Just curious.

Aaron, I wasn't going to rest until I figured out what the type of loco the goose is. It is known as an MK1500D. That class is a rebuild program from Morrison-Knudsen from old GP-7/9/18/and 20 frames built in '96 with a 3512 CAT 12cyl. rated at 1500hp.

http://yardlimit.railfan.net/mk/1500/index.html

My weekend has started! I could go on and on about trains! OH! I remember seeing a freight climbing through Donner Pass eastbound, with about 4 locos on the head end, one of which was a DD40. Then at the tail were 2 SD40T-2's as helpers. That was an awesome display of horsepower! Ok, finished for now.

front to back:

MT-5 4-8-2 Mountain Class

C-9 Consolidated. Edward Harriman has the last laugh, I guess.

GS-5 Golden State 4-8-4

AC-6 with modern cab forward.

I'm a railhead modeler.

Anytime you could hide me in your cab on a shift, let me know. Really. I've got more Southwest tickets than I can ever use.

Bill

 Wow that is some collection Bondo!  Really cool stuff.  That old RR stuff gets pricey to be sure. I have to be content with playing on the real things for now.

 I Never went west though train wise. Like staying close to home now and being home every night since the Army life is over. There are lots of Large yards out that way though.

  Outta share some pics of your Engines they would be cool. Your pretty good at your diversion too. How you find the time I have no idea?

I commuted for years in old Harriman cars, behind the Sd-45-2. Which was a SD-45 with a steam generator to heat the cars. The road power before that was the Fairbanks Morse Trainmaster, with the OP engine. I own 8 of those, in plastic, N scale.

I own a vast and valuable collection of all of the Southern Pacific steam power classes of engines, two each, in N scale, brass. Really probably in the 7 digit range. It's my retirement.

Airplane models are my diversion. Cheap too.

Do you ever go west, like to Tucson?

bondoman wrote:

Earlier today: and then: An' then: A' the': Epilogue: That Mariner'll take a skin full we're I can mount'er.

Bondo,

Ye be a brave sort to attempt a dreaded Mach 2 kit.  That's one of the things keeping me out of th Seaplanes build is that the plane I'd like to build, the SeaDart, is by that dreaded lot.  I have a X-4 by MPM that sits about a third of the way done, because I don't think I could drink enuff to get me in the proper mind to finish it.  I won't give it away because I don't wanna inflict that much pain on someone or ruin a friendship over it(ok kidding about that part, but jus' barely).  I think I'd go with the Marlin if 'twer me.  That lil Seagull uv yers is a bonnie lil build

Nam,

Displacement on demand is very much in use today.  It allows full size pickups and SUV's, along with the higher performance vehicles ie Vettes, Vipers, etc to get the mileage they do.  Was a good idea then, just had to wait for the technology to catch up.

sfcmac wrote:

Ah ! You are very right Nam! The Hybrid term is used as a political tool. People associate Hybrid with a hybrid car. The fuel saving feature is the computer only running the engines need to give the Amps for the electric traction motors. Selling the idea of City Tax payers footing part of the bill as part of a smog reduction plan, well to put it nicely takes political wording. New Hybrid Engines for use only in Houston City area to let our children breath better!  You get the idea I'm sure. Yeah I forgot to mention when your pulling a train most likely all engines will be running but they do shut off the extra's when stopped.

Okay...........like GM in the 80's with their 2-4-6-8 V-8 car engines.....supposedly the engine would shut down two cylinders at a time as needed......yeah, like lugging unused pistons along is saving gasoline. Maybe a fraction....maybe 

 Ah ! You are very right Nam! The Hybrid term is used as a political tool. People associate Hybrid with a hybrid car. The fuel saving feature is the computer only running the engines need to give the Amps for the electric traction motors. Selling the idea of City Tax payers footing part of the bill as part of a smog reduction plan, well to put it nicely takes political wording.

New Hybrid Engines for use only in Houston City area to let our children breath better!  You get the idea I'm sure.

Yeah I forgot to mention when your pulling a train most likely all engines will be running but they do shut off the extra's when stopped.

 Since we never saw a manual or anything the Hybrid nickname stuck. Same as the Goose. I have training manuals for the older and latest GM and EMD locomotives but never seen as much as a pamplet on the other 2. All the maintenace on the Gose's is also contracted out to the same local companies that have worked on them for years.

sfcmac wrote:

Well Nam we expect a full report of the days festivities!  I thinking that paint on the Goose has got to be close to getting dry soon! I have lost track has it been over a week?  Oh well.  On the train Pics You Identifies the SD-40 -2 correctly. The Goose is a good question. They are pretty unique and are former Houston Belt Terminal Engines. Haven't seen the type anywhere but locally used by the Port terminal and the former Belt yards now ran by the BNSF and UP. I have seen one in black with the ame markings otherwise.  No Data plates explaining the model. They have been around since the 1970's and still going strong. Even have a mode switch to change from swithing cars to pulling trains. Great Air conditioning as well making them popular. Everyone just calls them Goose. They are set up very differently as far as engines go. Run on an old catipiller engine from the old constuction vehicles. Very good reliable old engines that have the double brake shoe set up. The Hybrids? I dunno we never had a book or any training on them. Just get in them and go. Figure it out just like in the Army!  There are 3 separate engines inside each with it's own compressor fans and generators. It is all computerized so when the load reaches a point the others start and shut off as needed. Fuel saving stuff. Took some getting used to but they work well for the most part. Working out the bugs. Mostly computer stuff as when switching cars with the single engine started would not build speed fast enough to get a good kick. Now a software upgrade has been installed to remedy that.  They are a big deal with the city of Houston footing some of their cost. Usual dog and pony shows for the politions as well. I'll keep my eye out and take as clear a shot as I can for different types and colors.

Aaron......I'm not a nitpicker.......I'm interested in the RR info. But how does the term 'hybrid' work into these engines? Isn't it all still diesel/electric?..... with the traction motors...fuel.....and engines......where does the hybrid come in?

I am just asking! 

 Well Nam we expect a full report of the days festivities!  I thinking that paint on the Goose has got to be close to getting dry soon! I have lost track has it been over a week?  Oh well.

 On the train Pics You Identifies the SD-40 -2 correctly. The Goose is a good question. They are pretty unique and are former Houston Belt Terminal Engines. Haven't seen the type anywhere but locally used by the Port terminal and the former Belt yards now ran by the BNSF and UP. I have seen one in black with the ame markings otherwise.  No Data plates explaining the model. They have been around since the 1970's and still going strong. Even have a mode switch to change from swithing cars to pulling trains. Great Air conditioning as well making them popular. Everyone just calls them Goose. They are set up very differently as far as engines go. Run on an old catipiller engine from the old constuction vehicles. Very good reliable old engines that have the double brake shoe set up.

The Hybrids? I dunno we never had a book or any training on them. Just get in them and go. Figure it out just like in the Army!  There are 3 separate engines inside each with it's own compressor fans and generators. It is all computerized so when the load reaches a point the others start and shut off as needed. Fuel saving stuff. Took some getting used to but they work well for the most part. Working out the bugs. Mostly computer stuff as when switching cars with the single engine started would not build speed fast enough to get a good kick. Now a software upgrade has been installed to remedy that.

 They are a big deal with the city of Houston footing some of their cost. Usual dog and pony shows for the politions as well.

I'll keep my eye out and take as clear a shot as I can for different types and colors.

I seems to be off with a wench! Wish her luck! YaaaaaHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaaaaaa!

OOOOOOOOH! I hate getting behind on posts in this thread! (Because I actually sleep sometimes!).....and since I don't know how to nest quotes......I must read more closely and reply to all these great quotes without looking like an idiot! (Tough for me!)

Thank ye kindly fer the pix Aaron!!!!! Loved them!!! That hybrid is an alright looking machine I reckon! Three stacks??? Does that mean three lil engines? What's the HP rating? Loved the old colors of BN! I'll go green my way thanks! SD40-2? What is the 'Blue Goose' ? A GP39-2,or is it one of the many rebuild program offspring? Good view from the cab!

Nice SBD and Cat pix as well!!! Nice lil Tiger Moth tucked under the wing. Got a full aerobatic flight in one about 4 years ago. The video tells the story, I tilted my head back as we were entering the loop and coming out of it the sun hit just right and I was grinnin' from ear to ear!!! The engines on the Cat are rather odd to me. Don't think I've ever seen a cat with front mounted mags. Of course those probably aren't the originals. Great pix!

This is my long work weekend, 12hrs today, and another 2morra. Monday, Tuesday off. YIPPEE!! No rest for the wicked, or the bill payers. Night all!

 Sleep? Hard at work I was!  Come aboard to find an empty bottle and two more sea planes still in their boxes.  The guns are manned! The shot replaced by empty bottle instead of iron ball! Who is responsible? Is my paint dry yet?

 Nam if their be a woman about I hope she has no virtues to be lost and Bondo where be this Band Commander?  Replaced Fogerty? Hope he fares better! No officier types to be seen an discipline is low but morale neer higher! 

Sleep? Time for that later! When the bones be molderin with Davy Jones!

A'fer the heck of it' there must be a priest sayin' Mass elsewhere an' yer all away.

1 bell in th after an' I,m in m' hammock, wots were a promisin week.

Sleep well me 'eartys.

Earlier today:

and then:

An' then:

A' the':

Epilogue: That Mariner'll take a skin full we're I can mount'er.

Keepin' yer belayin pin athwart me gunport, a be' thankin ye.

It's 8 bells an' a half in the Afternoon.

As the Officer on Deck for this watch, I've taken the swig o' elocushin", (glug here), and whistle the men up on deck.

MAA you are the Gun Captain, on account as you can shoot the big ones.

Midshipmen ran away after I entertained them, but if Raider13  would come to arms, the MAA will render you into service.

At this point on deck, we turn and salute the Officers! (glug)(glug)

CAG we have a new conscript, and maybe one other.

XO, It's a Rum thing, an wake up.

Captain, (glug)

ummmhhh, were's the mouse?

LtCmr : now here we have a man upon whic' (glug) we can focus.

Be there a dram?

(glug)

MAA

Dam yer eyes!

Welcome aboard Commander of the Band Trexx!

Aaarrgghhhhhh! Things be quiet! Good....Ye all be abuildin'!

I sense the presence of LCdr. Bondoman.....buts I smells no rum nor do I hear a female in fear of her virtue! Sumpin' be amiss!

I'll jest juggle some belayin' pins and let 'em fall where they may! 

Say! IIRC, you've posted these before somewhere (probably here), but it's great to view them again! TY!

I remember thinking that if I ever hit the Lotto jackpot, I'd buy that museum a larger building!

TX after all is my 'adopted' home state! Many, many friends there (some of whom I've actually met!)....and I owe my life to Audie Murphy VAMC and U of TX Med Center!

 Good Morning to you! Here are a couple from last trip. Let me know if anyone nees specifics.

Good Morning!

Buddy and Aaron.....Nice of you to be thinking of me about those photos! Thank you! Remember, Frankie also has a PBY on order from Tower Hobbies.....though the release date has been pushed back now to September.

The train pics are cool! Love trains! 

 Lewbud it is an OK store. Kinda over priced but has some odd kits. Lots of Railroad and Remote control stuff mostly. The Lingerie store next to it can be quite entertaining too! There is another further down by Chile's resteraunt. Same parking lot and next to Office depot called Olympia Hobbies.  It is on the same side of 45 as the one you saw but off Nasa road 1 . Just seems like a friendlier place to me. Then you have the Hobby Lobby right in between them.

 Nothing in the Mall as far as models go. Everything is on the North Bound side. You need to holler at me next time you head down to the Flight Museum. Wouldn't mind meeting you down there to take some pics for Nam. Think I showed him a few on his SBD build page ? Nope that was Alabama! The  Battleship Memorial Museum in Mobile. Not a bad trip and lots of the Old Monogram aircraft are there. The B-52, B-25 extc. Even a Gato Submarine and an SR-71.  I'll have to see if I can find some of Galveston. May need to make another trip there.

Lets see, thinking of pictures I took my camera with me back to work last night. Trying to figure out the setting as it is pretty darn dark there at night. Took a few as promised of the new Hybrid Engines.

Some of the Blue Goose I was on last night and of the Houston skyline in the distance. 

And of my pit.

We didn't have any road power in the yard last night but I'll stay sharp for those old colors requested. May be a good idea to start a thread in odds and ins if I get a lot of pics to show.  There were some beauties the other night but it was storming and couldn't get the camera to cooperate.  Well Sleepy time see ya's in a few!

sfcmac wrote:

WOW ! I live by Ellington Field. (Houston Texas ) My Vulcan is made by General Electric as oppossed to Avro and it doesn't fly very well or very far ( Usually) But I must agree that is a beautiful Jet! Looks like it belongs in a Pink Floyd movie or Sci Fi film even today.

Well, since you mentioned the Goose and Ventura I just figgerred.  I was down your way Monday, went to the Lone Star Flight Museum.  I bet if Nam asked real nice, you might be able to get him some pics of the SBD and PBY.  Passed a hobby shop there at Eldorado and 45, is it any good?  Since the demise of Island Hobbies, there just isn't a good hobby shop in the Houston area.

Aye, but it'll be a Rum time in me locker tomorra! Hoping that scurvy rat Trexx drags'is hide o'er ta the foc'sul locker. As fer the rest o' ye here's ta Friday!!!

AAARRRGGGHHH

bondoman wrote:

Or Thunderball...

Or the Bondoman's scurvy locker! YeeeeeeeeHeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Hangin' 'ere ye be! Leavin' the MAA watchin' the deck!

sfcmac wrote:

Ah ya be too kind sir, That was my practice before I tackle the Buchanan we spoke of. My wife is wanted me to buld her father's ship and I want to do a good job on it! Right after I get caught up on the Goose , Ventura, and Vulcan I should be ready!

Ahhh, the Vulcan  What a gorgeous bird in flight.  Got to see one as a wee lad at Ellington Field one summer.  The vids on Youtube just don't do her justice.