Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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I've wanted to build a "GO Train" for some time (the prototype is a commuter train in the Toronto area). Decent coaches are available from Athearn. However, the locomotive is a bit trickier. A company called True Line Trains did manufacture a MP40 at one point, but I haven't been able to find one on the used market. Instead, I decided to take one of their MP36 models and repaint it. This is the first time I've tried doing this. First, the prototype. tulit attached the following image(s):
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 4 users liked this useful post by tulit
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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The model I'm starting with is the TLT Metrolink MP36PH-3C. Some details between it and the MP40 do exist (location of number boards/etc). I figure it's close enough for what I'm trying to accomplish. The whole line seems to have been discontinued. I picked this one up on clearance with a ESU Loksound V4 already installed. This was the first North American locomotive I've bought. I think we have a lot to be thankful for regarding the quality of Marklin items compared to these (this locomotive was originally not cheap ($350)!). tulit attached the following image(s):
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 3 users liked this useful post by tulit
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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As I mentioned, Athearn makes a decent quality coach set. There are some additional coaches, as well as a cab control car available as well. The quality of these aren't bad. Only complaint really is that there seems to be a lot of overspray in the painting of them. I found a nice decal set for the locomotive as well which will make the change of livery all that much easier. tulit attached the following image(s):
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 2 users liked this useful post by tulit
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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First step was to strip the locomotive all the seperately applied parts (handrails/etc). I wanted to remove the windows as well, but they were heavily cemented in place. I had to settle for carefully needing to mask them all. It took a few coats of primer to get rid of the all the existing details on the locomotive. Next came the base white coat, followed by a emerald green coat. The masking may not be perfectly prototypical, but since this was just a first experiment, I decided to stick with what was simpler. tulit attached the following image(s):
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 4 users liked this useful post by tulit
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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Remaining still is to paint the roof black, add the decals and reinstall all of the separately applied parts. It looks pretty bare right now. Finally, I'll want to convert it to three rail operation. I'll likely install the pick up shoe on one of the coaches and make use of current conducting couplers. There isn't much room under the bogies on the locomotive to easily fit a slider. tulit attached the following image(s):
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 4 users liked this useful post by tulit
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Joined: 30/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 121 Location: Allegany
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I saw those coaches at credit valley railroad in mississauga, how well do they fit on marklin track?
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Joined: 01/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 115 Location: Wales
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I bought a couple of these coaches in Metra colours when they were first released.
Two potential problems with them on Marklin track:
They don't tolerate tight curves. You'll probably need R4 minimum.
They have very fine wheel flanges. Looks great, but they're much smaller than Marklin so you may have trouble with derailments if the track isn't spot on. As they have inside bearings it wouldn't be easy to swap the wheels or adjust the gauge (if needed), plus larger flanges would probably hit the coach floor.
They're beautiful models, about the only thing wrong with mine is the lack of head/tail lighting on the cab car. |
You can never have too many Silberlinge |
 1 user liked this useful post by Dangermouse
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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Originally Posted by: Dangermouse  I bought a couple of these coaches in Metra colours when they were first released.
Two potential problems with them on Marklin track:
They don't tolerate tight curves. You'll probably need R4 minimum.
They have very fine wheel flanges. Looks great, but they're much smaller than Marklin so you may have trouble with derailments if the track isn't spot on. As they have inside bearings it wouldn't be easy to swap the wheels or adjust the gauge (if needed), plus larger flanges would probably hit the coach floor.
They're beautiful models, about the only thing wrong with mine is the lack of head/tail lighting on the cab car. I haven't tried them yet. I will report back once I've had a chance.
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Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,871 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Nice project!
Let us know how it pans out! |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 30/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 121 Location: Allegany
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Sorry what I saw was Rapido Go train coaches. Dose anyone know how they run on m track.
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Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,243 Location: Montreal, QC
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 1 user liked this useful post by mike c
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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Here's the roof painted and the decals applied. I still need to add back in some of the details (handrails/etc). It took on a bit of a fantasy livery, but pretty happy still with the way it turned out. tulit attached the following image(s):
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Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC) Views messages in topic : 400
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Originally Posted by: mike c  Hi Mike. The F59's are mostly retired and replaced with the MP-40's now. I didn't think F59's still ran, but I actually saw some running just this last Friday.
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