Another Engine Joins the Roster - The Third Modified I1

Well, after a one year layover in the shops, my Altoona version I1, 3368, has finally made its initial run in revenue service. It is a Sunset Model with massive modifications and re-detailing primarily done by the late Frank Miller using my photos, parts and prints. 

This was the initial engine of a group of 8 that had me contacting fellows like Bill Brisko, and Steve Grabowski for their unique parts. I also used Dennis and Kathy Mashburn for custom castings. 

Then I commissioned Joe Acri to develop a set of prints from the State Museum in Harrisburg so I could model the class with fine detail. I now own a large set of drawings of all areas of the engine. I think I could build one in full scale almost!

The late Ray Jury had developed a jig to allow me to assemble the Grabowski tank set on the pilot. Ed Rappe and I worked together to get it to be an assembly line as I had 10 to make. 

So, I coupled it up to a scratched L1 that I made out of a Precision K4 boiler and a USH drive to have a nice unique double header pull a train of hoppers. 

We are coming past the Northumberland yard now.

Sure looks nice! It took me a couple of initial tries to get it to run as I had to change out the worm gear as it had Sunset's initial low ratio worm. Fortunately, I had collected some of their later issue worms for a better speed range. 

So, we are passing another engine in that modification class. This is a modernized I1 with an up detailed tender.  It was painted by Lee Turner. It also is a Sunset that has been in helper service. You can see more clearly some of the parts that were changed including the sand dome (Brisko). I also fabricated new parts for a ash pan arrangement that Frank then assembled as he built the engine. These things are on all the engines. 

In this photo you see the distinct view of an Altoona version which does not have a big feedwater heater. Contrast that with the previous view of an I1 which does. 

We are beginning to pass by.

Here is a great view of the contrast. 

Engines are now passing the station.

Here is the L1 that has been running for me for about 23 years. 

Boy, it feels good to see it run! 

I have five more Sunset modified ones to paint and then I have two US Hobbies that I have in various stages of rebuilding. One was done initially by Gary Smith and I have run that one for about 25 years but now I am working on upgrading that tender. Plus I have one that I started on when I lived in Saudi Arabia from 1987 - 89. I have changed that one twice as I obtained more new parts. The US Hobbies are fine runners!

The tender has been extensively modified with Grabowski hatch, new can headlight, riveted back sheet to the coal bunker, grabs and braces on the back sheet, electrical conduits and Key junction castings, and Ted Stepek's tender class etchings. I also milled out the slotted opening in the frame under the water legs. 

And the L1 wraps us up.