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Model Railroader’s Guide to Diesel Locomotives By Jeff Wilson
Model Railroaders Diesel Locomotives By Jeff Wilson
Softcover 87 Pages
Copyright 2009
INTRODUCTION
It wasn't that long ago that modelers had to settle for many compromises on models, including wide hoods (to accommodate bulky motors), unprototypically heavy handrails and stanchions, molded-on grab irons, and limited details. Into the 1990s, to get a highly detailed locomotive meant buying a model, adding several packets of detail parts, painting it, and lettering it with decals.
Today's models have a high level of realistic details, including separate grab irons, air hoses, uncoupling levers, windshield wipers, antenna, sunshades, and lift rings, to mention just a few. Handrails and other thin-profile parts are realistically scaled, window glazing is flush fitting, and many models include cab interior detail and figures and realistic lighting (including ditch lights, warning lights, and dimmable headlights).
Many locomotive models come in different versions to match specific prototype railroads or production phases, with varying details such as headlight style and placement, pilots, truck sideframes, fuel tanks, horns, and even body styles. In addition, the paint schemes available match specific real paint jobs, including paint and lettering variations on schemes and multiple road numbers.
Even though many of these models are produced in limited runs, the emergence of on-line stores and auction services such as eBay means that if a model has been produced, it's available for sale somewhere.
This evolution of models has had a dramatic impact the hobby, in that fewer modelers are taking the time to superdetail, kitbash, paint, and detail diesel models. Detailing diesels can still be a rewarding part of the hobby, as even with the wide selection of beautiful models, there are many opportunities for improving them with a little time and effort, as I explained in The Model Railroader's Guide to Detailing Diesels.
Even with all of these great models available, it's essential to know a bit about real locomotives in order to achieve a realistic model railroad. Understanding how the diesel locomotive came to be, how diesel-electrics work, and how they have evolved will help you match the appropriate locomotives with the era and railroad you model.
This book is designed to be a modelers guide to real diesel locomotives, with information on the history, spotting features and differences, and characteristics of diesel locomotives. Handy charts show the years that each prototype locomotive was built, with a guide to the service life of each model.
The book will also be of interest to railfans who want to know about diesel locomotive history, differences, and operations. Included are listings of most prototype locomotives produced, including the years (and number) built and in service and their basic spotting features.
Most diesel locomotives were in production for several years-not like automobiles, where every year sees a new model or a significant revision to an existing model. Locomotive builders generally introduce new models for significant changes, such as a new engine or boost in horsepower. Details often change during each locomotive's production run. These can be large or small and reflect changes to upgrade performance, or replace troublesome components. Examples include changes in grille and louver location, handrail style, and window style or location.
All pictures are of the actual item. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
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