My roster of Tyco locomotives

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Topic:

Topic author: RP model railroads
Subject: My roster of Tyco locomotives
Posted on: August 14 2017 1:05:54 PM
Message:

Greetings! I created this topic to display the Tyco locomotives which serve on my freelanced, autumn-themed layout. I will continue to add to this original post when new Tyco locomotives are added to my currently small yet exotic collection. Stay tuned for future comments to this original post, which will document my latest Tyco locomotive additions.


Pennsylvania RR GG1 #4173 (Tuscan Red): This was my very first Tyco locomotive and it just so happened to be a model of one of my all-time favorite trains.



Once I realized that Tyco produced a GG1 in the Brunswick Green scheme, I began searching earnestly for a good deal on one and found at first a "for parts" GG1. It was successfully returned to operation, however after a short time, the motor died (causing me to eventually "dummy-ize" it.) After this first loss, I was able to obtain a Brunswick Green GG1 in perfect operating condition, and this is the very locomotive that's pictured above.



Penn Central F9A #4751, with the white PC logo. I added the decal on the nose for realism's sake.



Although it may be hard to perceive, the trailing B-unit is in fact, made by Tyco. The leading Santa Fe F9 A-unit #347 was manufactured by (I believe) LifeLike.



Formerly Spirit of '76 Tyco C430, I spraypainted and decaled this unit to become New York Central Alco C430 #4301 (in keeping with Tyco's original numbering.) Oddly enough, Tyco never produced a C430 locomotive in NYC livery.



Santa Fe GP20 #5628: I was informed by the original owner that they had originally purchased this unit back in the '60s, and that with a little oil, it would run forever. Truly, this GP20 is a trooper (already over 50 years old) and still hauling freight on my layout.



Formerly a Rock Island Shark, this unit I customized through repainting, decaling, and some kitbashing on the trainphone antennas, to become Pennsylvania RR RF-16 #2005. Although it took over 3 weeks to complete this project, beings that the decals were annoyingly weak, it was well worth the wait!

Below is a list of Tyco locomotives which have yet to be added to my collection, as they are currently awaiting repair of some kind:

- Rock Island Shark and Caboose
- Penn Central F9A (Dummy) #9451, with "red" PC logo
- Pennsylvania RR GG1 (Dummy) Brunswick Green #4173
- Pennsylvania RR F7A Brunswick Green #9769

Replies:

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: August 14 2017 3:00:58 PM
Message:

https://youtu.be/vrLggUbJAJw
Small and eclectic, you speaka my language.
Great photos and very nicely done ballasting-
on vintage brass rail. Look forward to seeing
more. I also like the green carpet for grass-
very Tyco, very '70's. Nice touch.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 15 2017 1:02:20 PM
Message:

quote:

https://youtu.be/vrLggUbJAJw Small and eclectic, you speaka my language. Great photos and very nicely done ballasting- on vintage brass rail. Look forward to seeing more. I also like the green carpet for grass- very Tyco, very '70's. Nice touch. Originally posted by Chops124 - August 14 2017 :  3:00:58 PM

Reply author: AMC_Gremlin_GT
Replied on: August 16 2017 11:58:23 PM
Message:

You have some nice hardware there, and your custom work is pretty sharp, too. Wish I was more into painting, but I"m more the mechanical fix-it guy rather than the detailing guy. But I like what you've done to your Tyco engines. :) Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. I'll have to check out the Dollar Store for green mats, can't say I've ever seen any in there, myself. Was it a seasonal acquisition?

Jerry

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 17 2017 12:52:16 PM
Message:

quote:

You have some nice hardware there, and your custom work is pretty sharp, too. Wish I was more into painting, but I"m more the mechanical fix-it guy rather than the detailing guy. But I like what you've done to your Tyco engines. :) Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. I'll have to check out the Dollar Store for green mats, can't say I've ever seen any in there, myself. Was it a seasonal acquisition? Jerry Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GT - August 16 2017 :  11:58:23 PM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 18 2017 3:22:53 PM
Message:

The Rock Island RR Shark along with a RI caboose, has now arrived on the layout! The Shark was repaired in that it received a new airhorn as well as the installation of Calumet traction tires. This Shark appears to be right at home in the autumn foliage.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 24 2017 6:42:57 PM
Message:

Good evening, all!

I am pleased to announce that the Midnight Special RF-16 Shark and caboose have now been added to my locomotive roster! This pair is in great condition and I'm sure that they'll operate on my layout for years to come.




Behind the Scenes: When I first obtained these, the Sharknose locomotive ran well, but after oiling the drive gear, it began to experience "gear-slipping" issues. By reading up on a Model Railroader Magazine thread from someone who had experienced the same problem, I applied a very small amount of epoxy glue to the armature shaft and re-affixed the drive gear to it. Since then, it has run without an issue.

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: August 24 2017 6:57:44 PM
Message:

hey, RP
I was thinking of this & yes it is cool but I prolly would of put the NYC logo on the side of loco instead of underneath the cab window
then put 4301 under the cab window

My opinion of course

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 24 2017 9:09:23 PM
Message:

quote:

hey, RP I was thinking of this & yes it is cool but I prolly would of put the NYC logo on the side of loco instead of underneath the cab window then put 4301 under the cab window My opinion of course Originally posted by microbusss - August 24 2017 :  6:57:44 PM

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: August 24 2017 10:26:35 PM
Message:

quote:

Good evening microbusss, About the customized NYC C430, I actually decaled it to model the real thing, which featured the NYC logo on the cab side rather than on the side of the locomotive. Take a look below-- Unfortunately, with Tyco's C430 shell, there wasn't enough room for number decals.... I tried first using slightly-smaller NYC logos, but the cab side's texture caused the decal to not apply very well, so I had to go with the larger logos. Still looks good! Originally posted by RP model railroads - August 24 2017 :  9:09:23 PM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: August 31 2017 9:43:32 PM
Message:

Here is a video I just took of the Midnight Special Shark #1060 and caboose operating on my layout. Hope you all enjoy!


https://vimeo.com/231925236

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: August 31 2017 11:46:53 PM
Message:

think I would of used CCR's Midnight Special

but cool video anyway

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 01 2017 01:42:01 AM
Message:

Really nice vid, I got a chuckle out of the phone booth-
you don't see those anymore!! I hope you post more
videos, I rather enjoy it, particularly, when as you
did, a little music is tacked on. Your layout is small,
but well thought out. I often think it takes more
imagination to create a small scene than a big
one- you really have to think about every small
thing and how it fits into a bigger picture.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 02 2017 07:09:17 AM
Message:

Thanks both microbusss and Chops 124! I appreciate your comments.

And, I do look forward to posting more videos of my layout in the future!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 13 2017 10:18:57 PM
Message:

Recently, I received a message from Chops regarding how he took videos of his layouts from a 1/87th scale perspective. I immediately was inspired by his method, and decided to harness his procedure to use on the Ephrata Valley Railroad. Finding a good price on Ebay for the HotWheels Video Racer cam, I snagged it and received it a couple days ago. Proceeding to read the manual, I set the camera to long exposure and affixed it to a Union Pacific RR flatcar by a rubber band. The "camera crew" employed both the flatcar and Southern RR GP38 #5056 in order to get the job done.



First, I sent the GP38 barrelling down the tracks and after nearly a minute, slowed the speed to be more prototypical. I then downloaded and edited the video in MovieMaker - simply splicing the video together/brightening things up.

Here is the final result: https://vimeo.com/233711744

Now, the HotWheels Video Racer is not the most "high-tech" mini-camera available, so the video is slightly fuzzy and a bit dark. But, it is the first step towards the forthcoming production of awesome 1/87th scale videos on the Ephrata Valley Railroad! Thanks Chops for informing me of such a camera and its capabilities. :)

P.S. You will notice that I managed to escape being caught on cam....that's because "the giant" hid behind the Horseshoe Curve Branch Line as the 1/87th camera crew accomplished its task.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 13 2017 11:15:34 PM
Message:

A pleasure to watch. I spotted the Reading Geep and a rarely seen
green Great Northern pulpwood car. I was surprised how smooth
the ride was. My attempts bang all over the place- maybe I need
to try the rubber band trick.

You could also "drive" us viewers through the town!

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: September 13 2017 11:39:11 PM
Message:

well I'm planning on upgrading my Lionel RailScope with a COLOR cam instead
I will try to power cam off of tracks while a 9v rechargable battery keeps cam on when stopped

Course someday I will try to get a matching caboose for it made

Reply author: scsshaggy
Replied on: September 14 2017 11:10:51 AM
Message:

I think the second half at the slower speed was an improvement. It gave one time to look at the layout and it wasn't quite so dizzying.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 14 2017 3:16:16 PM
Message:

quote:

A pleasure to watch. I spotted the Reading Geep and a rarely seen green Great Northern pulpwood car. I was surprised how smooth the ride was. My attempts bang all over the place- maybe I need to try the rubber band trick. You could also "drive" us viewers through the town! Originally posted by Chops124 - September 13 2017 :  11:15:34 PM

Thanks Chops!! Yeah, it turned out that using a single rubber band, wrapped twice, served to hold the Video Racer cam well.

Actually, I was thinking of "driving" the cam through the town myself, just to see how it would look from a "driver's" perspective. I think I will try that soon!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 14 2017 3:17:52 PM
Message:

quote:

I think the second half at the slower speed was an improvement. It gave one time to look at the layout and it wasn't quite so dizzying. Originally posted by scsshaggy - September 14 2017 :  11:10:51 AM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 14 2017 3:20:04 PM
Message:

quote:

well I'm planning on upgrading my Lionel RailScope with a COLOR cam instead I will try to power cam off of tracks while a 9v rechargable battery keeps cam on when stopped Course someday I will try to get a matching caboose for it made Originally posted by microbusss - September 13 2017 :  11:39:11 PM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 15 2017 3:23:47 PM
Message:

NEW Additons: Twin Southern Pacific RR Sharks.

About a week or two ago, I found a great deal on Ebay for these twin Tyco Southern Pacific RR RF-16 "Sharks," that are brand new in their original box. One is the powered locomotive, while the other is the "dummy" version.



Upon taking them out of the box, I put the locomotive on the tracks for a test run and nothing happened...... I tried manually pushing and pulling the locomotive a bit to see if it would jostle the gears, but still, nothing. Concerned, I then turned to using a screwdriver to tinker with the gears as I sparingly lubed them, which caused a low buzzing sound to be audible and the headlight to light-up, but still, no movement. I then gently cleaned the gears with rubbing alcohol, and proceeded to re-lube both the gears and axles. After this, the locomotive shuttered and began a slow crawl around the layout. Following the Tyco manual found within the box, I "broke-in" the Shark and then attached the dummy SP Shark to it. By this point, the pair was operating wonderfully.



Lastly, I removed the factory-installed traction tires and replaced them with Calumet ones. Now, these two Southern Pacific "Daylight" Sharks have been assigned to freight duty on the Ephrata Valley Railroad, and can haul (currently) 6 cars with no issues at all. I will be testing out a 7th car, and hope to obtain a Daylight caboose to match these Sharks. Very pleased to now have these in the roster!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 22 2017 4:39:30 PM
Message:

About that metallic red Shark....unfortunately, I couldn't get the motor to work, for it appears that it was burned-out long ago. Nevertheless, it is a great display piece!

Here is how it appears now - I stripped the paint using Goof-Off, hoping to find an inner layer of paint (possibly the original), but apparently the former owner must have stripped the old scheme prior to repainting it to metallic red. To retain the original metal look, I used brillo/steel wool to remove age-corrosion. Lastly, I super-glued a loop-n-hook coupler assembly to the front truck for realism in display. At least it'll have a quiet retirement.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 22 2017 5:28:20 PM
Message:

Wow, some remarkable pieces. I'm pretty sure there is a lot of
data in here that could get your all metal Shark fired up. If you
haven't discovered already, those pancake motors are pure
junk and are likely to either slip the pinion drive gear or just
burn up with a puff of gray smoke. You sound like you know
a thing or two, so apologies if I am preaching to the choir.

Myself, I replaced some pancakes with the older Mantual
powered trucks- not always so easy because the motor
mounts varied from year to year, or in two instances
a guy milled down some Model Power shark chassis
to fit the Tyco shell.

I sure hope you post some more videos- I'd really like to
see your astonishing Horseshoe Curve in action with all
three lines lit up.

If you don't mind me asking, not a lot of younger people
drawn to this hobby, much less funky old Tyco. How did
you get into this line?

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 22 2017 5:58:05 PM
Message:

Yeah, I analyzed the motor and it's definitely a goner since there are a few broken wires visible in the spindle at the end of the motor, signs that it burned-out at some point. I tried to transplate a Tyco F7 motor from the 1960's into the Shark's powered truck, but unfortunately, it didn't work either. :( Still a nice addition to the roster, though!

I definitely plan to post more videos, of both the Horseshoe Curve Branch Line and the Ephrata Valley Railroad. In fact, I think I'll publish my Horsehose Curve Weekly post (posted every Saturday on my website), under the TF Railroader News tomorrow.

To be honest, I've been interested in model railroading for as long as I can remember, due to the N-Scale Christmas layout being set up every year under the Christmas tree. Those memories inspired me to build a small N-Scale layout for all-year use. That was a few years ago at this point, and that layout has been dismantled. 2 years ago, I started constructing the Ephrata Valley Railroad (my first opportunity to run the HO-Scale train set I received from a customer of my mother and father's home repair business years prior.) Since then, it has been a roller-coaster of model railroad fun, including the construction of the Horseshoe Curve Branch Line almost a year ago, in 2 months.

I became interested in Tyco when I obtained the Tuscan Red GG1 #4173, which I was immediately captivated with. I soon began searching for the Brunswick Green version, and since then, many more Tycos have been added to the roster. I found the Tyco Forum a while ago and explored around it as a guest. I finally decided to become a member a month ago, and I'm sure glad I did.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: September 22 2017 9:25:38 PM
Message:

Nice to see "The next generation" getting into the fun that is Tyco. I love that metal shark. Those are beasts.

I just turned 40 and my first set was a Tyco Silver Streak. I love small HO layouts and yours is amazingly detailed for its size. Keep 'em coming.

DM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 22 2017 9:36:23 PM
Message:

Congratulations on just turning 40. I agree, Tyco equipment is a lot of fun! Thank you as well for your comments on the Ephrata Valley Railroad, I truly appreciate it.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: September 22 2017 9:51:08 PM
Message:

There's another shark on eBay now pretty reasonably priced in the original paint.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HO-scale-tyco-Diecast-rare-sharknose-shark-nose-1957-Mantua-2231-/263207813284?hash=item3d486880a4:g:sAUAAOSwXvNZuyrD

Maybe cobble together a powered and a dummy with parts from this one?

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 22 2017 10:05:51 PM
Message:

quote:

There's another shark on eBay now pretty reasonably priced in the original paint. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HO-scale-tyco-Diecast-rare-sharknose-shark-nose-1957-Mantua-2231-/263207813284?hash=item3d486880a4:g:sAUAAOSwXvNZuyrD Maybe cobble together a powered and a dummy with parts from this one? Originally posted by DanMacK - September 22 2017 :  9:51:08 PM

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 23 2017 01:05:59 AM
Message:

RP, you bring a lot to the table. I will be looking forward to
the Horseshoe Curve weekly. My great grandfather worked
on PRR his entire life, as a brake man, from the days of the
link and pin couplers. I have an old Super 8 video of a
a double header of what, was it, Mikados, or something
big and black, pounding up the curve while he and my
grand father wipe the cinders from their eyes.

Funny how railroading can be in a person's blood. My
good friend is a UP engineer, and his mom tells me that
when he was a little toddler, he pull himself up when the
train would go by and strain to see out the window.

I got to travel a little on trains both stateside and in
Europe back in the early 1960's- back when one
still took the train to get somewhere on a regular
basis. Now everyone just flies or drives. It was a
lovely time. Always had a good ride on a train
whether it was Canada, the US, or the Soviet Union.
Yep, sure did.

Like Dan, I find small layouts fascinating. And I like
particularly enjoy Tyco layouts- it's like seeing a
piece of folk art, which it legitmately is.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: September 23 2017 7:18:44 PM
Message:

Well, it's a shot in the dark, but you could also see what's up with it.

Also, what's up with the motor in the one you have? Have you disassembled it completely?

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 23 2017 10:31:43 PM
Message:

Mine is the original "pancake motor" that would've been installed in the metal Shark from production. And, yes, I have disassembled the motor truck down to the point where I could literally remove the motor - thus discovering that it had burned out in the past for several wires in the "wire spindle" were visibly split.....

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 23 2017 11:41:26 PM
Message:

I am surprised, I thought the metal shark would have had the older
MU2 motor. I might have an extra Tyco Pancake I pulled out of
another unit (to install an MU2) should you need it.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: September 23 2017 11:57:25 PM
Message:

The metal shark should have had the pre-MU-2 *MU-1? lol_ truck in it. look at http://hoseeker.net/assemblyexplosionMantua/mantuadieaselsharkpg2.jpg to see what the armature should look like. Take a couple of pics of the motor and post them here.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: September 24 2017 08:01:06 AM
Message:

Yep, correction, it is a MU-style motor -- I was confused at first. The motor itself appears okay, but upon closer examination, at least 2-3 wires are visibly split in the spindle-wire part at the back (or front) of the motor.

Here's a photo of the motor - note that a few of the wires on top of the wire spindle are broken, and that the gear closest to the damaged side of the motor is slightly stripped.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: September 24 2017 09:51:13 AM
Message:

Yeah, it's pooched, lol. Sometimes they can be resoldered, and that might be salvagable, but I'd say go for the eBay shark. if it runs off 9V, it should be good on 12.

Reply author: Heihachi_73
Replied on: September 25 2017 02:15:45 AM
Message:

If it didn't run off 9V it would be considered junk or due for a complete rebuild. I use an old 6V Eveready Dolphin lantern battery to test my locos if I haven't got anything set up.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: September 25 2017 2:36:42 PM
Message:

Yikes. Someone had fun with that old Shark.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 07 2017 5:55:31 PM
Message:

I have finally obtained the Burlington Northern RR Sharknose diesel, #415! Upon taking it out of the box, it didn't run. I lubed the gears and axles, but still no movement. I observed the underside of the BN Shark, and it seems that whoever last ran the locomotive, must have re-mounted the front motor truck back in improperly, for the brass contact wheels were on the same side on both trucks. After a swift rotation of the front truck and placing it back on the track, boom, instant movement. I let it run around in forward and reverse for a bit and it looks like it was barely ever run, for after about 10 minutes of this procedure, the PT motor seemed to get stronger than at the start and now works reliably each time power is sent down the tracks. I expected to have needed to change the traction tires, but it is pulling 5 cars and a BN caboose without hassle, which is awesome!



Here's a video of the Burlington Northern Shark operating on the Ephrata Valley Railroad - Enjoy!
https://vimeo.com/237238414

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 16 2017 9:58:28 PM
Message:

The twin Tyco Delaware and Hudson RR Sharks #1205 & #1216, have now arrived on my layout, and I am so excited to share about them!!!



The powered Shark in the lead was one I had found in an Ebay buy-it-now listing a month or so ago, and was able to obtain it at a good price. Shortly after that, I won an auction for a dummy D&H Shark for only $8.00, but my main purpose upon receiving it was to keep it for parts, as the rear stepladder was broken on the shell, while the horn, headlight, couplers, and dummy trucks/covers were in perfect shape! A BIG shout-out to Chops, who graciously bid on an auction for a second powered D&H Shark, and won it successfully at a great price, in order to trade for the Conrail switcher I had!!! Thanks Chops!

I just received the second powered D&H Shark this afternoon, and set to removing the power trucks and replacing them with the dummy trucks. After about 5 minutes of prep, I then had the powered and dummy Delaware & Hudson RR Sharks, and both in great shape! Then, I replaced the original traction tires on the powered locomotive with Calumets, and lubed the drive gear, resulting in an excellent operating experience!!



Here is a video of both D&H Sharks, hauling a 7 freight-car load on the Ephrata Valley Railroad. Enjoy! - https://vimeo.com/238508703

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: October 16 2017 10:53:31 PM
Message:

quote:

Sounds like an awesome project, microbusss! Good luck on it! Originally posted by RP model railroads - September 14 2017 :  3:20:04 PM

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: October 17 2017 11:13:23 AM
Message:

Smooth running! I hear that the Tyco D&H caboose is one of the
most rare finds.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 17 2017 1:12:51 PM
Message:

Yes, I heard that also. Will have to keep a look-out for it.

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: October 17 2017 2:50:30 PM
Message:

Yeah that DNH Caboose is one of the hardest ones to find. Congrats on the acquisition of the Delaware and Hudson sharks. I think that's my favorite paint scheme I love the blue bonnet. I just got a new shark too LOL but it's a little bit rarer than the DNH one.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 17 2017 7:30:31 PM
Message:

Thanks guys! Yes, I am THRILLED to have the Tyco D&H Sharks in my roster!!

DanMacK, hope you post your latest Shark to the TF. Just wondering, what Shark is it?? NYC?

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 20 2017 10:06:00 PM
Message:

Latest project:

Restoring a Tyco "Super" Alco C630 for the Chessie System. I received only the shell from Chops thanks to another successful trade...and since then, I have been able to restore the once shell to a fully operating Chessie C630! I installed the metal handrails, added the horn, headlights/number plates, vampire trucks, truck covers, weight, and weight covers.





I also added Calumet traction tires to all 3 driver wheels....but because I lubed it, I now have to deal with it being willing to haul only 3 cars up a fairly-average inclined curve track to the bridge on the outer line of my layout. Must be because of the fact that the beast keeps leaving excess oil behind on the rails that is interfering with operation.

Stay tuned for video!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 29 2017 1:40:45 PM
Message:

Went to the Nicholas Smith Train Store in Broomall, PA, yesterday, and came home with these gems! Wow!

A Tyco Autoloader with all cars, 1890 SF passenger coach, Union Pacific Piggyback car, a Rivarossi PRR Wreck Crane and Maintenance Car, Tyco/Mantua Northern Pacific F9 A & B (how rare are these - I have never seen them on Ebay?) a bag of plastic cars/trucks, and some HO accesories.

Still working on getting the NP F-units to operate properly.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: October 29 2017 2:46:00 PM
Message:

Dang! Quite a Tyco Mega Score. I rather like the autos on the left,
in the particular, they are Mega Cheezy- just right for the style!
Looks to be an MU2 on that NP. Did you manage to get those
NP coaches???

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: October 29 2017 3:19:44 PM
Message:

about the bad motor on the Shark?

I know a friend who has painstakingly rewound motors like that

Reply author: walt
Replied on: October 29 2017 4:31:31 PM
Message:

Nice stuff, RP!!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 29 2017 6:15:50 PM
Message:

Thanks Walt and Chops!! Yes, I did complete a great transaction with Brian for all 3 of his NP passenger coaches (they have been posted under SOTW.) Actually, those ultra-cheezy cars/trucks will be posted under AOTW as is, but as their "cheeziness" is provoking me, I do plan on painting them in the future, before adding them to the layout. (well, at least some of them)

Microbusss, that must be intense work!

Reply author: DaCheez
Replied on: October 29 2017 9:10:34 PM
Message:

Those Northern Pacific F7s look great! Tyco never made a NP F7 from what I know, those are almost certainly Mantua engines from the 1970s or 1980s.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 29 2017 9:41:01 PM
Message:

Thanks DaCheez!! So, those were produced under the "Mantua" name...in the late 1970's? Which makes sense because the weight under the powered F9 says just "Mantua" rather than "Mantua Tyco" as usual.

Reply author: DaCheez
Replied on: October 30 2017 08:53:41 AM
Message:

I don't know the whole history off the top of my head, but essentially Mantua sold off the Tyco line of trains to Consolidated Foods in the early 1970s, and then continued to make various items under their own name. The easy spotting differences for the F-units are screwed together MU2 trucks (vs. the riveted trucks from the 1960s) and the rounded ladders which aren't quite flush with the sides of the engine.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: October 30 2017 4:17:32 PM
Message:

Ah. I understand, and you're right, the bottoms of the trucks are screwed in to contain the gears/wheels, as apposed to the earlier riveted design. So, the ones manufactured under the "Mantua" name, were they still manufactured in Hong Kong then like the rest of the Tycos during the "Brown Box" period?, or were the later Mantua products manufactured in the US/or another country??

Reply author: DaCheez
Replied on: October 30 2017 5:12:22 PM
Message:

Unfortunately that's beyond my knowledge. Hopefully someone else has an answer.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: November 09 2017 7:22:11 PM
Message:

Here's the same Silver Streak C430 that I had posted under LOTW this week - now handrailed, and operating on the Ephrata Valley Railroad!! With Goody's Hairband traction tires, this C430 is currently hauling 10 cars (9 hoppers and 1 caboose).




Here's a video: https://vimeo.com/242156351

(by the way, in the video, the C430 is not even on full blast!)

Reply author: DanMacK
Replied on: November 09 2017 7:45:22 PM
Message:

What's interesting is AFAIK, the Silver Streaks never had handrails :D

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: November 09 2017 7:53:27 PM
Message:

Really!?!? Tyco never produced any Silver Streaks with handrails? Interesting, so mine is even more custom then I thought.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: November 09 2017 8:32:07 PM
Message:

Love the vid, real close clearance to the train on the siding. Looks
like you're putting some serious mileage on that consist. I like
to do the same thing: run the stuff until the wheels shine!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: November 09 2017 9:28:01 PM
Message:

XD, yep, I do love trains that can haul some big consists Except, racing trains is never an option.....well maybe....

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: November 12 2017 8:08:30 PM
Message:

YES! I now have set the D&H Sharknose as my profile pic.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: November 19 2017 5:46:05 PM
Message:

I received 2 Union Pacific Tyco F7's the other day in the lot I won last weekend, but the powered UP F7's shell was beat.....so I simply switched out the powered trucks from the powered shell to the dummy shell, and upon lubing it, the locomotive ran like a charm! I also added Goody's hairband traction tires, added an additional horn on the roof, and replaced the powered truck's coupler.





Then, I placed it on the layout and it is now serving to pull all 4 of my piggyback cars, plus the container car and UP caboose that also arrived yesterday. Although I know this engine could haul more, this amount of cars is "prototypical" for my layout.

Enjoy! https://vimeo.com/243561309

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: December 13 2017 4:43:37 PM
Message:

My latest Tyco locomotive additions - Enjoy!
----------------------------------------------------------------



Union Pacific F9 A-B-A set
Here's a video of UP A-A F9's #537 and #538, working together on the Ephrata Valley Railroad: https://vimeo.com/245533088





A brilliant Conrail F9A #4015, product of a trade with DanMacK! Here's a video: https://vimeo.com/246660688






Very excited about this one -- a vintage 1960's Santa Fe "Blue Bonnet" F9 #4015, with screw-in trucks!! I was fortunate to win this one at a great price last weekend, and here it is on the layout -- my second "Blue Bonnet" ATSF schemed Tyco (the other is GP20 #5628.) This locomotive, like others of the "Red Box" Made in the U.S.A. era runs excellently, pulling 7 cars without new traction tires at all.

A video is forthcoming for the "Blue Bonnet" F9, so stay tuned!

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: December 13 2017 7:10:32 PM
Message:

thats the ATSF one I has as a A-B-B-A unit!
One B unit is powered but none have been tested

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: December 13 2017 7:26:04 PM
Message:

WHOA!!! Awesome microbusss!! You have to share it under a future LOTW!!!!

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: December 13 2017 10:15:53 PM
Message:

quote:

WHOA!!! Awesome microbusss!! You have to share it under a future LOTW!!!! Originally posted by RP model railroads - December 13 2017 :  7:26:04 PM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: December 13 2017 10:59:10 PM
Message:

Yeah! But it still would be neat to see the entire set.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: December 14 2017 12:56:47 AM
Message:

Just came into these videos. RP, I really liked some of those
camera angles, my favorite being at track level as the Conrail
train passes under the signal bridge. The camera angles
really make this layout seem bigger than it is- not until
the camera pulled back did I get an idea as to the overall
dimensions. I think it takes considerable effort to make
such focused use of space and have it come out right.
Like Dan Mack, I have a strong interest and appreciation
for small layouts. The Blue Bonnet is a superb addition
to your fine collection of Tyco F's.

Another detail I enjoy, is the crisp, photoreal stills
of Tyco pieces upon vintage brass rail.

I might add there is nothing "small" about your
amazing contributions!!

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: December 14 2017 12:58:27 AM
Message:

quote:

Yeah! But it still would be neat to see the entire set. Originally posted by RP model railroads - December 13 2017 :  10:59:10 PM

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: December 14 2017 10:30:35 AM
Message:

Thank You so much, Chops! Yeah, I do try to capture both pictures and videos in a certain way to make the scene appear much larger than it really is!! Kinda like an optical-illusion.

Yes, I agree, small layouts truly are a treasure, and appreciate your complements of my latest locomotive additions as well as the quality of my content. Once again, thank you for the words of encouragement!

Thank you, all TF members, for your support of RP model railroads!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: February 15 2018 4:49:46 PM
Message:

My latest Tyco Locomotives which have been placed into service on the Ephrata Valley Railroad - enjoy!




Tyco "Red Box Era" Pennsylvania RR F9 A&B set #9769 & #9769-B. I obtained both of these at January's train show, for 8 bucks!



Tyco "Red Box Era" Chesapeake & Ohio F7 A-A set #8015 & #8016



Tyco "Red Box Era" dummy Santa Fe "Blue Bonnet" F9A - the one in the foreground.

Reply author: cadetpwr
Replied on: March 04 2018 08:29:13 AM
Message:

Great pics, I need to get some of mine. So far I have a mint Royal Blue 2-8-0 with the seperate sale box, been lubed and tested back and forth on a piece of flex track only, never even had smoke fluid in it. A near mint Silver Streak. Wanna get handrails for it. I have a second nearly new looking RB 2-8-0 that will become engine driven with can motor and gear box from a Mantua Mallet. Already swapped in the axle gear from that model to the factory Tyco axle set. On an old tymer hunt now. Mike the Aspie

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: March 04 2018 10:05:17 PM
Message:

Thanks, Mike! I can't wait to see photos of your Tyco pieces!

By the way, this list of Tyco locomotives I have is now incomplete - due to certain "new" additions.

Reply author: cadetpwr
Replied on: March 11 2018 10:00:41 AM
Message:

Here is a pic of my near mint Royal Blue 2-8-0, she needs new traction tires right now if I ever decide to run her. I have the seperate sale box and foam in really good shape as well. There was a hand rail kit offered for the C430's, I have seen them before, and might know where one is. My first trains beyond the floor trains we tend to have as really young children was 3 Tyco sets all received for Christmas 1978. I got the Silver Streak from my parents, the Midnight Special from my mom's mother and the big Royal Blue Deluxe set from Sears from my dad's parents. Wish I still had all those sets but they are long gone. But I found that nice RB to put in my display cabinet, along with a nice Sliver Streak. I am planning a wild west layout if I can find a nice near mint Bumble bee 4-8-0 in its original box. I want one that is brand new or barely run. My best friend had one of those and I always wanted one.

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: March 11 2018 2:16:00 PM
Message:

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: March 11 2018 6:09:44 PM
Message:

Really awesome, Mike!! Congratulations on owning such a great steamer!

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: March 24 2018 11:16:34 PM
Message:

Video of my USA Express Alco C430 #4301, the latest addition to the locomotive roster. Enjoy: https://vimeo.com/261669077

Reply author: Alco Fan
Replied on: March 25 2018 08:57:23 AM
Message:

Nice score on the Northern Pacific F9A and B! You seldom see them.

Reply author: microbusss
Replied on: March 25 2018 11:23:51 AM
Message:

no caboose? booooo

Reply author: Chops124
Replied on: March 25 2018 2:25:51 PM
Message:

I hear the D&H caboose is the most rare Tyco caboose. I
got this L&N Pemco unit for cheap, and even with its
PT motor it is so much better than its parent company,
Tyco. But try to find a L&N caboose! I ended up
getting out my paint brush and some gray paint
and mocked up my own.

Reply author: RP model railroads
Replied on: March 26 2018 07:47:42 AM
Message:

Thanks Alco Fan! Yes, I'm still working on restoring that NP pair to full operation!

Microbusss, no, I don't have the plain Tyco caboose to go with the USA Express C430.....I'm thinking a "Spirit of
'76" would match better, with the red-white-and blue pattern.

Chops, yeah, I believe the D&H caboose is one of the hardest to find....and I regret having ignored one on Ebay quite some time ago, that was cheap.......it would match my twin D&H Sharks for sure!

In regards to an L&N caboose, do you mean also made by Pemco?

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