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 Posted - April 30 2009 : 9:43:19 PM
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29 4, 12 5, These are the two sets of numbers that are on the bottom of an Tyco SF Alco and a BN ALco I have. Each loco has 3 numbers that are white on green stickers that are about 1/4 x 1/2 inches. Both locos are from different auctions and different sellers. One is on the bottom of the tank next to Tyco and the other is on the tank but on the front side of the tank.
Is this a factory numbering system for date of production etc? I'll post some pics. Both Alcos are of the same era with the exact same type of PT power so I'd guess they're about the same age and mint.
Alco Fan
Edited by - Alco Fan on May 02 2009 05:51:34 AM
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Posted - May 01 2009 : 9:24:28 PM
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I have never seen this before. It may have just passes me by maybe? I see this a lot dealing with fireworks. It could mean the same thing being both products are made in China. A numbering system like this is usually done by the individual who assembled the unit at the factory. In a lot of factories in China the workers get paid by the number of units they produce and each worker is assighned a number. Im sure this is an employee number of some sorts. It could be a workers number or a inspectors number (I doubt it though because quality control with TYCO was not in existance).
A lone amature built the ark! A large group of professionals built the titanic!
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Posted - May 01 2009 : 9:41:42 PM
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You could be on to something. I originally thought it was a collectors number system. It might have something to do with who made it.
Always get your Tycos from inspector #8 ? Are you listening Mr. Monk?
Also I think the earlier Power Torques were more stout compared to the later PTs. These numbers are on Alcos from the early '70s.
Alco Fan
Edited by - Alco Fan on May 01 2009 9:46:08 PM
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Posted - May 01 2009 : 11:01:02 PM
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I have several locos with these numbers, but have never seen them on the body or tanks. Always on the motor or pickup truck, with the exception of PT steam locos that have them under the cab. And of at least half a dozen examples, no numbers are ever the same. Also have them on Red and black stickers as well.
I would almost think it is a short-lived QC effort as there is really no other discernible rhyme or reason. BUT outsourced mass-production HK/Chinese slave labor (and let's be honest - that's exactly what it is/was) is not the type that would be responsive to such efforts... they screw up, fire and hire the next bum off the street. However, there were some locos still assembled in the USA in the 70's... I have a few Sharks marked as such... the 430 originated here as well... it could be possible these were for USA-made locos, where the workers would have been held more accountable.
I know my stickers were on sharks, 430s, and the 0-8-0s. Don't recall if the other models have them. I might have others with stickers that I just haven't noticed yet (since disassembly was generally required in my case).
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Posted - May 02 2009 : 06:45:05 AM
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There was a sticker like that on the underside of the cab overhang of a Chattanooga 0-8-0 I got for parts. I wondered what that was about myself.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - May 02 2009 : 2:28:04 PM
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quote:I have several locos with these numbers, but have never seen them on the body or tanks. Always on the motor or pickup truck, with the exception of PT steam locos that have them under the cab. And of at least half a dozen examples, no numbers are ever the same. Also have them on Red and black stickers as well.
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I have a pair of GG1's that also have the stickers. And here's something neat that I just noticed. Both my GG1's have identical numbers.
-cheez
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Posted - May 02 2009 : 6:37:36 PM
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Thanks for the replies. This is something new Tyco to talk about even though I posted it in the wrong section. It' also something for us to keep an eye out for in the future. I think I've had these on other locos too now that it was mentioned. It would be interesting to figure out what years this was attempted also.
Alco Fan
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Posted - May 02 2009 : 6:58:02 PM
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quote:Thanks for the replies. This is something new Tyco to talk about even though I posted it in the wrong section. It' also something for us to keep an eye out for in the future. I think I've had these on other locos too now that it was mentioned. It would be interesting to figure out what years this was attempted also.
Cheez, Cool, that you have twin numbered GG1s.
Originally posted by Alco Fan-May 02 2009: 6:37:36 PM
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Alco Fan
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Posted - May 03 2009 : 02:20:55 AM
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hi,
I think they may be mold/mould numbers
They could also be Batch Numbers
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
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Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - May 06 2009 : 6:08:50 PM
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quote:TycoJohnny Posted - May 03 2009 : 5:27:16 PM
They are most likely production date numbers. Example 25 4 would be twenty fifth week of 1974, 29 5 would be Twenty ninth week of 1975 and so on. It was a system that obviously had flaws.
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Hmmm... That would work for the Alcos, but my GG1's are from 79-81, so it wouldn't work in this case.
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Posted - May 19 2009 : 6:30:13 PM
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I did not even notice this on my Chattanooga until today:
I decided to try and make it a match for my heavily weathered RS-2. I'm not overly pleased with the results, but I'm not entirely disappointed either. I think giving it a good rub with some cotton later will help.
Reminds me of a certain line in one of ELO's forgotten songs...
"Wrecked machines that once were champions,
Turn to dust, under the sky."
    
- Matt -
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Posted - May 24 2009 : 8:54:47 PM
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More numbers turning up. This time on minty Chattanooga GP, #27 5, white numbers on red sticker style like others here except for MM 1498's. Keep eyes peeled!
Alco Fan
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Posted - May 24 2009 : 9:14:06 PM
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My Chattanooga is from the first year they were produced, (1974) so maybe mine is one of the earliest to feature this sticker. Who knows?  
- Matt -
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Posted - May 24 2009 : 9:33:33 PM
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| heh that loco shown in those pics MM 1498 would look good in a lost & forgotten line in the woods thats over run by trees & brush
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Posted - May 24 2009 : 10:14:35 PM
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quote:heh that loco shown in those pics MM 1498 would look good in a lost & forgotten line in the woods thats over run by trees & brush
Originally posted by microbusss-May 24 2009: 9:33:33 PM
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That's the plan! 
- Matt -
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Posted - May 24 2009 : 10:24:41 PM
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MM1498,
You may have something there too if you look at NP759 post.
Alco Fan
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Posted - June 30 2009 : 12:35:16 AM
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Here are a few more I found on some of my engines:
This one's a little different. Only two digits.
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Posted - June 30 2009 : 07:37:36 AM
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Those are the same style as the ones I've found. Thanks for responding.
Alco Fan
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