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 Posted - August 26 2010 : 10:55:21 AM
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Hey guys:
Can anyone tell me if they have a Model Power FA Alco in their collection and what it runs like? I'm interested in a later version with the large flywheel?
Thanks,
Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
Edited by - romcat on August 26 2010 12:12:38 PM
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 Posted - August 26 2010 : 4:24:52 PM
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They run very well, Gareth. The can is the biggest honking motor you'll find in HO, and the gearing has greater reduction than the older units. They do have traction tires (2, IIRC).
Wait a minute... I thought you were looking for a Berkshire! 
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - August 26 2010 : 4:35:55 PM
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Now, now Admiral Nelson lets not get excited!
I'm looking at both. A rather serious modeler I know did a uniquily Canadian Alco/MLW FPA-4 from a MP FA-2, maybe it was a one. It's gorgeous but not cheap. I was contemplating buying it, it's actually an AB combo but I don't think of MP Loco's as being particularly "nice" model units. But the thing is I'd want to run it and so I figured I'd find out what performance I could expect from it. It sounds like it could be made to run well.
The Berk is well it's a Berk as you know! 
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
Edited by - romcat on August 26 2010 5:03:57 PM
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Posted - August 26 2010 : 4:49:31 PM
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Sounds like Christmas is coming early this year!
(It did for me too, but don't tell anyone.) 
Edit: Wow, that is some incredible work!
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Edited by - NickelPlate759 on August 26 2010 5:13:30 PM
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Posted - August 26 2010 : 5:48:47 PM
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Thats what I was thinking!
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
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Posted - August 27 2010 : 11:35:06 AM
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The Model is an FPA-4 (Canada only unit-4ft longer than standard FA) at least on this the finished side of an extensive Kitbash. It began life as a MP Alco FA unit. I know the guy who did the work. More accurately I know him by reputation. He is well known in the Canadian Modeling community and published in Model magazines here but also "Model Railroader".
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
Edited by - romcat on August 27 2010 2:31:25 PM
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Posted - August 27 2010 : 3:43:44 PM
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cool & that's why I likes the Canadian & AU releases  Seen some neat stuff on here & I likes that VIA *drools*
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Posted - August 31 2010 : 11:41:14 AM
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| Hey Romcat, I have one of the earlier MP FA-1/2s. It doesn't have the flywheel, but still runs quite well. Has a huge, round can motor and all-wheel drive and pick-up. There is plenty of room under the shell should you wish to replace the original motor, add flywheels, or add extra ballast. And NO traction tires on mine! The thing pulls like an oxe. You should get even more pulling power by adding extra ballast.
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