I've seen them on eBay a few times and since I will be modelling southern Ontario in the 1980's, it would be nice to have a VIA LRC locomotive. Now, I'm well aware of how poor the detailing is on them and that they need work to even function as a dummy on a layout. However, what I need to know is did Del Prado manage to get the dimensions correct on it? Simply put, details on a locomotive can be corrected but I might as well try to scratchbuild one if the dimensions are significantly off. Also, what's the quality of the plastic used in Del Prado's shells like? The last thing I want to find out if I buy one is that its so brittle that it cracks by just touching it with a drill bit. Anyways, I'd appreciate any input anyone might have on them; especially if anyone has managed to motorize one.
I picked up a Del Prado FP45 a few years ago just to see what they were all about, and my impression was that they were very nice models (especially for the price). The shell was just as good as anything you'd find from a regular N scale manufacturer and the paint job was executed very well. I'm pretty sure their FP45 is a copy of the old Lima shell. No idea about the P42. -Mark
I bought one just to park in a dead line, then realized it might just work with the hacked up Bachmann Acela coaches I'm working on as LRC coach stand ins. The shape looks right and it shouldn't be any more difficult to detail than any other locomotive shell. To answer your styrene question, you shouldn't have any trouble cutting, sanding or drilling it. As for motorising it....there's just no room.....unless you have the skill to machine a chassis to fit under the shell. I have thoughts of using one of the powered Bachmann coaches to push the thing, if I can get it to roll freely. If not, I'll go back to the original parked in a siding idea.
I've heard that with some work to the shell, it may be possible to use something like a Tomix TM-06 chassis to motorize it. I was hoping to confirm that. On that note, how are the trucks on it? Is it possible to remove them from the underbody and are the sideframes worth salvaging?
The trucks are attached to the die cast floor with machine screws. The side frames are very basic and probably not worth saving. I hadn't thought of the tomix route. It would be a lot cheaper than the $160 for the powered coaches I've seen.
Of course, it would still be alright to use one as a dummy unit since it wasn't unheard of for VIA to pair them with a steam generator equipped locomotive during the 1980's when pulling steam heated cars. Whether that happened on any regular basis with the F40PH's post HEP/HEP2 is something I'm not sure of.
